Before you go

Your trip to Piriápolis.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Piriápolis – Maldonado Destination Punta del Este

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional de Punta del Este Capitán de Corbeta Carlos A. Curbelo (PDP) Maldonado · 20 km
Aeropuerto Internacional de Carrasco (MVD) Ciudad de la Costa · 80 km
Terminal de Ómnibus de Piriápolis 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From Montevideo it is about 98 km via Ruta Interbalnearia and Ruta 37, with direct buses from Terminal Tres Cruces. From Punta del Este and Maldonado it is about 35 km, served by regional buses. Check before buying.

How many days

One day is enough for the rambla, Cerro San Antonio and Castillo de Piria. With two days you'll have time to climb Cerro Pan de Azúcar, visit the fauna reserve and Cerro del Toro.

When to go

Summer, from December to March, is the beach season on the bay with calm water. Spring and autumn are better for climbing the hills. From June to August it is cold and windy. Between July and October southern right whales often pass along the coast of Maldonado.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

In town, the rambla, the port and Cerro San Antonio can be done on foot. For Castillo de Piria, the Estación de Cría de Fauna Autóctona and Cerro Pan de Azúcar to the north, a car is convenient; there are buses along Ruta 37 but they are infrequent.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Piriápolis

Morning
Castillo de Piria and reserve
Start in the north via Ruta 37: visit Castillo de Piria and, right next to it, the Estación de Cría de Fauna Autóctona.
Afternoon
Rambla and Argentino Hotel
Descend to the bay, have lunch near the rambla and walk along the Rambla de los Argentinos, with a stop for coffee at the Argentino Hotel.
Late afternoon
Cerro San Antonio
Head to the port and climb Cerro San Antonio to see the bay from above at sunset.
Evening
Dinner on the rambla
Have dinner at one of the restaurants on the rambla. Dinner in Uruguay starts late, from 9:00 pm.

2 days in Piriápolis

Day 1

Morning
Cerro Pan de Azúcar
Climb Cerro Pan de Azúcar early, starting from the fauna reserve. Bring water and confirm whether the ascent is open.
Afternoon
Reserve and Castillo de Piria
On the way down, explore the trails in the fauna reserve and visit Castillo de Piria.
Late afternoon
Beach in the bay
Return to the beach in front of the rambla, with calm waters.
Evening
Argentino Hotel
See the Argentino Hotel's illuminated façade and have dinner on the rambla.

Day 2

Morning
Cerro del Toro
Climb to the Fuente del Toro and, with some effort, to the summit. On the descent, pass by the Fuente de Venus.
Afternoon
Rambla and port
Walk along the rambla to the port and see the fishing and tour boats.
Late afternoon
Cerro San Antonio
Climb Cerro San Antonio for the bay view at the end of the day.
Evening
Dinner near the port
Finish the outing with fish or seafood near the port or on the rambla.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How far is Piriápolis from Punta del Este?

About 40 km via Ruta Interbalnearia and Ruta 10, passing Punta Ballena. From Maldonado it is about 35 km.

Can you do a day trip from Montevideo to Piriápolis?

Yes. It's about 98 km via Ruta Interbalnearia, with direct buses leaving Terminal Tres Cruces.

What is the difference between Piriápolis and Punta del Este?

Piriápolis is older, has bay beaches with calm waters and a traditional seaside-resort vibe with a rambla and hills. Punta del Este faces the open sea, has more nightlife and is busier in summer.

Do you need a car in Piriápolis?

For the rambla and Cerro San Antonio, no. For Castillo de Piria, the Estación de Cría de Fauna Autóctona and Cerro Pan de Azúcar, a car makes things much easier.

Back to Piriápolis