Rocha

Rocha is a department in the east of Uruguay, where the country meets both Brazil and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a region of long coastline, calm lagoons and open countryside, and it draws visitors who want to slow down and spend time outdoors.

What the department offers

• Beaches along the Atlantic coast, a natural setting for a relaxed day by the sea.
• Lagoons that give the landscape a quieter, more sheltered character away from the surf.
• The city of Rocha, the department's namesake, which holds a historic fortress and an older town centre.

Planning a visit

Rocha suits travellers who enjoy a mix of coast and countryside rather than a packed itinerary. The fortress city gives a short stop of historical interest, while the beaches and lagoons invite longer, unhurried time. Its position on the Brazilian border also makes it a natural point to pass through when travelling between the two countries.

Because the region is spread out, it helps to plan transport in advance and to allow time to move between the coast, the lagoons and the town. A visit works well as a few days of easy exploring, with room to decide each day how much to see.