La Paloma Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Cape Santa Maria Lighthouse which includes a lighthouse
La Paloma showing wild flowers
La Paloma showing signage and a casino
La Paloma showing signage
La Paloma which includes street scenes and a house

Surfers, wildlife enthusiasts and relaxation chasers flock to this sunny beach town, where sun-bathing and swimming are a way of life.

Experience Uruguay's laidback beach culture at La Paloma, a beach town on the east coast. This summer retreat draws European and South American travellers with its pristine beaches, free concerts and wildlife spotting opportunities.

La Paloma is first and foremost a beach location. Sunbathe, swim or surf along its picturesque shoreline. La Balconada and Bahía Chica beaches are within easy walking distance of the town centre. Head to La Balconada to swim in clean calm waters or take a kayaking adventure to the Isla de la Tuna from Bahía Chica.

Surfers will appreciate the waves of Botes and Anaconda beaches, which consistently reach up to 2 metres (6.5 feet). To the east, La Aguada offers yet another stretching shoreline. Its challenging swells are most frequented by advanced surfers. Rent surf gear from a number of beachside shops located along Avenida Solari. This main thoroughfare of La Paloma also hosts a number of surfing schools, ideal for beginners.

Continue along Avenida Solari and see an enormous skeleton of a southern right whale. Another hefty skeleton can be found at the Coastal Marine Interpretive Centre, which displays exhibits on whales and dolphins. From July through October, take a tour out to sea for the chance to witness packs of migrating whales as close as 200 metres (650) from the shore. Alternatively, spot them from the lighthouse or an observation deck at Costa Azul. The walk there takes 40 minutes from town.

Take a day to spot colourful birds fluttering at Laguna de Rocha, a protected lagoon habitat. Of the 200 bird species that live here, the rare black-necked swan is one of the most magnificent. Walk to the lagoon's southern tip along the beach in the afternoons and catch a stunning sunset.

Get to La Paloma by bus from Montevideo, Punta del Este or Chui in Brazil. The town's busiest months are January and February. Visit then to see free concerts on the beach and enjoy sunny drinks at beachside bars.

UY Proa Sur Hotel

UY Proa Sur Hotel

3 out of 5
Avenida Nicolas Solari esq. Del Faro, La Paloma, Rocha
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in La Paloma. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Casino La Paloma and Cape Santa ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (145 reviews)
"Friendly staff, very helpful"

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2025

UY Proa Sur Hotel
Bungalows Costa Esmeralda

Bungalows Costa Esmeralda

3 out of 5
Av.Botavara and Calle 13, La Paloma, Rocha
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in La Paloma. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Beach Balconada and Andresito Municipal ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (10 reviews)
Great views, great beach
"Great little bungalow. Very quaint and peaceful."

Reviewed on 29 Dec 2021

Bungalows Costa Esmeralda
Apartamentos Alborada

Apartamentos Alborada

2.5 out of 5
Juno, La Paloma, Departamento de Rocha
The price is AU$140 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$140
19 Oct - 20 Oct
Book a stay at this beach apartment in La Paloma. Enjoy free WiFi and a garden. Popular attractions Bahía Chica Beach and Casino La Paloma are located ...
Apartamentos Alborada
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Apartamentos Alborada

Apartamentos Alborada

2.5 out of 5
Juno, La Paloma, Departamento de Rocha
Book a stay at this beach apartment in La Paloma. Enjoy free WiFi and a garden. Popular attractions Bahía Chica Beach and Casino La Paloma are located ...
Apartamentos Alborada
Comfortable independent Aparts with Hotel & Spa services 200 meters from the sea

Comfortable independent Aparts with Hotel & Spa services 200 meters from the sea

La Paloma
Stay at this apartment in La Paloma. Enjoy a garden, balconies, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Beach Balconada and Andresito Municipal Stadium ...
Comfortable independent Aparts with Hotel & Spa services 200 meters from the sea
THE BEACH La Paloma

THE BEACH La Paloma

4 out of 5
Rambla Botavara, Between 18 and 19, La Paloma, Departamento de Rocha
Stay at this 4-star apartment in La Paloma. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 hot tubs. Popular attractions Beach Balconada and Andresito Municipal Stadium ...
THE BEACH La Paloma
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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