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Uruguay’s Eastern Shore
Northeast of Punta del Este’s high-rise hotels, Uruguay’s windswept Eastern Shore is dotted with a charming series of low-key beach towns. The tallest structures here are lighthouses. Outside the high season months of January and February, nightlife generally consists of sunset at the beach, an occasional bonfire, and dinner with new friends.
La Paloma
La Paloma, located 60 miles from Punta del Este, is known for its 13 miles of surrounding beaches and surf breaks. Its compact town center offers basic hotels and lovely seafood restaurants. La Paloma’s landmark lighthouse, built in 1874, was originally constructed to prevent frequent shipwrecks. La Paloma is family-friendly, also attracting couples escaping for a quiet week or a weekend.
La Pedrera
La Pedrera, a short drive northeast along coastal Route 10, is equally appealing. Although the village’s accommodations and dining options are limited, its greatest luxury is solitude—especially outside the high season. Families with young children often cluster at El Despayado beach, while surfers spread out along the breaks. During high season, the young and the beautiful from Montevideo and beyond converge here, soaking up sun and partying into the night. From July to November, southern right whales and sea lions are often spotted offshore.
Cabo Polonio
Farther along the coast, Cabo Polonio is a dune-backed fishing village of approximately 500 residents. Centered around an iconic lighthouse and surrounded by rolling sands, which keeps the town free of cars—access is limited to four-wheel drive vehicles, horseback, or foot. Considering most of the beach’s cabins are off-grid, residents live in rhythm with sunrise and sunset. Penguins and fur seals are common on the nearby islands. Southern sea lions sun themselves on the seaside rocks, and beaches stretch in both directions along the coast.
Barra de Valizas & Punta del Diablo
Continuing east, Barra de Valizas features sandy streets, rustic cabins, and expansive beaches. Fishermen here work the coast, sand boarders surf the dunes, and shorebirds skim the coastal lagoons. One popular guided outing connects Valizas to Cabo Polonio via a four-hour scenic trek across the sand.
Punta del Diablo, a little farther east, has become one of the more popular seaside towns. Like many coastal villages in Uruguay, Punta del Diablo offers a calm Mansa beach for families and a more energetic Brava beach for surfers. At night, bonfires and spontaneous beach parties are the norm. Nearby, Santa Teresa National Park protects a pine forest, a restored colonial fort, and stretches of wild coast. Sunrise fishing with locals, sea turtle rehabilitation tours, and horseback rides are among the highlights.
What to do in the Eastern Shore
Among other options, LANDED guests can enjoy:
- Surfing lessons and equipment rental at top breaks such as Anaconda, Solari, and La Aguada
- Whale watching from La Pedrera (July to November)
- Horseback riding along the dunes and beaches
- Fishing charters with local captains
- Guided wildlife viewing and photography outings
- Visits to the sea lion colony near Cabo Polonio
- Penguin and fur seal spotting on offshore islands
- Guided treks across the dunes from Valizas to Cabo Polonio
- Sand boarding adventures
- Sea turtle rehabilitation center visits
- Exploration of Santa Teresa National Park and its 18th-century fortress
What is the Weather Like?
The Eastern Shore is warm and sunny from November through March, with average highs in the low to mid-80s. These summer months are the best time for beachgoing and outdoor exploration. The winter season (June through August) is cool and breezy, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s. Whale watching season typically runs from July to November.
These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.
Getting There
Uruguay’s Eastern Shore is best accessed by road. Private transfers and car rentals can be arranged from Punta del Este or Montevideo. La Paloma is located 60 miles northeast of Punta del Este. From there, coastal Route 10 links most major towns along the shoreline.
Start your journey today
LANDED delivers the finest in custom, private travel to Central America, South America, and Antarctica. These regions are our passion; we know them first-hand and by heart. Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you in Uruguay’s Eastern Shore.
How to combine the Eastern Shore
Have some extra time? Here are some options for you to combine with.
