IL Postcard

Uruguay’s Most Beautiful Beaches

Date: 05/04/2008

Monday, May 5, 2008
La Paloma, Uruguay

Learn more about the best beaches in the world in International Living Postcards—your daily escape

Driving northeast from Punta del Este toward Brazil, I encountered what I believe to be Uruguay’s most beautiful beaches. The sand is fine and bright white, the water deep blue, and mile after mile is undeveloped and virtually deserted. The area feels much more remote than it really is, located not far from a modern highway and still within three hours of the international airport in Montevideo.

This stretch of coast is home to a few small resort towns—such as La Paloma and La Pedrera—each with its own distinct character, clientele, and real estate market. These small resorts had bargain-basement prices just a couple of years ago, but today the mainstream buyers are catching on quickly, as they work their way up the coast in search of inexpensive properties.

The village of La Paloma was originally known for its famous lighthouse built in 1874 and the beautiful Atlantic beaches. Today, its tourist infrastructure, restaurants, and relatively low property prices draw visitors from Argentina, Brazil, and even North America.

What’s more, a number of international developers are now beginning projects in the La Paloma area, planning to satisfy the demand of a growing number of buyers. This is a sure sign that the area is set to boom.

One such developer is Carl Wescott, who is almost ready to begin selling properties at Laguna Tranquila, just outside of La Paloma. The site adjoins a 22,000-acre wildlife and nature preserve, including a large lake with an active local fishery. All of the large lots have lake views, and a few have ocean views, as well. Both building lots and completed homes will be offered. Interestingly, 20 homes here are planned to be fractionals, which will entitle buyers to the use of properties in his other projects around the world. I’ve been a fan of Carl’s well-backed and well-run projects for years, and look forward to seeing this offering.

Another quality project is Tajamares de La Pedrera, which is about 2.5 miles outside the town of La Pedrera. The property is almost 200 acres—on the ocean—94 of which are reserved for green space. The large 1.25-acre lots start at $25,000 (they cost $5 to $6 per square meter), and all have an ocean view…some even border the project’s private lake. Contact quara@adinet.com.uy for more information. As of today, 28 (of 80) lots are sold, and six houses have been built.

The prices of single homes in the area have been on the rise, but are still quite reasonable.

Just northeast of La Paloma, in the village of Costa Azul, we found a large five-bedroom house with a great view of the ocean. It has four baths and a large wraparound terrace and is about 30 yards from the beach, and the asking price is $135,000. The house comes furnished. Contact Inmobiliaria Puntorío for more details.

The most exciting find in the area was in La Paloma itself, near the landmark lighthouse. Anyone who has driven to La Paloma has probably noticed this house at the foot of the main avenue, with its unobstructed view of the ocean and lighthouse. It has four bedrooms and two baths, and comes with a guest house of one bedroom and one bath (which also enjoys the same view). The asking price is $190,000, and the house is also available from Inmobiliaria Puntorío.

A small, two-bedroom house directly on the water in La Paloma will start at about $130,000.

I’ve been amazed by the gains in the property market in Uruguay during these last three years, especially in the prime coastal areas.

But the reason I find La Paloma and the surrounding area particularly attractive is that it’s among the last places on the coast where you can find international resort properties at reasonable prices. For those who want to invest in the Uruguayan coast but are looking for a relatively low entry point, the La Paloma area is one that you don’t want to miss.

Lee Harrison
Roving Latin America Editor, International Living

Editor’s note: As you already know, Lee Harrison is traveling around Uruguay in search of the best property bargains in the country. Keep an eye out for his latest articles in International Living magazine. He is also going to be speaking at the Ultimate Event in Mexico next month, so feel free to ask him any questions about his latest finds if you are attending the event.

Read related articles:

- A Seaside Apartment for $75,000 in This Friendly Beach Town

- Where to Find Colonial Homes for $80,000

- Your Own Waterfront Home in Uruguay for $32,000