A half-day essential: drive to José Ignacio for the lighthouse, a walk along the beach, lunch at La Huella or Mostrador, and the feeling of the most fashionable village in Latin America at its most effortlessly chic.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
José Ignacio is worth a half-day even if you're not staying there — the drive east along Ruta 10 through La Barra and Manantiales, arriving at the lighthouse-tipped village surrounded by ocean on three sides, is an enjoyable road trips in Uruguay. The lighthouse (Faro de José Ignacio) can be climbed for views; the Playa Brava side has powerful surf; the Playa Mansa side has calm water and La Susana. Walk the village in the afternoon — a handful of streets, beach boutiques, galleries, and some of the best restaurants in South America within 200 meters of each other. The James Turrell Skyspace at Posada Ayana is accessible to non-guests by prior arrangement.
What Stands Out
- Most fashionable village in Latin America
- Faro (lighthouse) — climb for coastal views
- Playa Brava (surf) and Playa Mansa (calm)
- Walk to La Huella and La Susana
- James Turrell Skyspace at Posada Ayana
- ~30km east of the Peninsula
- Scenic drive along Ruta 10
- Plan at least a half-day visit