The peninsula, Playa Brava and a boat trip to Isla Gorriti, then a day through Punta Ballena, La Barra and José Ignacio.
2 days, 13 stopsBalanced paceDec to MarApproved by TravPa Editors, Nov 7, 2026
Trip at a glance
Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.
Day 1: The peninsula, La Mano and Isla Gorriti
La Mano on Playa Brava, lunch on Avenida Gorlero, a day trip by boat to Isla Gorriti and dinner at the port.
1
9:30 AMFaro de Punta del EsteBegin in the historic Zona del Faro, on Calle 10. Confirm the lighthouse hours before you plan to climb it.About 45 min here
Check hours
Walk about 22 min
2
10:30 AMOptionalLa ManoPhotograph Mario Irarrázabal's hand rising from the sand at the Paseo de Las Américas, on Playa Brava.About 1 hour 30 min here
Free to visit
Walk about 7 min
3
12:00 PMAvenida GorleroLunch on the main dining avenue. The Plaza Artigas craft fair stands between calles 23 and 25.About 1 hour 30 min here
Pay as you go
Walk to the port, about 8 min
4
1:45 PMIsla GorritiBoats leave the port for the island, 15 min each way, weather permitting. Allow about 3 hours on the island.About 3 hours here
Boat from the port
Boat back to the port, then walk to Playa Mansa, about 30 min
5
5:15 PMOptionalPlaya MansaWalk the calm river-side beach, the one that faces Isla Gorriti, as the afternoon cools.About 1 hour here
Free to visit
Walk about 25 min
6
6:45 PMPunta del Este PortDinner along the rambla toward the port, where sea lions gather at the harbor.
Pay as you go
Before you go
Arrange a car for day 2Punta Ballena, La Barra and José Ignacio lie 10 to 25 km from the peninsula. Rent a car, hire a driver or join a tour.
Check the boat and weatherBoats to Isla Gorriti leave from the port, and trips depend on the weather. Ask about departures a day ahead.
Arrive early for the sunsetCasapueblo holds its Ceremonia al sol at sunset each day; its museum advises arriving at least 40 min early.
Confirm lighthouse hoursThe navy lighting service sets the visiting hours for the Punta del Este and José Ignacio lighthouses. Check them on the day.
Look for whalesSouthern right whales visit the Maldonado coast between August and November, from land or on a licensed boat.
Where to stay for this plan
Stay on the peninsula near Avenida Gorlero, within walking distance of the port, the beaches and the restaurants.
Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.
Plan last checked Nov 7, 2026. Check individual fee sources before you go. TravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.
