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Lighthouse · Cabo Polonio, Rocha
Faro de Cabo Polonio
Stone lighthouse first lit in 1881 on the rocky tip of Cabo Polonio, a National Historic Monument. From the top, after 132 steps, you can see the village, the dunes, the Torres islands, and the colony of sea lions.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Faro de Cabo Polonio
The Cabo Polonio lighthouse was lit in 1881 on the rocky tip of the cape, on a coast known for shipwrecks. The cylindrical stone tower is 26 meters tall, with three white bands and a red-and-white striped dome. The white light flashes every 12 seconds, a rhythm that inspired the song "12 segundos de oscuridad" by Uruguayan Jorge Drexler.
The first lighthouse keeper was Pedro Grupillo. In the early days the lamps burned oil, and the keeper climbed the stairs from time to time to wind the mechanism that turned the light. The lighthouse is operated by the Armada Nacional and was declared a National Historic Monument in 1976.
Inside, 132 steps lead to the top. The view covers the village, the dunes, the two beaches that meet at the cape, and the Torres islands, a small archipelago made up of Isla Rasa, Isla Encantada and El Islote.
On the rocks at the foot of the lighthouse lives the Cabo Polonio colony of sea lions, the only point on the Uruguayan mainland where the South American fur seal (lobo-marinho-fino) forms a colony; the South American sea lion (león marino) also appears. The islands in front gather almost half of the populations of these two species in Uruguay. The animals can be observed from the shore at a short distance, without touching them.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours, including the climb and watching the sea lions.
Best time
The climb is open some days of the week and may close in bad weather: check before you go. The sea lions stay on the rocks year-round. Between July and October, southern right whales often pass in front of the cape.
How to get there
It is located on the tip of the cape, a few minutes' walk from the arrival point of the park vehicles on Playa Sur. Follow the sandy trail between the shacks to the rocky point.
Tip
Keep your distance from the sea lions and do not offer food: they are wild animals and can bite. Children under 8 years do not ascend the lighthouse. Bring cash in Uruguayan pesos.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Faro de Cabo Polonio
Can you climb the lighthouse at Cabo Polonio?
Yes, on set days and at scheduled times, which change with the season and the weather. There are 132 steps. Children under 8 years old are not allowed to go up. Check before you go.
Where are the sea lions?
On the rocks at the tip of the cape, at the foot of the lighthouse, and on the Torres islands offshore. It is possible to see them from the shore and from the top of the lighthouse.
Why is the lighthouse linked to Jorge Drexler's song?
The light flashes every 12 seconds. The song 12 segundos de oscuridad by Jorge Drexler was inspired by that interval.
When was the lighthouse built?
It was first lit in 1881 and declared a National Historic Monument in 1976.