Candelaria Church and Punta del Este Old Town Private Tour

Punta del Este , Uruguay

Candelaria Church and Punta del Este Old Town Private Tour

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About this experience

Step inside a beloved seaside church, admire the 1860 lighthouse, and stand at Uruguay’s southernmost point. Discover Punta del Este’s charm through quiet streets and stories of its past, all at your own pace on this private walking tour.

Highlights:
• Discover the best of Punta del Este with a Licensed Private Guide
• Step inside the iconic blue church and admire its elegant interior design
• See the historic lighthouse and hear tales of shipwrecks and maritime adventures
• Stroll through a charming square and uncover Punta del Este’s colonial past
• Feel the ocean breeze at Uruguay’s southernmost point with stunning sea views

This charming walking tour by Rosotravel uncovers the beauty of Punta del Este’s old peninsula, where the sea meets historic streets and quiet stories linger in the air. With a Licensed Private Guide and entry to a beloved local church, it’s a relaxed way to explore the city’s highlights at your own pace.

Available options

Candelaria Church and Punta del Este Old Town Private Tour

What's included

Free entry to the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria

5-Star Licensed Guide fluent in your chosen language

Insider stories about the lighthouse, old town, and coastline

Historical commentary on Punta del Este’s maritime heritage

Private Tour of Punta del Este Old Town and Candelaria Church

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide In front of Atlántico Boutique Hotel, 2 de Febrero, 20100 Punta del Este, Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay. Please do not enter the hotel, it is only a meeting point and the staff is not informed about the tour.

Private tour of Punta del Este’s historic district to enjoy a relaxed and engaging experience, guided only by your interests. Your journey begins at the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. Built in the mid-20th century, this church is a symbol of the city’s maritime traditions and deep-rooted local faith. Step inside to admire its simple beauty and peaceful atmosphere, with your guide sharing the story behind its name and importance.

From here, follow your Licensed Private Guide through quiet streets to the nearby Faro de Punta del Este. Built in 1860, this lighthouse has long helped ships navigate the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Río de la Plata. Though not open to the public, its striking exterior and coastal setting offer a perfect spot to pause and take in the views. Your guide will explain how it became a key landmark for both sailors and locals.

Next, stroll toward Great Britain Square, a charming open space surrounded by elegant homes and old-world architecture. This part of town reflects Punta del Este’s European influences and offers a glimpse into its transformation from a fishing village to an international resort town. Your guide will share stories of change, culture, and community that bring the square to life.

The final stop is Punta de las Salinas, the southernmost tip of the peninsula. It’s a peaceful place where the land ends and water stretches far into the horizon. It’s here that you’ll feel the quiet power of the sea and the special rhythm of life in Punta del Este.

With no crowds or fixed schedules, a private tour lets you see and learn more. Your Licensed Guide adjusts the pace to match your curiosity, giving you space to enjoy every moment. It’s a thoughtful way to connect with the spirit of Punta del Este—calm, personal, and full of quiet charm.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Entry to Faro de Punta del Este

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please check your email the day before the tour for important details from Rosotravel, your tour operator.

This is a moderate 1 km walking tour, including some uneven surfaces or steps. The guide will adapt the pace to your group. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather – the tour runs rain or shine!

For a personalized experience, we keep our private groups small (1-25 guests per guide). We will provide additional guides for larger groups.

Church entry during masses and special events is restrcted. To avoid disturbing the services, the guide may provide the commentary from the outside.

Have a special request or need assistance for individuals with disabilities? Let us know in advance!

Meeting point

Important notes

Information for the customer (Know before you go)

• Please check your email the day before the tour for important details from Rosotravel, your tour operator.
• This is a moderate 1 km walking tour, including some uneven surfaces or steps. The guide will adapt the pace to your group. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather – the tour runs rain or shine!
• For a personalized experience, we keep our private groups small (1-25 guests per guide). We will provide additional guides for larger groups.
• Church entry during masses and special events is restrcted. To avoid disturbing the services, the guide may provide the commentary from the outside.
• Have a special request or need assistance for individuals with disabilities? Let us know in advance!

About Punta del Este

Punta del Este is a vibrant beach resort town known for its stunning beaches, luxury accommodations, and vibrant nightlife. It's a popular destination for both Uruguayans and international tourists, offering a mix of relaxation and excitement.

Top Attractions

Playa Brava

A popular beach known for its strong waves and vibrant atmosphere. It's a great spot for surfing and watching the sunset.

Beach Half-day Free

Playa Mansa

A family-friendly beach with calm waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing.

Beach Half-day Free

Rafael Varona Museum

A museum dedicated to the works of Uruguayan artist Rafael Varona. It features a collection of his paintings and sculptures.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate (approximately 150 UYU or 4 USD)

Gorriti Island

A small island known for its natural beauty and wildlife. It's a great spot for birdwatching and nature walks.

Nature Half-day Approximately 500 UYU (13 USD) for the boat ride

La Mano Beach Sculpture

A famous beach sculpture depicting a giant hand emerging from the sand. It's a popular spot for photos.

Architecture 15-30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Chivito

A traditional Uruguayan sandwich with beef, ham, cheese, and vegetables

Dinner Contains meat and dairy

Asado

A Uruguayan barbecue featuring various cuts of grilled meat

Dinner Contains meat

Milanesa

A breaded and fried meat cutlet, similar to schnitzel

Lunch Contains meat

Popular Activities

Surfing Hiking Horseback riding Beach relaxation Spa treatments Yoga Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

December to February

This is the summer season, with warm temperatures and long days. It's the busiest time of year with many festivals and events.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English, Portuguese
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Uruguayan Peso (UYU)

Time Zone

UTC-3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Punta del Este is generally safe, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.