Punta del Este: Uruguay’s premium, low-friction eclipse base
Punta del Este has ample annularity and, more importantly, exceptional tourism infrastructure in February. It is the easiest option for an international traveller who wants eclipse, beach and hotel without turning the trip into an expedition.
Annularity
5m 29s
Maximum
12:38 UYT
Magnitude
0.938
Historic cloud*
55%
Car
Optional
* Cloud is a historical 6 February signal since 2000, not a forecast for 2027.
Our verdict
Our comfort pick in Uruguay; less compelling if historical cloud is your only metric.
Eclipse times in local time
UYT local time. Annularity lasts approximately 5m 29s.
Where to stay
The peninsula and nearby areas simplify restaurants and beach time; for car-based Plan B flexibility, faster access to Maldonado and main roads can be more useful.
Mobility
A no-car trip works if you accept observing near the base. Renting a car changes the plan completely if you intend to chase clearer sky.
Plan B if cloud develops
Pre-plan at least one inland or along-coast alternative and avoid an eclipse event that removes your ability to move.
How to choose a viewing site
The waterfront and beaches are obvious, which also makes them crowd magnets. A less iconic site may deliver much better logistics.
Important: this eclipse never reaches totality
You must use proper solar viewing protection throughout the partial phases and during the ring of fire itself. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe.
Read the safe-viewing guide →Sources and methodology
Astronomical and climate figures are published with visible sources. When a metric is not yet verified on a comparable basis, we leave it pending rather than filling it with an estimate.