Punta del Diablo

Written by David Garcia, Keith Roberts, Maria Gaulto
06/08/2025
A picturesque coastal view of Punta del Diablo, Uruguay with vibrant blue skies and waves.
Diego Gonzalez, Pexels

Punta del Diablo is an inviting coastal village in Uruguay, known for its relaxed and bohemian atmosphere. It offers expansive sandy beaches perfect for surfing, sunbathing, and unwinding, along with opportunities to explore nearby natural landscapes.

For those seeking to connect with other travelers, Punta del Diablo offers various social opportunities. Hostels often host events such as communal dinners, game nights, and organized activities, fostering an environment for meeting new people. Playa del Rivero and Playa de la Viuda are recognized for their beach bars, with the latter being a popular spot for a lively atmosphere and nightlife, especially among younger visitors during the summer.

Top 5 Things to do in Punta del Diablo

Activities primarily revolve around enjoying the expansive beaches, engaging in water sports, and exploring nearby natural reserves.

1. Relaxing and Exploring the Beaches

Punta del Diablo boasts several distinct beaches, each offering a unique experience. Playa de los Pescadores is central, known for fishing boats bringing in the day's catch and an artisanal market nearby. Playa del Rivero is a popular spot for tourists, offering good conditions for swimming and surfing, often with beach bars. For those seeking stronger waves, Playa de la Viuda is ideal for surfing and kitesurfing, while Playa Grande offers a quieter, expansive stretch of sand perfect for long walks and witnessing the sunrise. Spending time on these diverse coastlines is a quintessential Punta del Diablo experience, offering relaxation and vibrant local life.

Cost: Free (for beach access).

Transport: All main beaches are within walking distance from the town center.

2. Surfing and Kiteboarding

Punta del Diablo is renowned as one of Uruguay's premier locations for surfing and kiteboarding, catering to both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. Playa del Rivero is a popular choice for lessons due to its sandy seabed and manageable swell, while more advanced surfers might seek out Playa del Barco or Playa de las Archiras within Santa Teresa National Park. Playa de la Viuda is particularly favored for kitesurfing. Equipment rentals and lessons are readily available from various surf schools and shacks found near the main beaches.

Cost: Surf lessons typically cost around $30-$35 USD per person for group sessions, or more for private tuition (e.g., $35-$200 USD for individual/packages). Board and wetsuit rentals are also available (e.g., surfboard around $30 USD/day, wetsuit around $10 USD/day).

Transport: Surf schools and rental shops are generally located near Playa del Rivero and Playa de la Viuda, within walking distance of the town center. For surf spots further afield, such as those within Santa Teresa National Park, transport may be needed (see 'Explore Santa Teresa National Park').

3. Explore Santa Teresa National Park

Just north of Punta del Diablo, Santa Teresa National Park is a vast natural area featuring lush forests, diverse wildlife, and additional unspoiled beaches. Visitors can explore a network of trails for walking or cycling, discovering the botanical garden, a semi-natural pool known as 'El Chorro,' and wildlife such as capybaras, otters, and peacocks roaming freely. The park also houses the historic Santa Teresa Fortress, a well-preserved military fort from the 18th century, offering a glimpse into the region's past. Beaches within the park, like Playa del Barco and Playa la Moza, are quieter and excellent for surfing.

Cost: Entrance to the national park is free. There is a small fee (around 25 Uruguayan Pesos, based on 2025 data) to enter the Santa Teresa Fortress.

Transport: The park entrance is approximately 8.5 km north of Punta del Diablo. Public buses run on Route 9 towards the park. Alternatively, one can rent an electric bike (around 1000 Uruguayan Pesos for a day, with an extra 300 pesos for a spare battery) , or join a horseback riding tour. Taxis are also available from the bus station in Punta del Diablo. Walking from Playa Grande along the coast to the park is also an option, though it requires a significant walk.

4. Horseback Riding on the Beach and through Forests

Experience the unique landscape of Punta del Diablo and the Santa Teresa nature reserve from horseback. Guided tours offer a tranquil way to explore the expansive beaches, gallop along the shore, and venture through coastal forests. This activity provides a peaceful connection with nature and offers a different perspective of the coastline, often concluding with exhilarating canters on empty stretches of sand.

Cost: A 3-hour ride can cost approximately $40 USD.

Transport: Tours typically depart from operators within or near the town. Transport to the starting point for longer rides into the reserve may be arranged by the tour provider, or it might be within walking distance depending on the operator.

5. Visit the Artisanal Market (Feria de Artesanos)

Located near Playa de los Pescadores, the Feria de Artesanos is a vibrant market where local artisans showcase and sell their handmade crafts. Visitors can browse a variety of souvenirs, unique gifts, and local products, engaging with the creative spirit of the village. This market offers insight into the local culture and is an excellent place to find mementos of the trip.

Cost: Costs vary depending on purchases.

Transport: The market is centrally located near Playa de los Pescadores, easily accessible by walking from most parts of town.

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