La Paloma

Travel Guide

Cape Santa Maria Lighthouse showing a lighthouse
La Paloma featuring wild flowers
La Paloma which includes a casino and signage
La Paloma showing signage
La Paloma featuring street scenes and a house
On Uruguay’s east coast is La Paloma, a relaxed beach town famous for its surf spots, whale watching and free summer concerts.

Perched on a peninsula on the east coast of Uruguay is laid-back La Paloma. A popular summer retreat among South Americans and Europeans alike, the town beckons with its beaches and surfing, free concerts, birdlife and whale watching.

Most visitors to La Paloma head straight to the beach for sunbathing, swimming and surfing. Closest to the town centre are La Balconada and Bahía Chica beaches. The clean and calm water of La Balconada is popular with swimmers while at Bahía Chica you can rent kayaks and paddle out to the small island, Isla de la Tuna. 

If you are here for the surf then go to Los Botes and Anaconda beaches to discover consistent waves of up to 6.5 feet (2 metres). To the east of town is La Aguada, a long stretch of beach that is ever popular in the summer months and a favoured hangout of advanced surfers. You’ll find surf rental shops located along Avenida Solari, La Paloma’s main street, in addition to surf schools offering lessons.

Stroll along Avenida Solari to spot the huge skeleton of a southern right whale. Visit the Coastal Marine Interpretive Centre to see another whale skeleton plus information on whales and dolphins. From July through October you can spot migrating southern right whales swim within 650 feet (200 metres) of the coastline. Watch them from the beach in front of the lighthouse or from the observation platform at Costa Azul, an easy 40-minute walk east from town.

Don’t miss out on a visit to Laguna de Rocha, a sprawling lagoon and natural bird habitat. Over 200 bird species make the lagoon their home, including the rare black-necked swan. The lagoon’s southern end is an enjoyable 1-hour walk along the beach from the lighthouse.

La Paloma is accessible by bus from Montevideo and Punta del Este, and Chui in Brazil. Peak season is from January through February, when you can also enjoy free concerts on the beaches and in the many bars and restaurants.

UY Proa Sur Hotel
UY Proa Sur Hotel
3 out of 5
Avenida Nicolas Solari esq. Del Faro, La Paloma, Rocha
The price is S$95 per night from 1 May to 2 May
S$95
includes taxes & fees
1 May - 2 May
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! (143 reviews)
"Friendly staff, very helpful"

Reviewed on 26 Feb,2025

UY Proa Sur Hotel
Hotel Perla Del Este
Hotel Perla Del Este
2.5 out of 5
Adonis S/N esquina Apolo, La Paloma
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$87 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
S$87
includes taxes & fees
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this hotel in La Paloma. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Cape Santa Maria Lighthouse and Bahía Chica Beach ...
7.6/10 Good! (8 reviews)
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Reviewed on 18 Feb,2025

Hotel Perla Del Este
Hotel La Casona
Hotel La Casona
3 out of 5
C. Orión SN entre Aries y de la Iglesia, La Paloma
The price is S$188 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
S$188
includes taxes & fees
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in La Paloma. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Casino La Paloma and Old Train Station are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Such a lovely and welcoming stay!"

Reviewed on 16 Jan,2025

Hotel La Casona
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.
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (20 reviews)
"The hotel is comfortable and clean, in a lovely setting and reasonably close to the restaurants."

Reviewed on 12 Mar,2020

Sotavento Apart Hotel
Aloe Village Aparthotel
Aloe Village Aparthotel
3.5 out of 5
Calle 63 esq. 59, La Paloma, Rocha
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in La Paloma. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Beach Balconada and Andresito Municipal ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Encantadora estancia
"Un lugar muy agradable y cómodo cerca de la playa. Encantador todo, servicio super personalizado y siempre atentos a cumplir las necesidades. El apartamento tiene todo lo que necesitas. Hermoso lugar de ambiente relajado en la Paloma"

Reviewed on 15 Dec,2019

Aloe Village Aparthotel
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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