Houses in La Pedrera
La Pedrera is a beach town on the coast of Rocha, along Route 10, built around a rocky point that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. Its dirt streets, the elevated waterfront promenade with ocean views, and the beaches on either side of the point make it a small town that's very lively in summer and quiet the rest of the year.
Getting there
From Montevideo, you can drive via the Ruta Interbalnearia and Route 9 to the city of Rocha. From there, continue on Route 15 to La Paloma and take Route 10 heading east. It's about 230 km in total, approximately; it's a good idea to check the route and road conditions before setting out.
There are also buses from the Tres Cruces Terminal that go to La Pedrera or La Paloma. Schedules vary greatly between high season and the rest of the year, so it's best to check directly with the bus companies.
Beaches
The rocky point divides the coastline into two beaches with distinct personalities:
- Playa del Barco: the open beach, with strong waves, a favorite spot for surfing.
- El Desplayado: on the other side of the point, with rocks and a more rugged shoreline.
From the elevated promenade you can see both beaches and the open sea, and it's one of the most popular spots at sunset.
Things to do
- Surfing: La Pedrera is one of the best-known surf spots on the coast of Rocha.
- Carnival: La Pedrera's carnival, in February, is one of the biggest events of the year in the area, with parades along the main street.
- Walk along the promenade and the rocks of the point, especially as the sun goes down.
- Whales: between fall and spring, southern right whales pass along the coast of Rocha and can sometimes be seen from land.
- Explore the area: La Paloma, Punta Rubia, San Antonio, Barra de Valizas, and Cabo Polonio are a short distance away along Route 10 and the surrounding area.
Best time to go
High season runs from December to March, peaking in January and during Carnival week, when the town fills up and it's best to book in advance.
Outside of summer, La Pedrera is much quieter and some businesses close or cut back their hours. For those looking for peace and quiet, walks, or whale watching, the months between fall and spring are a great option.