La Paloma

La Paloma, a coastal town in southeastern Uruguay, stretches between the Atlantic Ocean and Rocha Lagoon. You can climb the 143 steps of the 19th-century Cape Santa María lighthouse for panoramic views, surf the waves at La Aguada beach, or swim in the calm waters of Bahía Chica. From July through October, southern right whales swim within 200 meters of the shore, while at Rocha Lagoon, thousands of flamingos and black-necked swans gather among the wetlands.

Getting to La Paloma

La Paloma sits 150 miles east of Montevideo and 60 miles east of Punta del Este. Regular intercity buses connect La Paloma to major cities in southern Uruguay, except for direct routes from Punta del Este. If you're coming from Punta del Este, you'll need to transfer at Maldonado or San Carlos terminals. The town itself is walkable, and you can rent bikes from several shops along Nicolás Solarí Avenue to explore nearby beaches and the lagoon.

Beaches Along the Coast

The town's main bay, Bahía Grande, curves around the Cape of Santa María, with the smaller Bahía Chica nestled within it. West of the center, you'll find the beaches of Balconada, El Cabito, and Anaconda. Balconada beach, framed by rocky promontories, fills with beachgoers during summer evenings for DJ sets and dining at beachfront restaurants. The gentle waters of Bahía Chica make it ideal for families and beginning paddleboarders, and you can see La Tuna island just offshore.

Water Sports and Activities

The waves at La Aguada beach range from 3 to 6 feet high, making it suitable for both beginner and intermediate surfers. Several surf schools along the beach rent boards and give lessons. When winds exceed 15 knots, kitesurfers head to the western beaches, while the protected waters of Bahía Chica remain calm for kayaking and standup paddleboarding. From July through early spring, you can spot southern right whales and dolphins within 200 meters of the shore.

Life in La Paloma

The town's population of 3,500 grows to 30,000 during January and February when vacationers arrive. Along the main avenue, Nicolás Solarí, you'll find grocery stores, restaurants, and small hotels. During off-season months, locals fish from the rocky points, ride horses along the beach, and walk the empty shoreline.

Wildlife at Rocha Lagoon

The 45-square-mile Rocha Lagoon, just west of La Paloma, is home to more than 250 bird species. Black-necked swans glide across the water, spoonbills wade in the shallows, and flamingos gather by the thousands in the wetlands. Walking and riding paths follow the lagoon's shoreline, giving clear views across the water and surrounding grasslands.

Cape Santa María Lighthouse

The white lighthouse, completed in 1874 after an earlier version collapsed in a storm, marks the tip of Cape Santa María. You can climb the 143 steps to reach the top viewing platform, where you can see the Atlantic coastline stretching in both directions. The lighthouse opens daily from 10:00-13:00 and 15:00 until just before sunset. Outside, a solar clock uses the building's shadow to mark the time.