History of Punta Ballena

Punta Ballena has a rich history dating back to pre-Columbian times.
The area was inhabited by indigenous peoples, such as the Charrúas and the Guarani, who mainly dedicated themselves to fishing and gathering fruits.

In the year 1516, the Spanish explorer Juan Díaz de Solís arrived in the area, but no permanent settlement was established in the region until the 18th century. During the colony, the area was used mainly as a resting point for travelers heading towards Montevideo.

In 1896, the Argentine businessman Antonio Lussich acquired land in the area and established a ranch there. Lussich was an important botanist and conservationist who introduced numerous exotic plant species and created a botanical garden on the ranch. Today, the Lussich Botanical Garden is one of the main tourist attractions in the area.

Starting in the 1950s, Punta Ballena began to develop as an important tourist destination, thanks to its beautiful beaches and natural landscapes. In the 1960s, the Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró built Casa Pueblo, a spectacular house-museum overlooking the sea that has become one of the most recognized icons of the region.

Today, Punta Ballena remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Uruguay, with a wide variety of activities and attractions for visitors.

See more about the history of Punta Ballena

See also information on Montevideo.