Laguna de Rocha

A protected coastal lagoon and wetland reserve teeming with flamingos, black-necked swans and abundant birdlife. Visit for wildlife watching, tranquil landscapes, and its rich estuarine ecosystem where the lagoon meets the sea.

Things to do

• Birdwatching at the lagoon shores — Spot flamingos, black-necked swans, and hundreds of migratory bird species across the wetland reserve.
• Visit the sandbar where lagoon meets sea — Walk to the barra where the lagoon periodically opens to the Atlantic, a dynamic estuarine spot rich with birdlife.
• Guided nature walk with local rangers — Join interpretive trails run by the SNAP protected area team to learn about the estuarine ecosystem.
• Photography of flamingo flocks — Capture the pink flamingos wading in shallow waters, especially striking at dawn and dusk.
• Kayaking on the calm lagoon waters — Paddle the tranquil shallow waters for close encounters with waterfowl and reed beds.
• Sunset over the wetlands — Watch the sun set across the vast open landscape where sky, water, and grasslands meet.
• Visit the artisanal fishing community — See traditional small-scale fishers who work the lagoon's shrimp and fish stocks.

Food to try

• Camarón de Rocha (Rocha shrimp) — The lagoon is famed for its estuarine shrimp, harvested by local fishers and served fresh in season.
• Pescado a la parrilla — Grilled local fish such as corvina or brótola, prepared simply over open coals.
• Chivito — Uruguay's iconic steak sandwich piled with ham, cheese, egg, and salad, found in nearby towns.
• Torta frita — Fried dough pastries enjoyed with mate, especially popular on rainy or cool days.
• Dulce de leche desserts — Try alfajores and pastries filled with Uruguay's beloved caramelized milk spread.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the protected reserve rules — Laguna de Rocha is a SNAP national protected area, so stay on trails and keep distance from nesting birds.
• Bring your own supplies — Facilities are minimal, so carry water, sunscreen, and binoculars as the area is remote and open.
• Share mate like a local — Uruguayans drink mate constantly; being offered a gourd is a friendly gesture of hospitality.
• Support local fishers — Buying shrimp or fish directly from the artisanal community helps sustain traditional livelihoods.

Nearby

• La Paloma — 8 km
• La Pedrera — 16 km
• José Ignacio — 41 km
• Cabo Polonio — 51 km