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Lagoon · La Paloma, Rocha
Laguna de Rocha
Shallow coastal lagoon separated from the sea by a sandbar, a protected area with more than 220 bird species, black-necked swans and flamingos, a few kilometers from La Paloma.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Laguna de Rocha
The Laguna de Rocha is a shallow coastal lagoon separated from the ocean by a narrow strip of sand. It has about 72 km² of water surface and an average depth of just over half a meter. From time to time the sandbar opens, driven by the force of accumulated water and the sea, and saltwater enters the lagoon.
This mixing of waters makes the lagoon one of the richest bird sites in Uruguay. More than 220 species live there or pass through, some coming from Alaska or the Falklands. The population of black-necked swans is among the largest in the world, and it is one of the few places in the country with flamingos. In the surrounding fields you can find ñandúes, capybaras and otters.
The area is part of the National System of Protected Areas as a Paisaje Protegido, covering about 22,000 hectares, and has been a Ramsar site since 2015. In the sandbar area a community of artisanal fishermen of shrimp, crab and fish has lived for decades; shrimp season begins at the end of summer.
From the intersection of Routes 10 and 15, in Rincón de la Laguna, departs the self-guided Barra de la Laguna trail, 2.8 km long, with a bird observatory and information panels. It ends at the dunes, from where southern right whales are often seen between July and October. The first section is wheelchair-accessible.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one hour for the Barra de la Laguna trail; half a day for relaxed birdwatching.
Best time
Spring and autumn are usually good times for migratory birds. For whales, the season runs from July to October. Early morning and late afternoon have better light and more bird activity.
How to get there
From the intersection of Routes 10 and 15, near La Paloma, follow west to Rincón de la Laguna, where the trail starts. Another access is via Route 9 at km 204, then 6 km south along the La Riviera road toward Puerto de los Botes.
Tip
Bring binoculars and footwear that can get wet. Walk carefully: some nests are on the ground and are hard to see. There are no lifeguards on the lagoon beach, and off-road vehicles and motorized sports are prohibited.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Laguna de Rocha
What can you see at Laguna de Rocha?
Birds above all: there are more than 220 species, including black-necked swans, flamingos, herons and migratory birds. Capybaras, otters and ñandúes also appear in the fields.
What is the Barra de la Laguna trail like?
It's a 2.8 km self-guided trail that takes about an hour, with a bird observatory and panels about the sandbar. It ends at the dunes, facing the sea.
How far is it from La Paloma?
The trailhead is near the intersection of Routes 10 and 15, a few kilometers west of La Paloma.
Can you see whales from Laguna de Rocha?
From the dunes at the end of the trail, southern right whales are often spotted between July and October, but their presence varies.