La Paloma, Uruguay: travel guide
A laid-back surf and fishing town on the Rocha coast, ringed by wide Atlantic beaches and the Cabo Santa Maria lighthouse. A summer favourite for surfers, families and travellers heading to the wilder beaches further east.
- Country
- Uruguay
- Currency
- UYU
- Time zone
- America/Montevideo
Top places to visit in La Paloma
Faro Cabo Santa Maria
Viewpoint · 4.6 rating · about 0.5 h · entry UYU 50
The 1874 lighthouse on the cape that gives La Paloma its bearings, surrounded by rocky shore and pounding surf. You can climb it for coastal views.
Playa La Balconada
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h
A scenic surf beach framed by a low rocky balcony of stone, famous for sunsets and consistent waves - La Paloma's signature stretch.
La Pedrera
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 2 h
A bohemian clifftop beach village 10 km east, with a single main street of craft shops and bars and two beautiful beaches - a summer hotspot for a younger crowd.
Playa La Aguada
Beach · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h
A long, gently shelving beach just north of the centre, calmer and good for families, with wide sands backed by dunes and pines.
Puerto y Playa Los Botes
Beach · 4.3 rating · about 1 h
The calm harbour beach by the small fishing port, with the most sheltered swimming in La Paloma and a low-key seafood scene.
Laguna de Rocha
Nature · 4.6 rating · about 2 h
A UNESCO biosphere coastal lagoon west of La Paloma, a birdwatching haven of flamingos, black-necked swans and a sandbar where the lagoon meets the sea.
Things to do
- Cabo Polonio 4x4 Excursion Day Trip · 6 h · from USD 70 per person
- La Paloma Surf Lesson Adventure · 2 h · from USD 40 per person
- Laguna de Rocha Birdwatching & Kayak Adventure · 4 h · from USD 55 per person
Day trips and tours
- Rocha Coast: La Paloma, La Pedrera & Laguna de Rocha 7 h · from USD 75
Where to stay in La Paloma
- La Aguada & Centro about UYU 65 per night
The walkable core near the port and the calm La Aguada beach, close to shops, the bus stop and the lighthouse.
- La Balconada about UYU 70 per night
A quieter beach stretch popular with surfers, with cabanas and a famous sunset rock platform.
Hotels
- Hotel Embeleco 4-star · USD 95 to USD 180 per night
- Tio Tom Hostel & Camping 2-star · USD 16 to USD 55 per night
- Hotel Bahia La Paloma 3-star · USD 70 to USD 130 per night
- Hotel Trocadero 3-star · USD 60 to USD 110 per night
Where to eat
- Bahia Restaurant Pizza, Italian, Parrilla · about UYU 1,100 per person
- La Marea Seafood, Uruguayan · about UYU 1,300 per person
- Da Pippo Pizza, Italian · about UYU 900 per person
- La Balconada Resto Seafood, International · about UYU 900 per person
Getting around
- Bicycle main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Bus main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Car Rental Self main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
Safety and scams to avoid
Car and cabana break-ins
Beach parking, holiday cabanas
In the summer season, parked cars and unoccupied rental cabanas are targeted for opportunistic break-ins, particularly at quieter beaches.
How to avoid it: Lock everything, leave nothing visible in the car, and choose accommodation with secure parking. Carry valuables with you to the beach.