Faro de Punta Carretas
Historic brick lighthouse on a peninsula, offering stunning bay views and a glimpse into Uruguay's maritime past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful scenery & sunrise
Faro de Punta Carretas
Best Time
Peaceful scenery & sunrise
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic brick lighthouse on a peninsula, offering stunning bay views and a glimpse into Uruguay's maritime past.
"A charming coastal landmark that combines history, beauty, and stunning views."
🧥 Dress for the Wind
It's often very windy at the top; wear warm layers for a comfortable visit.
🚶♀️ Pleasant Morning Walk
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the road and grass to reach the lighthouse.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Punta Carretas Lighthouse
End of the Punta Carretas peninsula
Historic brick lighthouse offering panoramic views of the Río de la Plata and the city.
Bay Views
Surrounding the lighthouse
Stunning vistas of the bay, especially captivating during sunrise and sunset.
Parrot Sightings
Near the lighthouse
Keep an eye out for flocks of parrots in the vicinity, a delightful natural surprise.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Exploring the Peninsula
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Dress for the Wind
It's often very windy at the top; wear warm layers for a comfortable visit.
🚶♀️ Pleasant Morning Walk
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the road and grass to reach the lighthouse.
Uruguay for 7 Days
📸 Perfect for Photography
Ideal spot for capturing coastal landscapes and maritime heritage.
💰 Affordable Entry
The entrance fee is a small 35 Uruguayan pesos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Dress for the Wind
It's often very windy at the top; wear warm layers for a comfortable visit.
🚶♀️ Pleasant Morning Walk
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the road and grass to reach the lighthouse.
📸 Perfect for Photography
Ideal spot for capturing coastal landscapes and maritime heritage.
💰 Affordable Entry
The entrance fee is a small 35 Uruguayan pesos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Punta Carretas Lighthouse charming and historically significant, offering beautiful bay views, especially at sunrise and sunset. While some note the surrounding area has industrial elements, the lighthouse itself and the coastal scenery are highly praised. The low cost and peaceful atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop.
"A functioning, small lighthouse. The place is too small to get here specially, but if you are walking somewhere nearby, it is worth stopping by to see the views of the bay from the lighthouse. The only downside is that it is often very windy at the top, it is better to be warmly dressed. Also, there are nice and friendly people working here who are ready to tell stories about this place. Not far from the lighthouse, we saw a whole flock of parrots. It costs 35 ur. pesos."
Tatiana Kalinina
"I reached this location around 6:00 am, took a photo of the lighthouse and continued to walk. I found a restaurant nearby but it was not open for breakfast. Waited for the sunrise to appear, very peaceful morning scenery.
Vhuntermassage LLC"
Veronica Hunter
"It made for a pleasant morning walk to wander out to the lighthouse at the end of this tiny peninsula. Not really any walkway per-se as we walked along the road and on the grass by the sides."
Graham Tranter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The lighthouse is located at the end of the Punta Carretas peninsula. You can reach it by walking along the road and grassy areas from the main part of Punta Carretas. It's a pleasant walk, especially in the morning.
While there isn't direct public transport to the lighthouse itself, you can take buses to the Punta Carretas neighborhood and then enjoy a walk to the peninsula.
You can drive to the vicinity of the peninsula, but the final approach to the lighthouse is best done on foot. Parking might be available nearby.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is very affordable, costing only 35 Uruguayan pesos.
The lighthouse area is generally accessible for walks, but specific opening hours for climbing to the top might vary. Early mornings are recommended for peaceful visits.
No advance booking is typically required for visiting the lighthouse. You can pay the small entrance fee upon arrival.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can enjoy the panoramic views of the bay, take photos, and learn about the lighthouse's history. It's also a great spot for a peaceful walk and birdwatching.
Yes, it is often very windy at the top of the peninsula. It's advisable to dress warmly and wear windproof clothing.
While there might not be direct amenities at the lighthouse itself, the surrounding Punta Carretas area has cafes and restaurants.
The walk to the lighthouse is along roads and grass. Climbing to the top might involve stairs, so accessibility for those with mobility issues should be considered.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, with beautiful colors over the Río de la Plata. Early mornings are also great for fewer crowds.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the lighthouse against the bay, close-ups of its historic brickwork, and panoramic views of the coastline and city skyline.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the lighthouse itself is small, the open space around it allows children to move freely. Encourage them to look for interesting shells or rocks along the shore. Remember to dress them in warm layers, as the wind can be quite strong. The modest entrance fee makes it an affordable addition to a family's itinerary.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a walk from the nearby Punta Carretas neighborhood, which can be reached by public transport. Pack your own snacks and drinks to enjoy with the scenic views, as dining options directly at the lighthouse are limited. This makes for a cost-effective and rewarding experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Maritime History
Visiting the lighthouse offers a tangible connection to this history. While the structure is functional, its charm lies in its age and its enduring purpose. The surrounding area, though sometimes described as having industrial elements, also provides a unique perspective on Montevideo's coastal development. It's a place where history meets the present, offering a quiet moment of reflection on the enduring role of lighthouses in seafaring.
Capturing the Coastal Beauty
Beyond the lighthouse itself, the natural surroundings offer additional photographic opportunities. Keep an eye out for the local parrot population that often frequents the area, providing a splash of vibrant color against the coastal landscape. The rocky shoreline and the interplay of light on the water add further depth and texture to your photographs. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive scenery and a telephoto lens if you hope to photograph the parrots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit