Summer holidays full of fun in the beaches of Uruguay
The broad and endless beaches, the warmness and friendliness of the locals, the tasty and natural food, as well as the chance to experience “slow life” are some of the main assets of spending Summer holidays in Uruguay nowadays, according to foreign tourists.
The area of Rocha, in the Northeastern Atlantic coast of Uruguay, is well known for its nature and its landscapes, as well as for the lack of urbanization and frenzy found in many other touristy Summer destinations. There can be a lot of people there in the Summer, and a lot of crazy fun times, but they all coexist in harmony in the different Summer resorts and villages.
As the new Summer season for tourism in Uruguay is starting these days, authorities from the Uruguayan Ministry of Tourism happily go through positive figures of the past Summer –when visitors increased 6.2% and spent an increased 18.3% in the first three months of 2010, as compared to 2009.
This Summer season is expected to be even better for tourism in Uruguay, claim local newspapers, attributing positive predictions to the Director of Tourism in Rocha, Pedro Quartino, the President of the Tourism Corporation in Rocha, Paola Ferrari, and the mayor of the La Paloma municipality, Alcides Perdomo. This municipality includes many of the beaches in Uruguay we have mentioned in previous posts. From South to North: La Paloma, La Aguada, Costa Azul and La Pedrera.
Of course not everything is perfect for La Paloma, as Punta del Diablo has also become a popular competing destination in recent years, also offering beaches and a calm setting some 88 kilometers East from La Paloma. Still, La Paloma lovers say it is a classic that will never be “démodé” when it comes to beaches in Uruguay. General belief is, no matter which the trendiest place is, taking a trip to Uruguay or a trip in Uruguay for spending Summer vacations in Uruguay is something more and more people do every year, which means you will have a blast no matter which destination you choose.
In spite of some budget and infrastructure problems at a governmental level, private investment in the construction of new tourism-related enterprises is steadily growing. Accommodation options in Rocha are increasing, which is reflected in the number of hotels in Uruguay and hostels in Uruguay. The quantity, quality and diversity of these options is exceptional.
For the incipient Summer of 2011, the two main hotels opening in the La Paloma municipality are located in La Anaconda beach, an area full of woodlands.
A Uruguayan that spent most of his life as an expat in Australia, Andrés Gabarrín opened the Zen Hotel Apart Boutique, where the premise is that nothing should be a problem for the client. Willing to go that extra mile it takes to have fully satisfied customers, Gabarrín plans to go pick up those who don’t have their own transportation from the bus terminal, lend kayaks to those willing to try some adventure tourism in Uruguay and so on.
Thought for a full enjoyment of nature and total relax, Las Eduardas Apart Hotel was created with a particular structure: an axis of decks spreading from the street all the way to the beach, allowing spectacular sunset views from the rooms, thought for those colder evenings by the end of the Summer season.
Going further East, in La Serena beach –La Paloma- construction work has started in the 91 hectares thought to be the future La Serena Golf Club, a private neighborhood offering 180 lots of 2000 to 3000 square meters, at an average cost of USD 45.000, which will also include a golf course of nine holes.
In the opposite end of the municipality, Pueblo Barrancas is starting its second year in San Sebastián de La Pedrera. This project is quite special, as it is thought for eco-tourism. Amenities include an organic vegetable garden, tent-style constructions built over decks, baby-sitters, swimming pool, restaurant, wi-fi, room service, beach bar and DJ, but (purposely) exclude cable TV. The main attraction is of course staying in the “yurts” – the mentioned Mongol tents. Still, cute wooden cottages are also available for lodging more traditional guests while on their trip to Uruguay.
As for when to visit, bear in mind not all people doing tourism in Uruguay aims at this “slow life” as a way to spend their vacations. Especially during the first half of January, the beaches in Uruguay get crowded with young locals and tourists that live life in a different vibe. They party late at night and stay clubbing sometimes even until noon, making it very difficult for those who like to go to the beach early in the morning.
Still, changes are to be implemented this season in La Paloma. Music is now required to be turned off by 7 in the morning, so that the night clubs should end all parties by then. Also vehicles and food vending carts will not be allowed in the areas around the night clubs, aiming at reducing the after-parties. Cars will now be in the Harbor or in La Aguada beach only.
As for the dance clubs, only one will remain as such: Pogo. Former Arachanes night club will function as a mega-pub with live music from midnight and until 4 a.m. El Hornito, the third former venue, will now be a handcrafts market, also selling typical local food and drinks.
The La Paloma municipality is working on the agenda of events to give a professional flair to the activities in the Summer villages.
But which of all these beaches are best? In the La Paloma municipality, authorities give the following advice: go to the Solari beach if you are looking for a broad and open area. If you are spending your vacations in Uruguay with your family, including children, El Cabito is advised as it can be considered a natural swimming pool. In Costa Azul you will find more tides, wind and braveness. La Balconada is crowded with teenagers and youth, and it is very deep even on its shore. Families gather in Bahía Grande, while La Aguada is suitable for everyone.
As you can see, if you choose La Paloma as your destination for tourism in Uruguay, you will have lots of hotels in Uruguay to choose from and lots of beaches in Uruguay to visit, according to the weather and your mood. Are you ready for your trip to Uruguay? Book your flight to Uruguay and your hotel in Uruguay; pack your Summer clothes and a bottle of sunscreen. Then you will be all set to go!