Things to do & places to visit in Rocha Department, Uruguay

Rocha Department #4 destination in Uruguay 2023. The average rating score is 4.39 based on 6.443 traveler reviews, of 69 attractions. Timezone: America/Montevideo, current date and time: Saturday, May 11, 2024, 11:40.

Top things to do (26)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Cabalgatas Valiceras (141 reviews)
- Amazing horseback riding
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Horseback Riding Tours

Cabalgatas Valiceras is a family business of Active Tourism. Our services focus on guided horseback riding, based on Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Best Practices. Our project was born in 2004; the support and recognition from our clients towards our services make us, to date, the leading company offering horseback riding services in Rocha. Our rides are conducted by local guides specialized in nature and history of the area, as well as the art of horseback riding. Our GOAL: Turn your ride into an unforgettable and safe experience, since we know what your well deserved vacation means! While also respecting the natural environment surrounding us, flora, fauna and local culture, as well as our traveling companions that have been part of our family for a long time...our horses! For these adventures, you don't have to be a professional rider, we will give you all the necessary tools, as well as selecting the right horse for you. We will be willing to optimize your riding level. In short, we are young people with extensive experience, combining the coasts of Rocha with the equestrian life. WE PROPOSE: Living the best horseback rides! Well maintained horses and selected for each rider. Horseback riding for all levels. Ideal for family or group of friends. Cheer up with this adventure! We take care of your safety. History, Nature and Local Culture. The best specialized local guides. Great horses and the most comfortable saddles. TO UNDERSTAND IT, YOU HAVE TO LIVE IT! See more..
5.0 Eco Equus Cabalgatas (73 reviews)
- Eco Equus Horse Trek
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Sightseeing Tours • Horseback Riding Tours

I had a blast! Such a beautiful trek with forestry, pastures filled with cows, calfs and lamb, and of course the beach is one of a kind. I saw vibrant green parakeets in the bush, Darwin frogs native to Uruguay, and an ocean full of waves with a perfect view of Cabo Polonio. The wildlife is amazing! Very rural and peaceful. Just your group and nature. I recommend to go around sunset. You will not regret it. Sofia is a beautiful person and a great guide. Very knowledgable and accommodating to all experience levels. Her horses are experienced and easy to ride for beginners like me as well as professional riders. Safety gear, like helmets, are provided if the rider is interested but not mandatory. If you are looking to ride a horse in Uruguay, Eco Equus is the place to do it. See more..
5.0 Caballos De Luz (56 reviews)
- Best way to see Sierras de Rocha!!!
Horseback Riding Tours

We live in the beautiful Sierras of Rocha, easily accessible and close to the beach, yet well off the beaten path. Our passion are horses, so mostly we offer stays based on long horse back rides for experienced riders, or gentle introductions to the world of horses for beginners. However, we also offer our amenities to anyone who just enjoys being off the tourist paths for a few days, who likes to enjoy peace and quiet and beautiful nature and hearty vegetarian cuisine. We are part of an ecological, organic, artistic comunity,so there is wild honey, organic milk and cheese, and plenty of live music. See more..
5.0 Senderos Tours (31 reviews)
- Tour of Chafalote Queseria, Ombues, and Santa Teresa
City Tours • Cultural Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

Wonderful tour! The private tour of the Ombues forest was amazing. Like going back to prehistoric times. Santa Teresa gardens were stunning and then a speculator sunset over Laguna Negra. Highly recommend Nacho and his tours. Very knowledgeable. See more..
5.0 BiciUruguay (14 reviews)
- Perfect day bike rental
Spent More than 3 hours Gear Rentals

BiciUruguay brought three beach cruisers in great condition (brakes and gears worked perfectly) right to our cabin in Punta del Diablo. Oscar was also very friendly and instructed us on how to take a backroad into Parque Nacional Sabra Teresa. Best to contact them on WhatsApp, not internet. Great experience renting bikes for the day!!! See more..
5.0 La Pedrera Surfing School (9 reviews)
- Fantastic surfing teachers
Surfing & Windsurfing

We were five beginning surfers. Francisco and Eduardo provided all transportation from our hotel, all equipment (wetsuits and boards), took us to a location consonant with our (lack of) ability, and got us to catch some waves. We began on the beach with some limbering-up exercises and instruction, and then they accompanied us, taking turns with each of us as needed, and always with the greatest patience and enthusiasm. You can't do better! We also thought it was very economical for the 3 hours or so they spent with us. See more..
4.5 Lighthouse of Cabo Polonio (599 reviews)
- Worth it for the views !! Best attraction in Cabo Polonio
Spent < 1 hour Lighthouses

