La Girada Punta del Diablo: Unique Stay in a 1962 WW Beetle

Introduction

When we talk about finding a unique stay in Punta del Diablo, in Uruguay is one of those rare places that instantly feels like home. Run by Yesi, Nacho, and their daughter Sarah, this family-run eco-camping spot sits on the quiet edge of the village, surrounded by trees, sand paths, and ocean breeze.

Here, you can camp under the stars or spend the night inside a fully restored 1962 VW Beetle, transformed into a cozy bedroom. The place has everything you need for a comfortable yet simple stay — a shared kitchen, solar-powered lights, a dry toilet, and even a fire pit for barbecues and long chats at night.

It’s an experience that perfectly reflects the laid-back spirit of Uruguay’s coast: sustainable, social, and full of character. Whether you’re backpacking across South America or just looking for a memorable camping experience in Punta del Diablo, La Girada is worth the stop.

PS: Since our stay, La Girada Punta Del Diablo has changed quite a bit, and the VW Beetle has a fresh coat of paint. But we kept the article as per the experience we had during our complete trip in Uruguay.

If you are looking for how to get to Punta Del Diablo, we arrived from Florianopolis in Brazil by bus.

Read: Our complete 10-day Uruguay Itinerary

La Girada 1962 VW Beetle

Now, let’s talk about the real highlight of La Girada Punta del Diablo — the 1962 VW Beetle, a vintage car turned into one of the most original places we’ve ever slept in.

Instead of ending up in a junkyard, this old Beetle got a second life as a cozy, colorful room filled with character. It’s beautifully decorated with flowers and handmade details that reflect the artistic touch of Yesi and Nacho. Inside, there’s a comfy foam mattress, soft pillows, sheets, and blankets. The car also comes with towels and even organic, handmade soap from a local neighbor.

No time to read now?

No worries! Save on Pinterest to read it later

Save on Pinterest

It’s surprisingly well thought out for such a small space — a solar-powered torch provides light, and the main window has a mosquito net for ventilation. Two smaller windows on the side doors let in fresh air, and the left door opens for easy access.

Outside, there’s a wooden platform with a small roof for shade (though not waterproof), a hammock, and a little lamp — the perfect spot for a quiet morning coffee or some stargazing at night.

We spent two nights sleeping in this Beetle, and it was such a cool experience. Sure, it’s a bit tight at shoulder level, but it’s part of the charm. It’s cozy, fun, and unforgettable — definitely the most unique stay in Punta del Diablo we’ve ever had.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

La Girada Punta del Diablo Camping

If you prefer a more traditional camping experience, La Girada Punta del Diablo also offers a few cozy camping spots around the family’s house and behind the Beetle.

You can either bring your own tent or rent one directly from them — perfect for light travelers or those who didn’t pack camping gear. When we stayed, we rented one of their tents, a National Geographic Toronto II, which came with a mattress, pillows, and sheets — everything you need for a good night’s sleep.

The camping area is small and intimate, with just a handful of tents. Around the main house, there’s space for about five tents, some of them covered by small tipis for extra shade. Behind the Beetles, there are four more spots — three with tipis and one set inside a small dome structure.

Our Uruguay tips in your Google Maps?

Start saving time! All our favorite spots—restaurants, hikes, must-do’s, hidden gems, & more—are saved in one handy Google Map.

Shop all our maps

We spent two nights camping behind the Beetle, and it was such a peaceful spot. Each tent had solar-powered lights, a little table, and a pair of chairs — perfect for a quiet morning coffee or an evening beer after sunset.

If you’re looking for camping in Punta del Diablo that’s relaxed, friendly, and eco-conscious, La Girada Punta del Diablo is exactly that. It’s not just a place to sleep — it’s a little community surrounded by nature, good vibes, and people who genuinely care about sustainability.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring a good camera, such as the SONY A7 — it makes all the difference for capturing those unforgettable moments.

The shared area at La Girada

What makes La Girada Punta del Diablo so special isn’t just the Beetle or the camping — it’s the shared space that brings everyone together. Everything here feels homemade and personal, from the kitchen to the fire pit.

The outdoor kitchen is fully equipped — plates, cups, pots, pans, cutlery, coffee makers, and everything you might need to cook. We didn’t miss a thing. There’s also a big wooden table with benches, two hammocks to relax, and a small bar with high chairs for a drink or a chat with other travelers.

