With a lively cultural scene and a gorgeous setting on the Atlantic coast of Uruguay, this charming seaside village is a favourite with all kinds of visitors.
The bohemian coastal village of La Pedrera is not only home to lovely beaches and a remarkable biodiversity: it is a cultural centre as well. Nature trails and surf spots coincide with cultural events and popular festivals, beckoning the usual cast of beach bums and backpackers along with families, art lovers, and all kinds of carnival revellers.
La Pedrera is easy to get around on foot, with most points of interest an easy walk away. Get your bearings with a stroll down Avenida Principal, where you will find a small market for artisans as well as bakeries and restaurants serving fresh seafood. Continue on to El Desplayado, a wide beach that is popular with families and that hosts lessons for the local surf school.
To watch more advanced surfers showing off their skills, make your way to Playa del Barco. This deep-water beach is home to a beautiful swell. Here you can also see the ruins of the Cathay VIII, a wrecked ship that lies partly buried in the sand.
Find the trail leading up to the cliffs and head off for a remarkable scenic walk along the coast. From July through October, you might be able to see migrating southern right whales as they pass. Alternatively, follow one of the trails that run along the beach and into neighbouring forests, whose inhabitants include lizards and woodpeckers.
More of the region’s natural bounty is on display at Laguna de Rocha, a nearby nature reserve. Over 200 bird species make this area their home, including the rare black-necked swan and the endangered Chilean flamingo.
La Pedrera swings into boisterous life every year when it hosts one of coastal Uruguay’s biggest carnival celebrations. Live music supports a street parade while revellers throw flour and hurl water bombs. The town’s cultural calendar also includes a jazz festival each Easter and a short film festival in January.
High season hits La Pedrera from January through February, when the town fills up with young beach lovers from Argentina and Uruguay. The town is accessible by bus from nearby La Paloma, Punta del Este, and the capital Montevideo. A range of accommodation is available, from camping sites and hostels to boutique hotels and self-catering houses for rent.
