Houses in Aguas Dulces

You get there by road. Ruta 16 runs from the town of Castillos and ends in Aguas Dulces, and the village also sits on Ruta 10, which connects it to other beach towns along the Rocha coast.

It's approximately 270 km from Montevideo; it's a good idea to confirm the distance and route before you set out. There are also intercity buses from Montevideo and other towns in Rocha; schedules and frequency vary by season, so it's best to check with the bus companies.

The beach faces the open sea, with sand and Atlantic waves, and stretches for several kilometers to the southwest toward Barra de Valizas.

Along the village waterfront, buildings sit very close to the water, and the area has issues with coastal erosion: during storms and high tides, the sea encroaches on the strip of sand. If you're planning to rent or buy on the beachfront, it's worth keeping this in mind and asking about the current situation.

• Walk along the beach toward Barra de Valizas, following the coast.
• Watch the local small-scale fishermen at work, a key part of the village's identity.
• Visit Laguna de Castillos and the Monte de Ombúes, a nearby protected area with centuries-old ombú trees.
• Explore other spots on the Rocha coast, such as Barra de Valizas, Cabo Polonio, or Punta del Diablo, which are relatively close by.

As a fishing village, its signature offering is the local fresh fish. There are only a few shops and places to eat, and even fewer outside the summer, so if you're going in the off-season, it's a good idea to plan your shopping ahead, for example in Castillos.

High season runs from December to February, with January being the busiest month. That's when more businesses are open and the water is most pleasant for swimming.

The rest of the year, the village is very quiet, and many businesses operate on reduced hours or close. It's a good choice for anyone looking for peace, walks, and an uncrowded coastline, as long as you know options are limited.