A calm, two-hour private walk through Punta del Este’s old peninsula—visit the blue Candelaria Church, admire the 1860 lighthouse, and stand at the peninsula’s tip where Atlantic currents meet the Río de la Plata. Ideal for travelers who like history paired with seaside views.
A calm, two-hour private walk through Punta del Este’s old peninsula—visit the blue Candelaria Church, admire the 1860 lighthouse, and stand at the peninsula’s tip where Atlantic currents meet the Río de la Plata. Ideal for travelers who like history paired with seaside views.
You meet your guide in front of Atlántico Boutique Hotel as the ocean wind tugs at your jacket and gulls wheel above the lighthouse. The peninsular streets are compact—stone, salt, and stories—and the tour moves at a conversational pace, stopping where the city’s past still shows its edges.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by New York City Tours · Punta del Este, Departamento de Maldonado
You meet your guide in front of Atlántico Boutique Hotel as the ocean wind tugs at your jacket and gulls wheel above the lighthouse. The peninsular streets are compact—stone, salt, and stories—and the tour moves at a conversational pace, stopping where the city’s past still shows its edges.
The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria anchors the route: a mid-20th-century house of worship whose blue-painted exterior and quiet nave reflect Punta del Este’s maritime faith. A few blocks away stands the 1860 Faro de Punta del Este, its brick face keeping watch where the Río de la Plata collides with the Atlantic; the coastline’s hard bedrock gives way to broad beaches only steps from narrow colonial lanes. Great Britain Square offers a glimpse of European influence on an old fishing settlement that, over the 20th century, became Uruguay’s premier seaside resort.
Local color comes small: fishermen mending nets at the puerto, a café that’s been family-run for decades, and plaques marking shipwreck stories that helped shape the town’s identity. Your licensed guide threads history, geology, and neighborhood anecdotes into a two-hour walk tuned to your interests.
Practical notes: the tour covers roughly 1 km on mixed, sometimes uneven surfaces and includes steps; it runs rain or shine. Church entry may be restricted during services, and the guide will adjust the pace for accessibility needs. Bring closed-toe walking shoes, a light wind layer, sun protection, and a small daypack for water and camera. Short, focused, and full of seaside detail, this private walk is a compact introduction to Punta del Este’s old peninsula.
moderate.
2 hours.
Suitable for most people who can walk short distances and manage a few steps; the pace is adjustable.
The private tour lasts about two hours and covers approximately 1 km over mixed paved and stone surfaces with some steps.
Yes, free entry to the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria is included when services or special events allow interior access; otherwise commentary is provided from outside.
The meeting point and many areas are wheelchair accessible, but some streets and steps on the route may limit full access—advise the operator in advance for accommodations.
Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes and layered clothing for wind; bring sun protection, water, and a camera for coastal views.
Punta del Este grew from a 19th-century fishing outpost into an international resort in the early 20th century; the 1860 lighthouse marks its maritime importance.
The peninsula’s dunes and shoreline are sensitive to erosion and human impact—stay on paths, avoid disturbing nesting birds, and support local businesses that follow sustainable practices.
New York City Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You meet your guide in front of Atlántico Boutique Hotel as the ocean wind tugs at your jacket and gulls wheel above the lighthouse. The peninsular streets are compact—stone, salt, and stories—and the tour moves at a conversational pace, stopping where the city’s past still shows its edges.
You meet your guide in front of Atlántico Boutique Hotel as the ocean wind tugs at your jacket and gulls wheel above the lighthouse. The peninsular streets are compact—stone, salt, and stories—and the tour moves at a conversational pace, stopping where the city’s past still shows its edges.
The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria anchors the route: a mid-20th-century house of worship whose blue-painted exterior and quiet nave reflect Punta del Este’s maritime faith. A few blocks away stands the 1860 Faro de Punta del Este, its brick face keeping watch where the Río de la Plata collides with the Atlantic; the coastline’s hard bedrock gives way to broad beaches only steps from narrow colonial lanes. Great Britain Square offers a glimpse of European influence on an old fishing settlement that, over the 20th century, became Uruguay’s premier seaside resort.
Local color comes small: fishermen mending nets at the puerto, a café that’s been family-run for decades, and plaques marking shipwreck stories that helped shape the town’s identity. Your licensed guide threads history, geology, and neighborhood anecdotes into a two-hour walk tuned to your interests.
Practical notes: the tour covers roughly 1 km on mixed, sometimes uneven surfaces and includes steps; it runs rain or shine. Church entry may be restricted during services, and the guide will adjust the pace for accessibility needs. Bring closed-toe walking shoes, a light wind layer, sun protection, and a small daypack for water and camera. Short, focused, and full of seaside detail, this private walk is a compact introduction to Punta del Este’s old peninsula.