We decided to go in the morning at 10 AM when the light house opened as the evening before it was very hazy and several people in line. The following morning however, we were the only ones and could take in the views peacefully. It costs about 30 UYU if i remember correctly, per person and you climb to the top. Even though it wasn't a sunny day, the views are surely worth it. With the small white houses dotted along the coastline on one side and the colorful streets on the other. Not to miss a clear view of the seal colony as well from above. Overall this was my favourite attraction in Cabo Polonio and offers the best views. See more..
4.5 Fortaleza de Santa Teresa (545 reviews)
- Excellent military museum and fortress, needs better explanations.
Historic Sites

Military Building Made In 1762 By The Portuguese. See more..
4.5 Playa de Punta del Diablo (446 reviews)
- great
Beaches

A beautiful beach with lots of Uruguayan culture to explore, delicious cuisine and good prices. Great location, with time you can also visit Cabo Polonio, La Palome and the Fort of Santa Tereza. Everything is too beautiful! See more..
4.5 Beaches at Cabo Polonio (437 reviews)
- Beautiful peaceful beach town
Beaches

This is a point of land that has beautiful beaches and a small hippie comunity. There is now a new visitor center at km 264 1/2 on Ruta 10 where you buy tickets to ride trucks over the dunes to get to the beaches. No vehicles can drive out there other than these authorized trucks. Great unspoiled destination. See more..
4.5 La Pedrera (432 reviews)
- Best Beaches in Uruguay
Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

Uruguay has around 340km of beatuful beaches. But 240km east from its capital Montevideo, there is small beautiful jewel called La Pedrera. With about some 100´s year round habitants and more than 10.000 in summer, (Dec to Feb) you could experience a total relaxed holiday if you hate crowds, or a highly partying place if your call is nightlife. The town is divided in two by a rock hill from where you can experience one of the most beatuiful ocean views of the country, great sunsets, or just relax drinking some Mate (national herbal tea). La Pedrera´s hippie night vibe has some great food and drink pubs where you can relax and enjoy some good music or have som awsome drinks with friends before going to the partyes in the neightbour town "La paloma", where the night starts at 3am and ends at 9 or 11am. Being one´s of Uruguay surfing best spots, La pedera enjoys of awsome beaches with very nice weather from Decmber to Mid/End april, and best waves in March and april. See more..
4.5 Playa de la Viuda (322 reviews)
- Clean beach with soft, fine white sand
Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

No trash laying about, sand was white and didn't get hot, despite the glaring sun. It was quiet, even though there were plenty of people there, but certainly not crowded. Separated from the roads by dunes, so it feels private. See more..
4.5 Santa Teresa National Park (317 reviews)
- A must do short bike ride from Punta del Diablo!
National Parks

Incredible bush next to the sea. See more..
4.5 Fortaleza Santa Teresa (219 reviews)
- Great view and interesting history about Uruguay
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Fortaleza is beautifull. They really take care of it and it shows the interesting history of Uruguay. The view is great, you can see so far! See more..
4.5 Fuerte de San Miguel (133 reviews)
- Muito interessante!
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Um pouco menor que o de Santa Teresa, mas muito bonito e agradável. Fica bem perto dos freeshops, vale uma visita! See more..
4.5 Playa Grande (121 reviews)
- Favorite beach near Punta del Diablo
Beaches

It’s best to have a car to get here. It’s about 25 mins from Punta del Diablo by so worth it! There is free parking close to the beach and when you walk towards the water, go to the left for the quieter side. It’s a long and wide beach so many places to setup for the day. There are no lifeguards. Gorgeous shells can be found here too! See more..
4.5 Playa Los Botes (105 reviews)
- the perfect wave
Spent < 1 hour Beaches

if you want a great salt water beach, peace and privacy, some of the best waves of the region this beach has it all. Go and enjoy. You wont regret See more..
4.5 Parque Nacional de Cabo Polonio (104 reviews)
- Definitely worth the visit
National Parks • Beaches

Beautiful place to visit and spend the day or even some days there at the beach (there are houses to rent and hostels as well). You may park the car at the entrance of the park (150 pesos). Private cars are restricted. Then you buy the ticket to go with the 4x4 trucks (250 pesos). At the reception there is a little cafe, bathrooms and an ATM (be prepared with cash because almost all restaurants and stores don't accept card). Then it's just enjoy the ride to the beach. The truck will leave you at the entrance of the village. You can walk and see the artcraft, restaurants and bars, have a walk on the beach and take a little hike to the lighthouse (you can go inside for a fee that I don't remember how much because I didn't go rsrs). Between months of November and January there are a lot of sea wolves and seals!!! It's really nice!!! You can get a little closer to them. The beaches are also gorgeous and you can stay where most people are or walk a few miles and be all alone. See more..
4.5 Médanos de la Barra de Valizas (81 reviews)
- beautiful
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Geologic Formations

