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! (144 reviews)
"Friendly staff, very helpful"

Reviewed on 26 Feb. 2025

UY Proa Sur Hotel
Zen Boutique Apart Hotel

Zen Boutique Apart Hotel

3 out of 5
Calle Botavara, La Paloma, La Paloma, Rocha
Stay at this 3-star hotel in La Paloma. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Beach Balconada and Andresito Municipal Stadium ...
"Restful outlook to the ocean from our covered patio with own fireplace for cooking. Suite was spacious with ample room for 3. Great to have bikes and beach gear provided—a nice amenity for foreign tourists. Rooms could do with a refresh-furniture a bit shabby and kitchenette was poorly equipped for ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jan. 2020

Zen Boutique Apart Hotel
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
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.
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
Sotavento Apart Hotel

Sotavento Apart Hotel

3 out of 5
Tres Marias s/n, La Paloma, Rocha
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in La Paloma. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Beach Balconada and Andresito Municipal ...
"The hotel is comfortable and clean, in a lovely setting and reasonably close to the restaurants."

Reviewed on 12 Mar. 2020

Sotavento Apart Hotel
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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