La Paloma is a city in the Atlantic Coast region of Uruguay.
At the center of La Paloma sits a lighthouse warning captains of sandbars and a rocky coast. Very similar geographically to the Outer Banks in North Carolina, La Paloma is a summer tourist retreat for Argentineans, Brazilians, Chileans, Europeans, Uruguayans themselves, and even a few brave Americans.
There are not many sights besides the beach and the big ugly skyscraper in the centre.
- Surf at La Aguada beach. There are several surf schools along the beach and promenade renting boards and giving lessons. 45 min lesson: U$700. Rental, 1 hr: U$250.
- La Paloma Lighthouse. Daily 10:00-13-00, 15:00 to 10 min before sunset. Climb it and enjoy the views. U$25.
- Rent a bicycle and ride to La Pedrera village or Rocha Lagoon. U$300-400 per 24 hr.
- Sunbathe at Anaconda beach.
- Watch the spectacular sunset.
La Paloma Lighthouse. Daily 10:00-13-00, 15:00 to 10 min before sunset. Climb it and enjoy the views. U$25.
- Banco República. The only reliable and free source of money in town. However, the ATM might not work on Sunday, so go early enough if you need cash.
Banco República. The only reliable and free source of money in town. However, the ATM might not work on Sunday, so go early enough if you need cash.
Fish
La Paloma has an active nightlife with bars and even a free club, famous with many international and South American tourists coming to Uruguay.
If La Paloma is still too busy for you, and you are looking for a more laid-back and sometimes hippie-loaded experience, look here:
- La Pedrera – Laid-back beach experience
- Barra de Valizas – Hippie-spirit with live music and nightmarket, and a better beach than Cabo Polonio
- Aguas Dulces – Similar and close to but less busy and more expensive than Barra de Valizas
- Punta del Diablo – Sleepy and inexpensive beach and surf experience