Punta del Este, Uruguay
Uruguay is more than beaches. From Cabo Polonio and Laguna Garzón to UNESCO sites like Bañados del Este, discover how nature shapes lifestyle, tourism and real estate value in Maldonado—one of the country’s most attractive regions for buyers and investors.
By Liza – Founder & Real Estate Advisor at Punta HousesApril 30, 202615 min readYes. Uruguay has national parks, but its protected-area system is broader than that. Through SNAP, the country also protects landscapes, natural monuments, habitats, species management areas and other environmentally important zones. That is why it is more accurate to speak about national parks and protected natural areas in Uruguay.
For buyers in Maldonado, the most relevant natural areas are Laguna Garzón, Isla de Lobos, Bañados del Este, Laguna de Rocha and Cabo Polonio. Laguna Garzón sits on the border between Maldonado and Rocha, Isla de Lobos lies just off Punta del Este, and the wider eastern coast gives Maldonado a strong nature and lifestyle story.
No. Manantiales Serranos is located in Lavalleja, around Minas, Villa Serrana and Solís de Mataojo. It has no direct geographic link to coastal Manantiales near La Barra. Its relevance is broader: it strengthens Uruguay’s image as a country of sustainable tourism, nature and geotourism.
It can be interesting, but only with proper guidance. Protected nature can strengthen the appeal and scarcity of a region, but it can also bring restrictions related to construction, land use, water, access and development. Buyers should always work with a trusted local real estate advisor and an escribano before purchasing land, chacras or coastal property near protected areas.
Liza is the founder of Punta Houses, with a background in real estate, construction, and tourism. After traveling across all continents and living as an expat in South America for over 12 years, she has developed a strong understanding of what international buyers are truly looking for. It is rarely just about a property — it is about lifestyle, location, and the right feeling. With a refined perspective on real estate and in-depth knowledge of the local market, Liza guides clients through every step of the buying process. Her approach is discreet, personal, and focused on finding the right match, with attention to detail and long-term value. She works with clients from around the world and communicates fluently in Dutch, English, Spanish, French, and German, ensuring a smooth and professional experience on an international level. For Liza, real estate is about more than transactions. It is about trust, insight, and creating opportunities that truly align with each client’s lifestyle and ambitions.
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