Jose Ignacio is a hippie chic resort near Punta del Este, which mixes elements from the countryside and the beach.
It is a destination with charming hotels, excellent options for restaurants and bars.
Top Things to do in Jose Ignacio
1. Enjoy the Beaches
Jose Ignacio has two very different beaches, Playa Mansa and Playa Brava. The Playa Mansa is great to enjoy and the Playa Brava has good waves for those who like to surf.
Each beach has its “Paradores“, where you can eat, have a snack, or simply enjoy a drink.
2. Have Lunch at the Parador la Huella
Parador la Huella is the hottest place to eat in Jose Ignacio.
The beachfront restaurant offers delicious cuisine and a pleasant atmosphere.
Calle de Los Cisnes, 20402 José Ignacio, Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay
Site: paradorlahuella.com
3. Enjoy the view from the Lighthouse of Jose Ignacio
Top Things to do in Jose Ignacio – Photo Credit: Ernesto Velázquez
Get a bird’s eye view of the peninsula from the Lighthouse of Jose Ignacio, the most iconic point of the resort, built-in 1877.
The price to go up is 30 Uruguayan pesos (approximately USD 0.69).
4. Taste Uruguayan Wine from Different Producers
Uruguay is known for its wines, being the 27th largest wine producer in the world.
Solera Almacén de Vinos y Tapas is a restaurant specializing in tapas and offers an excellent selection of wines.
And The Wine Experience offers Uruguayan wine tasting from different producers, snacks, and an incredible sunset at Playa Vik’s infinity pool.
Information: Like almost everything on the coast of Uruguay, many establishments are only open during the summer.
5. Relax at the Hotel
Jose Ignacio has excellent hotel options, and it is worth relaxing and enjoying the hotel structure during your stay.
Best Hotels in Jose Ignacio
1. Anastasio Beach Resort
Anastasio Beach Resort is a hotel with an outdoor pool, a spa center, and a hot tub, located 600 meters (0.4 miles) from Playa Brava.
The rooms are cozy and have a flat-screen TV, coffee machine, and terrace.
Village del Faro, Sienita (calle 3) entre Amatista y la playa, Barrio, 20402 José Ignacio, Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay
2. La Viuda de José Ignacio
La Viuda de José Ignacio is a modern hotel located just 200 meters (0.12 miles) from the beach.
The rooms have a flat-screen TV, coffee machine, minibar, spa bath, and balcony. Some rooms have a sea view.
The hotel has an outdoor pool and a spa.
Ruta 10 Km 186, Av del Sol Naciente, 20402 José Ignacio, Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay
Site: www.hotelesdelaviuda.com.uy
3. Bahia Vik
Located a short distance from the beach, Bahia Vik offers an outdoor pool and a spa.
The hotel has different rooms and beachfront bungalow options with art-filled interiors and a unique design scheme.
Route 10, 20402 José Ignacio, Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay
Site: www.bahiavik.com
4. Posada Azul Marino
The Posada Azul Marino is located where the field, the sand, and the sea merge uniquely.
Rooms have spacious private decks with partial views of the sea and Jose Ignacio Lighthouse.
The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and a bar.
Calle La Farola Ruta 10, Km 185 José Ignacio, 20402 Jose Ignacio, Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay
Site: www.azulmarino.com.uy
5. Estancia VIK Jose Ignacio
Located 5 minutes from the city center, Estancia VIK Jose Ignacio features a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a wine cellar.
The rooms have a coffee machine, minibar, and terrace overlooking the garden.
Camino Eugenio Saiz Martinez, 20402 Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay
Site: www.estanciavik.com
6. Casa Suaya
Casa Suaya is an elegant and modern hotel that offers direct access to the beach.
Rooms have a flat-screen TV, coffee maker, and minibar.
The hotel has 3 swimming pools and a spa.
Ruta 10 Km 185.5, 20402 Jose Ignacio, Uruguay
Site: www.casasuaya.com
7. Posada Arenas de José Ignacio
Located near the beach, Posada Arenas de Jose Ignacio is a charming hotel with excellent value for money.
Rooms have a minibar and a seating area.
The hotel has a swimming pool and a spa.
Calle La Farola Km. 185 Ruta 10, 20402 José Ignacio, Uruguay
Site: www.posadarenasdejoseignacio.com.uy
How to Get to Jose Ignacio
Jose Ignacio is located 49.8 km (30.9 miles) from Capitan Corbeta CA Curbelo International Airport (PDP) and 143 km (88.7 miles) from Carrasco International Airport (MVD).
From Montevideo there are daily buses that depart for Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio. Timetables can be checked on the Terminal Tres Cruces website.
If you prefer, it is also possible to hire a transfer service or rent a car.
Search Flights to Montevideo or to Punta del Este
Jose Ignacio Map
Featured Photo Credit: Ernesto Velázquez
Book Your Trip
Book Your Accommodation
Book your hotel with Booking.com as they consistently provide the cheapest and lowest rates.
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Momondo. Momondo is a flight search engine that searches many different airlines, including budget carriers.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It’s a protection in case anything goes wrong. You can book your travel insurance with Travelexinsurance.com.
See also
1-day Itinerary in Punta del Este
Montevideo Uruguay: Top Things to do, Best Hotels & Map
10 Best Wineries to Visit in Uruguay
11 Best Wineries in Mendoza & Best Hotels in Wine Country
10 Best Hotels in Mendoza City Center
6 Best Tours in Mendoza and Surroundings
