THINGS TO DO & ACTIVITIES IN PUNTA DEL ESTE
Discover Uruguay Beyond the Ordinary
Discover the spirit of Uruguay through curated experiences designed to immerse you in the landscapes, traditions, and culture of José Ignacio and Punta del Este. From horseback rides along remote lagoons to private winery tastings, every activity celebrates the beauty and authenticity of the region.
Curated Experiences & Activities
HORSEBACK
RIDING
EXPERIENCES
Horseback Ride: Countryside & Lagoon
Horseback Ride to the Beach
Sunset Ride & Dinner Under the Stars
Ride along the shores of the lagoon and through native forests and prairies, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as Ñandúes, deer, armadillos, and capybaras. A peaceful, scenic introduction to Uruguay’s rural beauty.
Cross private estancias, pine forests, and sand dunes before arriving at the Atlantic Ocean for an unforgettable shoreline ride. Option to add a countryside picnic overlooking lagoon and ocean.
An evening ride finishing with a traditional Uruguayan asado around firepits. Expect glowing skies, reflections on the lagoon, and storytelling around the grill. Full-moon rides are also available.
Horse Sanctuary Ride at Tierra Garzón
Ride through rolling hills and sculpture-lined paths at Pablo Atchugarry’s nature sanctuary, home to elder horses and diverse wildlife. A serene blend of art and countryside.
BIKING &
ACTIVE
ADVENTURES
Rural José Ignacio Bike Ride
Bike Ride from Punta del Este to José Ignacio
Bike + Kayak Anastasio Lagoon
Cycle from town to local lagoons, countryside roads, and hidden trails known only to locals, with wildlife sightings throughout.
A coastal-to-campo journey starting at Casapueblo and ending in José Ignacio, complete with a picnic along the way.
A dual-adventure exploring José Ignacio by bike before paddling across the Anastasio lagoon, a bird-lover’s paradise. Includes a countryside picnic.
Bike + Kayak La Barra
Garzón Bike Ride (“Uruguayan Tuscany”)
La Barra + MACA & Atchugarry Foundation Ride
Ride from Punta del Este to La Barra and paddle across the river mouth beneath the iconic undulating bridge, finishing with a picnic.
Cycle through the quiet roads of Garzón, visit the chapel and old train station, and optionally pair with a tasting or cooking experience at Bodega Garzón or Francis Mallmann’s El Garzón.
Bike from the famous wavy bridge to the sculpture park, exploring contemporary art and nature together.
Bike Ride to the Vineyards of Pueblo Eden
E-Bike: Bikes & Bites Food Tour
Begin with a wine tasting at Altos de la Ballena, cycle to Pueblo Eden, and optionally enjoy lunch overlooking the vineyards at Viña Eden.
Taste local street foods and regional flavors as you cycle along coastlines and charming village roads, ideal for culinary-minded travelers.
HIKING
ACTIVITIES
Hike Between Pueblo Eden & Viña Eden
Hike / Bike + Boat at Rocha Lagoon
Hike the Rolling Hills of Garzón
Walk peaceful countryside trails, cross streams and rolling prairies, and finish with a wine tasting.
A guided hike through the protected trails of Laguna de Rocha, followed by a simple local lunch and a relaxing boat ride led by a regional expert.
Enjoy a scenic, moderate hike through vineyards and countryside before a tasting at La Tertulia Estate. Optional add-on: a guided introduction to native medicinal plants.
Turtle & Capybara Hike at Santa Teresa National Park
Hike the Sand Dunes of Cabo Polonio
Hike & Boat: Lagoon Loop
Visit Karumbé turtle conservation center, walk coastal trails, and see local capybaras within the historic Santa Teresa fortress grounds. (Best chance of seeing turtles: November–March.)
A barefoot trek across dramatic dunes into the remote village of Cabo Polonio with its huge sea lion colony, ending with a seaside lunch and a 4×4 return.
A soft-adventure combining wetlands exploration, a fisherman-guided boat ride, and a countryside picnic at Anastasio Lagoon.
WATER
ACTIVITIES
IN PUNTA DEL ESTE
Kayak or Paddleboard: Garzón Lagoon or La Barra Stream
Kitesurfing
SUP Yoga at Tierra Garzón
A gentle paddle through landscapes once navigated by indigenous Guaraní communities, perfect for beginners.
The winds of José Ignacio create prime kitesurfing conditions with calm lagoons and rolling waves, ideal for both beginners and enthusiasts.
Practice yoga on calm waters surrounded by sculpture, rolling hills, and native forest in this art-meets-nature sanctuary.
NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE
Just beyond Locanda, each surrounding neighborhood offers its own distinct rhythm. La Barra is known for its vibrant blend of art, surf, dining, and youthful coastal energy, while José Ignacio embodies laid-back luxury with quiet countryside roads and an unmistakably artistic spirit. To the south, the Punta del Este Peninsula brings together marina views, boutique shopping, and cultural landmarks, contrasting with the wide, sun-drenched sands of Playa Mansa and Playa Brava, where beach clubs and sweeping shorelines create some of the region’s most iconic coastal scenes.