La Paloma, Uruguay: travel guide
Surf, fishing boats and a lighthouse on the Rocha coast's Atlantic beaches
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.
About La Paloma
La Paloma is a laid-back coastal town in Rocha department, on the open Atlantic side of Uruguay. Wide beaches face the swell, a lighthouse stands at Cabo Santa Maria and fishing boats still pull up at the port.
You can surf or simply stroll along beaches such as La Balconada and La Aguada, visit the Faro Cabo Santa Maria, and explore the nearby Laguna de Rocha for birds and quiet water. The village of La Pedrera is a short trip along the coast, and the wilder beaches further east are within reach.
La Paloma suits surfers, families and those looking for an unhurried summer base. The town is liveliest from December to February, and the other months are calm and uncrowded.
- Country
- Uruguay
- Currency
- UYU
- Time zone
- America/Montevideo
Last updated
Top places to visit in La Paloma
Faro Cabo Santa Maria
lighthouse · 4.6 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
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
surf beach · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
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 village · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
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
calm beach · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
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
harbour beach · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
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
lagoon reserve · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
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 to La Paloma
Nearest airport: Punta del Este (PDP), about 88 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
How visitors arrive in La Paloma
- Coach from Montevideo (Rutas del Sol, COT, Cynsa) By road from Montevideo · common · unconfirmed
The official Rocha tourism page names Rutas del Sol, COT and Cynsa for the Montevideo run; those are services to Rocha city, with seaside resorts such as La Paloma on the schedules page. Source: turismorocha.gub.uy
- Drive via Ruta IB and Ruta 9 By road from Montevideo · possible
By car, take Ruta IB east to the junction with Ruta 9 and continue east into Rocha department. Source: turismorocha.gub.uy
Getting around
- Bicycle useful for some trips
Bicycles can be rented in the centre of La Paloma and are useful for trips to Rocha Lagoon or La Pedrera.
- Bus limited to a few areas
Intercity buses connect La Paloma with most main destinations in southern Uruguay, but the town itself has no local bus network.
- Car Rental Self
- Walking
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.
Best time to visit La Paloma
- Jan 29°C
- Feb 28°C
- Mar 26°C
- Apr 22°C
- May 18°C
- Jun 15°C
- Jul 14°C
- Aug 16°C
- Sep 17°C
- Oct 20°C
- Nov 23°C
- Dec 27°C
More in Uruguay
Frequently asked questions about La Paloma
- What are the top-rated places to visit in La Paloma?
- The highest-rated places in our La Paloma guide are Faro Cabo Santa Maria, Playa La Balconada, La Pedrera, Laguna de Rocha, Playa La Aguada.
- Where should I stay in La Paloma?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in La Paloma: La Aguada & Centro, La Balconada.
- How do I get around La Paloma?
- Ways to get around La Paloma covered in our guide: Bicycle, City bus, Self-drive car, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in La Paloma?
- Scams reported to us for La Paloma include Car and cabana break-ins. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in La Paloma?
- Average daytime highs in La Paloma run from 14°C in Jul to 29°C in Jan.