Punta del Este is a city and beach resort in south eastern Uruguay. It is located east of capital city Montevideo on a peninsula that sticks out into the Atlantic ocean. Initially, warm summers and strong surf attracted wealthy families from capital cities Montevideo and nearby Buenos Aires and they built large beachside chalets for themselves. As Punta del Este became more famous, world-class hotels, shops, casinos, and The Cantegril country club opened. The resort acquired international fame after hosting the 1961 meeting of the Inter-American Economic and Social Council. Punta del Este is also known for the popular “La Mano” (The Hand) sculpture, visited by tourists year round.
The famous "La Mano" sculpture in Punta del Este, Uruguay