Punta Ballena facts for kids
Punta Ballena is a beautiful coastal area in southeastern Uruguay. It's a small peninsula, which means it's land surrounded by water on most sides. This popular resort is a great place for tourists. It stretches for about 12 kilometers along the coast of the Río de la Plata. You can find it in the Maldonado Department, right next to Route 10.
Quick facts for kids
Punta Ballena
Portezuelo, Solanas
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Resort
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Portezuelo Beach, Punta Ballena
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 Punta Ballena
Location in Uruguay
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| Country |  Uruguay |
| Department | Maldonado Department |
| Population
(2011)
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| • Total | 750 |
| Time zone | UTC -3 |
| Postal code |
20003
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| Dial plan | +598 42 (+6 digits) |
| Climate | Cfb |
Contents
Where is Punta Ballena Located?
Punta Ballena is on the coast of Uruguay. To its west, you'll find the resort of Chihuahua. To the east, it borders the resort of Pinares - Las Delicias. A long lake called Laguna del Diario forms a natural boundary between them.
North of Punta Ballena, there's a park called Arboretum Lussich. This park is home to many different kinds of trees and plants.
A Brief History of Punta Ballena
Punta Ballena was started by a person named Antonio Lussich. He bought the land in 1896. He also founded the famous arboretum (a type of tree garden) that is named after him.
Over time, Punta Ballena and the nearby city of Punta del Este became very popular. They are now top places for tourism in Uruguay. Many people visit during the summer, which is from December to February in Uruguay.
Who Lives in Punta Ballena?
In 2011, about 750 people lived in Punta Ballena permanently. There were also 2,375 homes there. Many of these homes are likely used by tourists during the busy season.
The number of people living in Punta Ballena has changed over the years:
| Year | Population | Homes |
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| 1963 | 107 | 88 |
| 1975 | 169 | 241 |
| 1985 | 499 | 687 |
| 1996 | 799 | 921 |
| 2004 | 376 | 1,268 |
| 2011 | 750 | 2,375 |
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística de Uruguay
What Can You See and Do in Punta Ballena?
One of the most famous places in Punta Ballena is Casapueblo. It was once the home and art studio of a famous sculptor named Carlos Páez Vilaró. He started building this unique "living sculpture" in 1958. He kept adding new rooms, sometimes for friends. Eventually, it became a lodge where people could stay.
The hills around Punta Ballena are also popular for hang gliding. This is a sport where people fly through the air using a special glider.
Whale Watching and Marine Life
Punta Ballena is named after whales because they used to be common here. The name "Punta Ballena" means "Whale Point." Southern right whales are becoming more common along the coast during winter. Watching these amazing whales is a popular activity. Sometimes, orcas are also seen in this area, which is quite rare for most of Uruguay.
Other Names for the Area
The area northwest of the Punta Ballena peninsula is also known by other names. These include Portezuelo and Solanas. The name Solanas comes from a hotel called Solana del Mar. Sometimes, the name "Playa Portezuelo" is used to describe the entire long stretch of beach up to Punta Negra.
Images for kids
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Casapueblo, a famous building and art studio
See also
- In Spanish: Punta Ballena para niños
