Aguas Dulces

A tiny, tranquil fishing village with rustic stilt houses along a wide sandy beach. Visit for its authentic, unhurried atmosphere and as a peaceful base near Cabo Polonio.

Things to do

• Walk the wide sandy beach — Stroll the long, uncrowded shoreline lined with rustic stilt houses that give Aguas Dulces its distinctive character.
• Watch the fishing boats come in — See local fishermen haul their catch onto the beach, a daily ritual central to village life.
• Day trip to Cabo Polonio — Take the 4x4 truck across the dunes from nearby Route 10 to the off-grid lighthouse village and sea lion colony.
• Explore the dunes and coastline — Wander the shifting sand dunes and rocky points that frame this stretch of the Rocha coast.
• Sunrise over the Atlantic — Being east-facing, the beach offers spectacular sunrises straight over the ocean.
• Surf and swim in open Atlantic waves — The open beach break draws swimmers and surfers seeking uncrowded waters.
• Visit Barra de Valizas nearby — Head north along the coast to the bohemian village of Valizas with its estuary and towering dunes.

Food to try

• Fresh grilled corvina — Locally caught black drum fish grilled simply and served at village comedores straight from the day's catch.
• Chupín de pescado — A hearty Uruguayan-style fish stew with tomato, potatoes and peppers, common along the Rocha coast.
• Empanadas de mariscos — Baked or fried turnovers stuffed with local shellfish and fish, a classic beach snack.
• Asado — The traditional wood-fired barbecue of beef and sausages that anchors any Uruguayan meal.
• Mate — Share the ubiquitous herbal tea sipped from a gourd, a constant companion for locals on the beach.

Local customs & good to know

• Come prepared and self-sufficient — Services are limited and seasonal, so bring cash and supplies as many shops and eateries close outside summer.
• Respect the unhurried rhythm — Life here moves slowly around the fishing and the tides, so embrace the tranquility rather than expecting nightlife.
• Peak season is January — The village fills mainly during the Uruguayan summer holidays, while the rest of the year it stays very quiet.
• Mind the fragile dunes — Stick to paths to protect the coastal dunes and vegetation that shelter the village.

Nearby

• Barra de Valizas (Eastern Wetlands & Border) — 14 km
• Cabo Polonio — 18 km
• Punta del Diablo — 27 km
• Fortaleza de Santa Teresa (Eastern Wetlands & Border) — 34 km