La Mano (The Hand) - Plaster
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La Mano (The Hand)

4.5
·27k reviews·La Barra, Uruguay

An iconic concrete hand sculpture emerging from the sands of Playa Brava, a must-see landmark in Punta del Este.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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La Mano (The Hand) - Plaster

La Mano (The Hand)

Best Time

Early morning

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An iconic concrete hand sculpture emerging from the sands of Playa Brava, a must-see landmark in Punta del Este.

4.5
(27k reviews)

"It is kind the trademark of punta del este uruguay. It is probably the most popular place in punta del este uruguay."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Arrive early or late to avoid crowds and get that iconic selfie with the hand! :camerawithflash:

💨 Be Prepared for Wind

It can get quite windy on the beach, so secure your belongings and maybe bring a light jacket. :windblowingface:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Hand Sculpture

The Iconic Hand Sculpture

Playa Brava

Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal's concrete masterpiece, a must-see landmark of Punta del Este.

Playa Brava Views

Playa Brava Views

Surrounding the sculpture

Enjoy stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the coastline from this picturesque beach setting.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for the Best Photos

La Mano is a popular spot, so expect crowds, especially during peak hours. Early mornings or late afternoons offer better chances for unobstructed photos and a more peaceful experience. Check the weather for wind, as it can get breezy on the beach.

More Than Just a Sculpture

While La Mano is the main draw, the surrounding beach offers beautiful views and a chance to relax. Nearby shops and restaurants make it easy to spend a good portion of your day here, combining sightseeing with leisure.

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Welcome to Casa Ohana✨ Located in Puerto Escondido, on the coast of Oaxaca! This dreamy 6 bedroom, 10 bed beachfront villa is located jn La Barra and is only 7 minutes from La Punta (aka the spot to be) The architecture, service, private chef and overall vibe is giving luxury ✨ If you’ve been manifesting the perfect upscale beachfront villa for your Puerto Escondido holiday…this is THE one🫶🏼
@_samanthaweiss
210.4K likes • 813.4K views

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Arrive early or late to avoid crowds and get that iconic selfie with the hand! :camerawithflash:

💨 Be Prepared for Wind

It can get quite windy on the beach, so secure your belongings and maybe bring a light jacket. :windblowingface:

🌅 La vida es corta. No la desperdicies en discusiones. Disfruta cada momento, besa lento y vive con pasión, pero con calma. ✨ Capturando la magia de La Barra, Punta del Este, desde otra perspectiva. Porque la belleza está en los pequeños detalles y en cómo los vivimos. 🎥 📍 Punta del Este | La Barra
@dronpdeuy
95.3K likes • 1.7M views
Look at that glow! And it’s all thanks to an afternoon of #selfcare with @advancedaesthetics_at_thenest at The Nest in downtown Madison. #hydrafacial + #footmassage + a nap seriously helped me recharge. Plus my #skin is RADIANT…so big props to pro #aesthetician Genevieve for the luxe pamper sesh! (*Simply swipe to see a “before” pic.) #beauty #skincare #facials #behindthescenes #beautybloggers #b...
therealscript
72 likes • 0 views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Beach

Don't just snap a pic and leave; enjoy the beautiful Playa Brava and its surroundings. :ocean:

🛍️ Shops & Bites Nearby

Plenty of food options and shops are just a stone's throw away, making it a convenient stop. :shoppingbags: :forkandknifewith_plate:

O-KAY…I obviously still need to get the hang of this “disappearing behind the hand” #instareel trick. BUT that doesn’t take away from the fact my skin looked flawless sans makeup after my recent #hydrafacial @advancedaesthetics_at_thenest located in downtown Madison. So think about treating yourself or a loved one this holiday season to one of the BEST #beautycare options in town. And read more ab...
therealscript
41 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Arrive early or late to avoid crowds and get that iconic selfie with the hand! :camerawithflash:

💨 Be Prepared for Wind

It can get quite windy on the beach, so secure your belongings and maybe bring a light jacket. :windblowingface:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Beach

Don't just snap a pic and leave; enjoy the beautiful Playa Brava and its surroundings. :ocean:

🛍️ Shops & Bites Nearby

Plenty of food options and shops are just a stone's throw away, making it a convenient stop. :shoppingbags: :forkandknifewith_plate:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(27k reviews)

Reviews Summary

La Mano is a highly popular and iconic landmark in Punta del Este, praised for its unique artistic appeal and beautiful beachside location. Visitors enjoy it as a prime photo opportunity and a great spot to take in ocean views. While it can get crowded, the surrounding amenities and the overall scenic beauty make it a worthwhile visit for most. Reddit

"Nice Photo location. Depending on the day it can be super windy and also a lot of people will be in line for making pictures. You have a good view of the beach!"

