Clinging to the side of a cliff is this exuberant hotel and museum, a celebration of the talents of the great Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró.
Casa Pueblo is an architectural wonder and living sculpture that is simultaneously baffling, inspiring and magnificent. Once a private residence, today Casa Pueblo is an upscale hotel and a memorial to one of Uruguay’s most loved artists. Browse an art gallery, explore quirky rooms, watch spectacular sunsets or treat yourself to a night of luxury.
Carlos Páez Vilaró began work on Casa Pueblo in 1958, when he started building a modest home and workshop. He was inspired by the nests of the Hornero and, amazingly, built everything without using architectural plans. Over time, he added guest rooms and then opened areas as a hotel complex.
When visiting Casa Pueblo, you have two options. See the Casa Pueblo Museum and Workshop, which is a tribute to Páez Vilaró’s 50-year art career. Note displays of original ceramics, paintings and sculptures. Check out photographs of the artist with famous figures, such as Brigette Bardot and Fidel Castro. Watch a video about his fascinating life, including the story of his son surviving a 1972 Andes plane crash.
Step out onto a balcony to admire the building’s gleaming whitewashed architecture, characterized by its imaginative, incoherent and surreal shapes. Arrive in the late afternoon and wait patiently for the sun to set majestically behind shimmering waters. A lyrical poem about the sun by Páez Vilaró plays softly in the background and creates a stimulating ambiance.
Alternatively, visit a ground-floor terrace via the hotel itself. Take the elevator or follow arrows, leading you around twisting hallways and down spiraling staircases. Each hotel room is marked with a symbol created by Páez Vilaró rather than a number. The terrace provides another great sunset viewpoint and panoramic views of the entire building.
Located at Punta Ballena, Casa Pueblo is a 25-minute drive from Punta del Este. Rent a car to get here and use the free parking. Public buses stop about a 20-minute walk away.
The museum and hotel are open daily with a separate admission fee for each. The hotel’s peak season is from December through February. Visit outside this period to get a discount.
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