Meet cruisy backpackers while you explore sweeping beaches at La Pedrera. This bohemian beach town, set by the Atlantic Sea on Uruguay's east coast, is a hive of cultural events and carnival celebrations. Come to lay out a towel on pristine sands or conquer rolling waves on your surfboard.
Being a popular town for a diverse crowd of travellers, accommodation options range from simple campsites to boutique hotels. Get around town on foot most major attractions are not far away. Find the city's heart along Avenida Principal. This major thoroughfare offers artisanal markets, aromatic bakeries and fine seafood dining.
Watch from the coast as surfers carve white-water into near-perfect waves. The most experienced surfers will appreciate the deep water of Playa del Barco, which is conducive to large swells. Nearby, spot the shipwreck of the Cathay VIII, whose half-buried hull juts out from the sand. Enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere of El Desplayado, where surfing instructors lead classes for beginners.
Continue along the promenade onto a trail that traverses scenic coastal cliffs. From July to October, walkers may be able to spot migrating groups of southern right whales. Don't be afraid to explore trail networks lead into nearby forests populated by woodpeckers and lizards. Take an afternoon to visit nearby Laguna de Rocha. This lagoon reserve is home to more than 200 bird species, including the endangered Chilean flamingo and rare black-necked swan.
La Pedrera's most exciting months arrive in January and February, when carnival celebrations bring vibrant energy to the town. Watch musical parades and join revellers launching flour and water bombs in the street. Movie buffs will love January's Short Film Festival. A jazz festival is held over Easter.
Get to La Pedrera by bus from Montevideo, Punta del Este or nearby La Paloma. Peak season over January and February brings huge crowds of young Argentineans and Uruguayan surfers.