Isabela

"Fun sculpture in a beautiful section of punta del Este. Busy at most times it seems. Fantastic views of the surf and beach. Really beautiful here."

MarcB

"Is a visit to “the Fingers” touristy and overcrowded? Yes. Is it also a must-do when in Punte del Este? Absolutely. Go, take a selfie and give the world the peace symbol or whatever finger fits your mood."

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What People Like

Iconic photo spot
Beautiful beach views
Unique sculpture

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Very windy at times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

La Mano is located on Playa Brava, a very accessible beach in Punta del Este. You can reach it easily by car, taxi, or local bus. Many visitors also walk or bike along the coast if staying nearby. Parking is usually available, but can be busy during peak season. Reddit

Yes, La Mano is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Punta del Este and is very easy to find on Playa Brava. It's a central point of interest for most visitors. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no ticket required to visit La Mano. It's a public sculpture on the beach, so you can visit and take photos freely. Reddit

La Mano is accessible 24/7 as it's an outdoor sculpture on the beach. However, the best times to visit for photography and fewer crowds are during daylight hours, especially early morning or late afternoon. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

For the best lighting and fewer people, aim for early morning or late afternoon. The 'golden hour' before sunset can create beautiful, dramatic shots. Be prepared for potential wind which can affect photo stability. Reddit

Experiment with different angles! Getting close to the sculpture, shooting from the beach, or even from the water (if you're brave!) can offer unique perspectives. Capturing the sculpture with the ocean as a backdrop is classic. Reddit

Visiting during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) is your best bet. If it's crowded, you can try creative framing or focus on details of the sculpture itself. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes located near Playa Brava, within walking distance of La Mano. You can find options ranging from casual beachside eateries to more upscale dining. Reddit

While there aren't dedicated dining facilities directly on the sand at La Mano, you can bring your own snacks or purchase food from nearby vendors and enjoy it on the beach. Remember to clean up after yourself. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

La Mano is a fun and visually engaging stop for families. Kids are often fascinated by the giant hand emerging from the sand. The adjacent Playa Brava offers space for children to play, build sandcastles, and paddle in the shallow waters (always supervise closely due to waves). Pack beach toys and snacks for a more enjoyable outing. The nearby amenities mean easy access to restrooms and food options, which is always a plus with little ones. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Influencers

For photographers, La Mano offers a unique and recognizable subject. The best times for dramatic shots are sunrise and sunset, with the golden hour light casting a warm glow. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of the sculpture against the vast ocean, or use a telephoto lens to focus on the details of the concrete texture. Be prepared for crowds and consider using a tripod for sharper images, especially in lower light. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Visiting La Mano is a fantastic free activity. The sculpture itself costs nothing to see, and exploring Playa Brava is also free. You can save money by packing your own picnic and drinks to enjoy on the beach, rather than dining at the more expensive nearby restaurants. Public transport options are available for getting to Punta del Este and around the town, making it an accessible destination for budget-conscious travelers. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artist and the Art

La Mano, also known as 'The Hand' or 'Los Dedos' (The Fingers), is a striking concrete sculpture created by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal. It was inaugurated in 1982 and quickly became an iconic symbol of Punta del Este. Irarrázabal's work often explores themes of the human condition and the relationship between humanity and nature. The sculpture's placement on the windswept shores of Playa Brava adds to its dramatic presence, seemingly emerging from the sand and sea.

This artwork is not unique to Punta del Este; similar 'hand' sculptures by Irarrázabal can be found in other locations, such as the Atacama Desert in Chile and Madrid, Spain. However, the Punta del Este version is arguably the most famous and frequently visited. Its popularity has made it a quintessential photo opportunity for tourists visiting the Uruguayan coast. Reddit

Experiencing Playa Brava

La Mano is situated on the renowned Playa Brava, a long stretch of sandy beach known for its strong waves and beautiful coastline. The beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming (though caution is advised due to currents), and water sports. The vibrant energy of Playa Brava complements the artistic statement of La Mano, creating a dynamic visitor experience.

Beyond the sculpture, visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the shore, admire the ocean views, and observe local life. The area surrounding Playa Brava is also home to various amenities, including shops, restaurants, and hotels, making it a convenient and enjoyable destination for a day trip or a longer stay. The beach itself can get quite busy, especially during the summer months, but its vastness allows for finding quieter spots. Reddit

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