Los Dedos

The Hand (also known as The Fingers or Man Emerging to Life) is the undisputed symbol of Punta del Este, Uruguay.Located at Stop 1 on Playa Brava, this monumental sculpture of concrete and reinforced plastic was created by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal in 1982, during the First International Meeting of Modern Outdoor Sculpture.

The work depicts five fingers that seem to emerge from the sand, symbolizing the presence of man in nature and, more practically, functioning as a warning about the strength of the waves in that area.Although the artist had only six days to complete it while other sculptors occupied roofed spaces, his piece became the only one that remains in its original site to this day.

It is a mandatory viewpoint and one of the most instagrammable places in the Southern Cone.Its iconic design has been replicated by the author himself in cities such as Madrid and Venice, but the Playa Brava version maintains a unique mystique, especially during sunrise, when the light of the Atlantic highlights the textures of the fingers. An essential site for those looking to capture the visual identity of coastal Uruguay.

To photograph "The Fingers" with fewer people, visit them early in the morning. The sculpture is located at Stop 1 on Playa Brava. Keep in mind that the waves on this beach can be strong.