Punta del Diablo to La Paloma

A Day to Explore Punta del Diablo

After my first night camping in Punta del Diablo, I woke up early, prepared a simple breakfast, and set out to explore this charming seaside village. The day was dedicated to discovering its hidden corners and taking a bike ride to the nearby Parque Nacional Santa Teresa, a vast natural reserve.

Within the park, I visited several highlights, including the Invernáculo, a peaceful bird sanctuary, and other attractions scattered throughout the lush grounds. Along the way, I discovered smaller, serene beaches, perfect for taking a break and soaking in the beauty of the Uruguayan coast.

Back at the campground, I enjoyed some downtime in a hammock, reflecting on the slower pace of life this journey had afforded me. Later, while preparing dinner, I struck up a conversation with a fellow camper—a Uruguayan man in his 50s. He shared a deeply personal story: after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, he left his stressful life in Montevideo and moved to Punta del Diablo to find peace in his final years. Surprisingly, his health had stabilized, and he’d been living longer than anticipated.

True or not, his story resonated with me, prompting reflection on the fast-paced lifestyle many of us endure. In contrast, this cycling journey had granted me a rare sense of calm and clarity.

As the evening drew to a close, I headed to my tent to rest, ready to tackle the next leg of my journey—cycling toward La Paloma.

Cycling from Punta del Diablo to La Paloma

After waking up and having breakfast, I packed up the campsite and prepared for a long ride of approximately 120 km to my next destination, La Paloma.

Most of the journey was along Ruta 9, but I decided to take a turn onto Ruta 16 and follow Ruta 10, which offered better views of the Uruguayan coastline. Along the way, I passed through places like Costa de Oro, Pueblo Nuevo, and Punta Rubia, each with its own charm and unique scenery.

However, the most striking part of the ride was the stretch between Costa de Oro and Pueblo Nuevo. The road was completely deserted—no signs of civilization or any other travelers. It was a curious feeling of absolute solitude, both eerie and thought-provoking.

Arrival in La Paloma

With the southern winds picking up later in the afternoon, the distance became even more challenging, and I arrived in La Paloma just as the day was ending. I headed straight to the place where I would spend the night, preparing myself for the following morning.

A Special Sunrise

My goal was to wake up early to enjoy one of the highlights of the trip: watching the sunrise over La Paloma’s rocky beach. It was an incredible experience, with the horizon lighting up the ocean and rocks in a unique way, bringing peace and renewal after a long day of cycling.

Exploring La Paloma and Adjusting the Plans

The next day, I woke up around 5:00 a.m. and headed straight to the beach, even before breakfast. It was still dark when I arrived, allowing me to witness the full sunrise. The experience was magical—I captured several photos and videos of the moment, feeling truly connected to nature.

After the sunrise, I visited the La Paloma lighthouse, a charming and historic landmark, before stopping for breakfast.

During the afternoon, I explored more of the “town” on my bike. I visited the local market, where I bought my first Uruguayan alfajores, and spent time at a park, where I made a few four-legged friends—friendly stray dogs that seemed happy for the company.

Weather Warnings and Change of Plans

Later in the day, I started planning my ride to Punta del Este. However, local news reported an orange weather alert for the region, predicting heavy rain and strong winds. This prompted me to rethink my plans.

Originally, I had planned to camp in José Ignacio, but the approaching storm made me opt for a safer option. Instead, I booked an Airbnb for the night in La Paloma, ensuring I could rest comfortably before continuing the journey.

Next Stop: Punta del Este

With my plans adjusted, I looked forward to tackling the next stretch of the ride toward Punta del Este, prepared for whatever challenges the weather might bring.