La Paloma, Uruguay

La Paloma

A few months back I stumbled upon this article outlining the world's 20 best surf towns. I then made a promise I would visit every single one in South America while I was stationed here. Luckily, that meant just one!  La Paloma, Uruguay.

Our trip took us first to the lovely capital, Montevideo. We spent the day strolling the coastline then one night at the wine- themed hotel, My Suites. There I was introduced to a brand new grape called Tannat. How in the world had this red grape escaped me all these years! Needless to say, I am now a big fan of Uruguay's "national" grape. From Montevideo, we took the pleasent three-hour bus ride to the sleepy, little town of La Paloma.

Enjoying the coast in Montevideo

I LOVED La Paloma. I surfed for all of two seconds because the Atlantic Ocean is crazy cold this far south. So cold there was a dead penguin on the beach!  But the waves were great for beginners. And  home for our 5- night stay was the very comfortable, ocean-view Zen Boutique Apartment Hotel -directly on Anaconda Beach.

Anaconda Beach

There isn't much to do in La Paloma-- which is exactly what we wanted. We spent the days surfing, exploring the beaches, hiking and bike riding. There were three very good restaurants within biking distance of the hotel. But, absolutely no night life. It didn't matter. It was the perfect, quiet, beach get-away.

Biking and walking the beaches of La Paloma