THE SUNSET COAST

OCEAN VIEWS & TRANQUILITY

West of Punta del Este, the landscape begins to change. The coastline rises dramatically at Punta Ballena, while just beyond it the countryside opens toward Laguna del Sauce, creating an area where ocean, hills and lake are remarkably close to one another.

Punta Ballena is perhaps best known for its views. From its elevated position on the cliffs, there are spectacular panoramas across the water and back toward Punta del Este, with the skyline visible in the distance. It is also one of the area's most beautiful places to watch the sun go down. Unlike much of the Atlantic-facing coast, this western side of Punta is defined by evening light, calm water and extraordinary sunsets.

Below, the beaches around Portezuelo and Solanas have a very different character from the Brava. The water is generally calmer and the atmosphere more protected, making this side particularly popular with families.

LIFE ON THE LAKE

Travel inland and another landscape appears. Ruta 12 winds north past Laguna del Sauce and into the hills, providing access to some of the area's most prestigious lakefront chacras and country estates.

This is a side of Punta del Este that many visitors never discover. Properties here can combine several hectares of land with direct access to the lake, mature gardens, horses and complete privacy — while remaining within relatively easy reach of the beaches, airport and Punta del Este.

The eastern side of Laguna del Sauce, reached from Ruta 12, has become particularly associated with larger chacras and estates. Continue farther along the road and the landscape becomes increasingly rural, eventually leading toward vineyards, the hills and Pueblo Edén.

What I particularly like about this area is the combination of water and countryside. A property can feel completely removed from Punta del Este, surrounded by hectares of land and overlooking the lake, yet the coast and everything that comes with it are still close by.

From the cliffs of Punta Ballena to the shores of Laguna del Sauce, this western side offers a very different version of Punta life — spectacular views, sunsets, space and a much closer connection to nature.