Punta del Este (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈpunta ðel ˈeste]) is a seaside city and peninsula on the Atlantic Coast in the Maldonado Department of southeastern Uruguay.

Starting as a small town, Punta del Este grew to become a resort for the Latin and North American jet set and tourists.

The city hosted the 2014 Formula E Championship and the Gran Premio de Punta del Este receiving national, South American and international competitions.

[7] In addition to international film festivals, gastronomy and first-class hotels, the region has protected natural reserves such as Isla de Lobos, Gorriti Island, La Barra, or the Arboretum Lussich.

Popular landmarks in the area include the La Mano giant sculpture, the Santorini-styled complex Casapueblo, the Rafael Viñoly designed Puente Garzón bridge, and the Museum of the Sea.

[citation needed] In August 1827, during the Cisplatine War, a three-day military operation led by Brigadier General Juan Antonio Lavalleja under the banner of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata aimed to expel a small brazilian garrison strategically located on the peninsula.

[14] During the 1970s, the city faced a decline in tourists, especially from Argentina, as a result of terrorist threats by the Tupamaros guerrilla organization and an increase of working class hotels and less luxurious residences.

[15] Punta del Este experienced formidable real estate development in the 1980s with a construction boom in spas, apartment towers and hotel complexes.

Starting from the end of December through to the second week of January, this location becomes a place for the local people as well as tourists to gather at the night life festivities.

Nowadays it has a scenic shore, typical resort houses, modern buildings, a port with mooring capacity, department stores, restaurants, and pubs.

[24] An iconic and historic building rises on the 19th stop of the Brava Beach, the famous Hotel L'Auberge Inicio with its 70 year old water tower.

[26][clarification needed] The casino hosted the partypoker Latin American Poker Championships (LAPC) which lasted between February 24 and March 4, 2018,[27] and had an attendance of 1,137 players.

During the summer season (December to February) the foundation proposes a series of exhibitions and events such as concerts of lyrical to popular music, ballet representations and more.

Over the past five years, the works of František Kupka, Le Corbusier, Collection MACBA, José Gurvich and Pablo Atchugarry have been exhibited in the main building.

Punta del Este has numerous Jewish temples and Catholic churches: Among its attractions, the city offers music and cinema festivals, whale sightseeing, and fine dining.

The street circuit of 2.8 km of length runs along Punta del Este's harbour and has been nicknamed the Monte Carlo of South America.