Houses in Punta Rubia
Punta Rubia is a small beach town on the coast of Rocha, right next to La Pedrera on its east side, along Route 10. It has a more residential, laid-back feel than its neighbor, with scattered houses facing the open Atlantic Ocean. For many, it's a way to stay close to La Pedrera without being in the middle of all the activity.
Getting there
You get there via Route 10, Rocha's coastal highway. From Montevideo, a common route is to take Route 9 to the city of Rocha, continue on Route 15 toward La Paloma, and from there follow Route 10 east, past La Pedrera. It's roughly 240 km; it's a good idea to confirm the route and road conditions before you leave.
There are intercity buses that reach the La Pedrera area. Schedules and stops vary by season, so it's best to check directly with the bus companies before traveling.
Beaches
Punta Rubia's beach faces the open Atlantic Ocean, so it tends to have waves and currents. It's a wide stretch of coastline, great for walking, and outside the busiest summer days it's usually quiet.
As along the rest of Rocha's ocean coast, it's best to swim in areas with lifeguards when they're on duty and to pay attention to the flags.
Things to do
- Walk along the coast to La Pedrera, which is right next door.
- Take advantage of being close to La Pedrera to go out at night or do some shopping, then head back to a quieter spot.
- Surfing: the La Pedrera area is well known among surfers; it's a good idea to check the day's conditions.
- In winter and spring, the Rocha coast is visited by southern right whales, which can sometimes be spotted from shore.
- Use Punta Rubia as a base to explore other spots along Route 10, such as La Paloma to the west or Cabo Polonio to the east.
Food and drink
Punta Rubia is mainly residential, so its own dining options are limited. To eat out or stock up on supplies, people usually go to La Pedrera, which is very close by. In the off-season, many places in the area close or cut back their hours, so it's best to check ahead.
Best time to go
January and February are the busiest months, with the warmest beach weather. During that time La Pedrera fills up, and Punta Rubia offers a quieter alternative just a short distance away.
La Pedrera's Carnival is one of the busiest times of the year in the area. March and spring are usually good for those looking for peace and quiet, though fewer services are open. From winter into spring, it's whale season on the Rocha coast.