The ring
Over the water.
Jimmy Baikovicius from Montevideo, Uruguay — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Jimmy Baikovicius from Montevideo, Uruguay — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Jimmy Baikovicius from Montevideo, Uruguay — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Jimmy Baikovicius from Montevideo, Uruguay — CC BY-SA 2.0
A unique bridge shaped as a complete circular ring over coastal Laguna Garzón, designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly and opened in 2015 to replace the little raft ferry that once carried cars across the lagoon. Instead of a straight span, the road loops around a circle of water, so cars slow down to enjoy the view, pedestrians can walk its edges, and the calm lagoon fills the middle of the ring. From above it looks like a giant ring dropped on the water. Around the lagoon are dunes, wild beaches and marshes full of birds, including black-necked swans and sometimes flamingos, in a protected area. It is quiet and barely built up, with the wild coast stretching on towards Rocha. The best time is a still morning or sunset, when the ring reflects in the water. Punta del Este is very busy and pricey in summer, December to February, and very quiet the rest of the year.
Over the water.
Birds and dunes.
Towards Rocha.
Between José Ignacio and Rocha, about 50 km east of Punta del Este
Rafael Viñoly designed it as a ring so cars slow down and enjoy the view instead of rushing across.