Cabo Polonio

A remote, off-grid village within a national park, reachable only by 4x4 across giant sand dunes, with no mains electricity. Visit for its sea lion colony, stunning starry nights, and utterly wild, unspoiled coastal wilderness.

Things to do

• Visit the sea lion colony — Watch hundreds of sea lions and fur seals gather on the rocks around the lighthouse point, one of South America's largest colonies.
• Climb the Cabo Polonio lighthouse — Ascend the historic 1881 lighthouse for sweeping views over the two beaches, the dunes, and the offshore rocky islets.
• Cross the sand dunes by 4x4 — Board an official park truck from the Route 10 entrance for the bumpy ride across giant shifting dunes to reach the village.
• Stargaze after dark — With no mains electricity or light pollution, the night sky here reveals the Milky Way and countless stars in extraordinary clarity.
• Walk the wild beaches — Stroll the untouched Playa Sur and Playa Norte, watching for whales in spring and collecting nothing but footprints.
• Hike to the dunes at sunset — Walk out onto the vast open dunes in the late afternoon to watch the light change over the ocean and grasslands.
• Spot right whales — Between July and October, southern right whales pass close to shore and can often be seen from the point or beaches.

Food to try

• Fresh grilled fish — Small local eateries serve the catch of the day, often brótola or corvina, simply grilled and eaten by candlelight.
• Chivito — Uruguay's famous loaded steak sandwich with ham, cheese, egg, and salad is a filling staple at the village's simple restaurants.
• Empanadas — Baked or fried pastries filled with meat, cheese, or seafood make an easy handheld meal between beach walks.
• Mate — Share the traditional herbal infusion sipped from a gourd through a metal straw, a constant social ritual across Uruguay.
• Dulce de leche desserts — Sample this caramelized milk spread in pancakes, cakes, or straight from the jar as a sweet Uruguayan treat.
• Torta frita — Simple fried dough eaten warm, a comforting rainy-day snack sold from small kitchens in the village.

Local customs & good to know

• Bring cash — There are no ATMs or reliable card payments in the village, so carry enough Uruguayan pesos for your whole stay.
• Expect off-grid living — Most posadas run on solar power, generators, or candles, so charge devices beforehand and pack a headlamp.
• Respect the national park — Cabo Polonio lies within a protected national park, so stay on paths, take your rubbish out, and never disturb the wildlife.
• Leave your car behind — Private vehicles cannot enter the village, so park at the Route 10 terminal and take the official dune trucks in.

Nearby

• Barra de Valizas (Eastern Wetlands & Border) — 8 km
• Aguas Dulces — 18 km
• La Pedrera — 36 km
• Punta del Diablo — 45 km