Punta Ballena is a rocky peninsula where the sierra plunges into the ocean. The area was settled by Lussich, a shipping magnate who built himself a mansion on the point with an immaculate view over the bay. 

However the point was so exposed to the Atlantic winds that his wife issued an ultimatum—do something about the wind or she’d blow out taking the family with her. In response, he planted hundreds of thousands of trees and what would become the second largest arboretum in South America. 

The Sun Ceremony at sundown – a must when in Punta del Este

Now open to the public, you can visit the gallery and café and enjoy a marvelous view over the Atlantic. The Sun Ceremony, an audio recording of the artist bidding the sun farewell, plays every day on the terrace and is a Punta classic.

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Páez Vilaró was father to one of the survivors of the 1972 plane disaster where sixteen young men survived almost seventy days in terrible conditions in the Andes mountains. The tribute Andes 1972 museum in Montevideo is one our favourite things to do in Montevideo. 

He was also a candombe enthusiast. Playing drums in the Montevideo Llamadas parade right up until the year of his death.