The Cabo Polonio National Park is an extensive area with a great scenic beauty that still preserves typical characteristics of the Uruguayan Atlantic coast, and its original fishing villages.
It is located in the department of Rocha, 264 km from Montevideo.
It has three islands off its coast where there is an important reserve of sea lions.
Its lighthouse has been a reference for sailors and the entire east coast since 1881.
Both this place and the entire surrounding area is riddled with shipwrecks, which has earned it the label “hell for sailors”.
The place is completely different from any other point on the coast of the country, there is no electric light (which gives it a particular touch and allows you to appreciate the night sky at night) or running water, there are no streets but irregular paths that link the small and rudimentary houses.
Those who come to spend the summer here appreciate these characteristics of contact with nature.
The entry is made in all-terrain vehicles, but only those with authorisation from the Ministry of the Environment and other competent bodies.
Everything is on foot within Polonio, so you should be prepared to walk and explore the different landscapes such as endless deserted beaches, huge rocks with passages between them or very high dunes with impressive views.
It is a tour that can be done during the day, but if you have time, it is best to spend a night not only to enjoy the unique sky of the Cape, but also to have more time to take advantage of visiting the “Devil's Trident” with the Cerro of the Buena Vista and the Dunes that reach up to 30m high.
Playa Sur - One of the best beaches in Uruguay and the favourite of the resort.
We will visit its sands and rocks, with small places for swimming, diving, etc.
The Cape and its rocks - We will take a tour around the entire rocky point passing between the small houses and the passages between the large stones.
We will walk along the beach of the Lighthouse and the area where the sea lions are found.
If it is open, we will go up to the lighthouse to see the town from above, the islands and the sea lion reserve on them.
Playa La Calavera - It is the beach next to the town, where the activity of artisanal fishing is concentrated.
We will walk through it and its surroundings while we talk about its history.
The Town - The original town will be toured with its typical craft stalls, the trails and different sectors of the Cape.
If you wish, you can have lunch at one of the local restaurants or homemade food places.