A beautiful place to visit! You will amazed by the beauty of nature. Incredible untouched sand. Great view. See more..
4.5 Playa La Moza (59 reviews)
- Beautiful Beach For A Hot Summer Cool Down!
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

Visited the Playa La Moza in January when it was really hot. Loved the water! Waves were not too rough. Probably on of the best beaches in the whole of Uruguay. Would definitely recommend visiting if one is in the area/touring Fort Santa Teresa See more..
4.5 Monte de Ombues (51 reviews)
- Amazing & magical !
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Wonderful excursion, first on a small boat on the Valizas river and then walking in the 'ombúes' forest. The landscape of the river and the Catillos lagoon is magnificent. The 'ombúes' forest is fascinating and the guide know tons of information about the ombúes trees, the forest and its management for which he is responsible, the river, the lagoon, the flora and fauna. During the whole excursion many birds and other fauna can be observed. The guide and his family are very welcoming. I definitely recommend this visit to anyone: families, solos, couples, groups, etc. The excursion costs Ur$450 and leaves several times a day. Out of season it is best to confirm beforehand by calling the guide. See more..
4.5 Playa de la Calavera (48 reviews)
- Amazing
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

For me, this is the most beautiful beach at Cabo Polonio. Usually not too crowded and there are a few places to have a drink and get a little shade. Besides it is close to the lighthouse and the sea lions. Only for sunset you should rather go to Playa Sur. See more..
4.5 Playa del Barco (45 reviews)
- Punta del diablo
Bodies of Water • Beaches

Más que agradable lugar muy disfrutable las personas a hotelería siempre atento y la playa súper linda siempre vuelvo mi lugar fabovito !!!! See more..
4.5 Playa Punta Rubia (37 reviews)
- Beautiful!
Beaches

Punta Rubia is a calm beach, no crowds, where you feel detached from reality. The ocean isn't friendly most of the time, but it's a safe, beautiful place to spend your vacation. La Pedrera is right next door, with plenty of lovely restaurants and shops. See more..
4.5 Playa Grande (36 reviews)
- All beachs in one.
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

4km of beach, the most quiet and clear to the west, and the bravest to the east. All the people have a place in there. See more..
4.5 Las Achiras Beach (36 reviews)
- Playa muy limpia y tranquila
Beaches

Otra de las opciones desde el parque de Santa Teresa, y tercera en tamaño tras Playa Grande y Playa del barco. Como todas las disponibles en este parque, destaca la paz y la limpieza, son inmaculadas. Uno consigue relajarse. See more..
4.5 Cerro de la Buena Vista (28 reviews)
- Una vista panorámica increíble
Lookouts

Vale la pena recorrer los más de 3 km entre las dunas para llegar hasta allí. La vista es mágica e impresionante!! Recomendable!! See more..
4.5 Laguna de Rocha (23 reviews)
- Fantastic scenery and high quality service birdlife.
Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water

I think UNESCO got it right. The access road is good. The views across the mud flats at low tide, and the shallows at all times produce waders, swans and flamingos. The raptors are present in quantity and variety. At the time of our visit to the site there were butterflies and strange insects to see too. The sunset was spectacular. If you visit out high summer and wish to stay for the day you will need to take food and drink as the cafe/restaurant run by the local fistherman’s village women appears to only operate in January and February. The is a loo there there. See more..
4.5 Parque Nacional y Reserva de Fauna y Flora El Potrerillo de Santa Teresa (15 reviews)
- Muy bonito él parque, muy bien ubicado.
National Parks

Me gusta mucho el parque de sant Martín.Hay mucha sombra.Esta cerca de la plaza de Sant Martín y del carrefour. See more..
4.5 Cerro Verde e Islas de la Coronilla (14 reviews)
- Caminata hasta Cerro Verde
Beaches • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Dejamos el auto en el puente colgante sobre el canal Andreoi y caminamos por la playa 5 km aprox. Playas desiertas. Más en esta época, llegamos al cerro verde, reserva natural, donde hay una vista espectacular a un lado hacia Santa Teresa y al otro hacia la coronilla. Baño de mar alucinante. See more..