Cabo Polonio

Cabo Polonio is a remote coastal village and protected dune area on the Atlantic coast of Rocha Department, Uruguay, known for wide sand dunes, rocky headlands and a nearby sea lion colony.

Historically a small fishing and coastal settlement, Cabo Polonio has remained lightly developed and increasingly valued for conservation and nature-based tourism. Its isolation and protected status have helped preserve the local landscape and wildlife.

Situated on Uruguay’s Atlantic coast in Rocha Department, the cape lies within a protected coastal zone and is reached from the regional road network; it is in the sparsely populated eastern coastal region of the country.

• Access: Access to the settlement across the sand dunes is by park-authorized 4x4 vehicles or by walking from the park entrance; private cars are not permitted beyond the access point.
• Practical note: A small, remote village with limited services and deliberately low-impact tourism infrastructure, so bring essentials and respect protected-area rules.

What to See#

• Lighthouse: A lighthouse sits on the cape and is a prominent visual landmark for boats and from the village; it is a fixed point on visitor trails and viewpoints.
• Sea lion colony: Rocks and islets off the cape host a substantial colony of South American sea lions and seals that can be observed from shore and short boat trips.

Cabo Polonio is accessed from the village of Valizas in Rocha Department. Visitors typically drive to the park’s entrance near Faro Chico and take authorized 4x4 trucks across the dunes (official park transport runs seasonally). Private vehicles are not permitted on the dunes.

• Bring cash and carry bags - the park has no paved roads and vendors are limited.
• Plan accommodation in advance; only a handful of hostels and campsites operate near the reserve.
• Use the small footpaths to reach dunes and beaches; do not drive on the dunes to protect the fragile ecosystem.