Right behind the house of La Girada Punta del Diablo, you’ll find a shared shower and toilet. The shower has hot water, and the dry toilets are impressively clean. The family takes great care of the place, cleaning everything every morning — though you’ll still need to wash your own dishes, of course.

At night, everyone gathers around the fireplace of La Girada Punta del Diablo. Sometimes it’s for warmth, other times for a barbecue or just to share a bottle of wine. There’s also a charging area near the table for phones and cameras, and solar panels provide power for small lights scattered around the property.

We loved how eco-friendly La Girada Punta del Diablo was — recycling bins, compost for organic waste, and even bottles filled with old batteries for safe disposal. Everything is done with thought and respect for the environment.

It’s the kind of place where you end up staying longer than planned, simply because it feels like home.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Food & Dinner Experience

One of our favorite parts about staying at La Girada Punta del Diablo was the food. You can ask Yesi and Nacho to prepare dinner on-site, which they cook with fresh, local ingredients — often straight from their own garden.

Meals cost around 250 pesos per person, and they always check in advance what you like or if you have any dietary preferences. Dinner is usually served around 9:30 p.m., because, well… Uruguayans eat late!

We had a simple but delicious meal of grilled fish with mixed vegetables and homemade bread. Everything was fresh and full of flavor. The atmosphere made it even better — everyone gathered around the big outdoor table, eating, drinking, and chatting while the fire burned nearby.

Our Uruguay tips in your Google Maps?

Start saving time! All our favorite spots—restaurants, hikes, must-do’s, hidden gems, & more—are saved in one handy Google Map.

Shop all our maps

If you want a drink, they also sell wine (200 pesos a bottle) and beer (60 pesos) — both local and very good for the price.

We loved how relaxed and communal it felt — like having dinner with family. One night, Nacho brought out wine for everyone to share, and the next, they cooked a huge barbecue for all the guests. It wasn’t planned — just spontaneous and genuine.

The La Girada Family

What really makes La Girada Punta del Diablo unforgettable is Yesi, Nacho, and their daughter Sarah — the heart of the place. From the moment we arrived, they made us feel like part of the family.

We had originally planned to stay only two nights, but we ended up staying four, and honestly, we could have stayed even longer. The atmosphere is so warm and laid-back that it’s hard to leave.

In the evenings, everyone gathers around the fire pit in front of their house. Nacho often brings out a bottle of local wine and passes it around without even asking — it just goes hand to hand, guest to guest. One night, they made a massive barbecue for everyone staying there. We’d never seen that much meat disappear so fast!

The vibe is simple: share what you have, help each other, and enjoy the moment. It’s not a hotel — it’s a home, where you meet travelers from everywhere and where everyone somehow gets along.

They were also super helpful. When we arrived, Nacho picked us up from the bus station himself. Later, they even lent us free bicycles to explore Punta del Diablo. The bikes were old, but they did the job perfectly and made getting to the beach or into town easy and fun.

If you ever need advice on what to do, Yesi is the person to ask — she knows the area by heart and always has a great suggestion.

It’s rare to find such a genuine place when traveling. La Girada Punta del Diablo is built on kindness, simplicity, and connection — the kind of spot that reminds you what travel is really about.

Read: Our complete 10-day Uruguay Itinerary

Pricing and booking

If you’re looking for a unique stay in Punta del Diablo that combines comfort, nature, and community, La Girada Punta del Diablo is one of the best options out there — and surprisingly affordable.

Here are the prices when we stayed there:

• 1962 VW Beetle Room – 24 USD per night
• Camping spot with equipment (tent, mattress, pillows, sheets) – 24 USD per night
• Empty camping spot (bring your own gear) – 10 USD per night
• Homemade dinner – 250 UYU per person
• Bottle of wine – 200 UYU
• Beer – 60 UYU

You can book directly through La Girada’s social media pages or find them on AirBnb by searching for La Girada mini camping Punta del Diablo. Because there are only a few unique spots — especially the famous 1962 Beetle room — it’s best to book in advance, particularly during summer (December to February).

Our Favorite Hotels in Punta Del Diablo

View All

Eco House Via Verde

Eco Boutique B&B

Bella Bungalows

See all available hotels in Punta Del Diablo