Cidade Turismo
Uruguay

Before you go

Your trip to Cabo Polonio.

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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Cabo Polonio – Rocha Destination Costa de Rocha

How to get there

  • Aeropuerto Internacional de Punta del Este Capitán de Corbeta Carlos A. Curbelo (PDP) Maldonado · 176 km
  • Puerta del Polonio 7 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From Chuí/Chuy, follow Ruta 9 to Castillos and Ruta 10 to Puerta del Polonio, about 96 km. From La Paloma it's about 46 km via Ruta 10. There are buses from Montevideo that stop at the Puerta. From there, the crossing is made in the park vehicles, taking about 20 to 30 minutes, or on foot, about 7 km.

How many days

A full day is enough for the lighthouse, the sea lions and the beaches. Staying overnight in the village allows you to see the dark night sky. With two days, there's time left for the walk to Valizas or the trip to Monte de Ombúes.

When to go

From December to March the village has inns and restaurants open and more activity. Out of season it becomes very quiet and some businesses close. The sea lions are at the cape year-round, and southern right whales usually pass between July and October.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

The car only gets as far as Puerta del Polonio, where there is parking. Inside the village everything is done on foot, on the sand. Regional buses stop at the Puerta on Ruta 10 and make a car unnecessary.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Cabo Polonio
  1. Morning
    Crossing the dunes

    Leave the car at the Puerta del Polonio, at km 264.5 on Ruta 10, and enter the village in one of the park's authorized vehicles.

  2. Afternoon
    Lighthouse and sea lions

    Climb the lighthouse, if it is open, and watch the colony of sea lions on the cape's rocks from the coastal rocks.

  3. Late afternoon
    Playa de la Calavera

    Walk along the Calavera, north of the cape, with the dunes in the background, and check the time of the last return vehicle.

  4. Evening
    Dark sky or return

    If you sleep in the village, dine by candlelight or generator light and see the sky without public lighting. If not, return to La Paloma or Punta del Diablo.

2 days in Cabo Polonio

Day 1

  1. Morning
    Arrival through the Puerta

    Enter the village in the park vehicles and leave your luggage at the guesthouse.

  2. Afternoon
    Lighthouse

    Visit the lighthouse and the sea lions and walk along Playa Sur.

  3. Late afternoon
    Sunset at Playa Sur

    Enjoy the late afternoon at Playa Sur, which faces west.

  4. Evening
    Night without electric light

    Have dinner in the village and watch the dark sky and the lighthouse beam.

Day 2

  1. Morning
    Dune walk

    Walk along the Calavera and the dunes toward Valizas, with water and sun protection.

  2. Afternoon
    Monte de Ombúes

    Leave the village and take the guided tour to the Monte de Ombúes, with a boat ride along the Arroyo Valizas.

  3. Late afternoon
    Laguna de Castillos

    Watch the birds on the shore of the Laguna de Castillos at the end of the tour.

  4. Evening
    Continue your journey

    Continue on to Punta del Diablo or La Paloma via Ruta 10.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to enter Cabo Polonio?

Private cars are not allowed into the park. Leave it in the parking lot at the Puerta del Polonio, at km 264.5 on Ruta 10, and take one of the authorized vehicles that cross the dunes in about 20 to 30 minutes. It's also possible to enter on foot, about 7 km.

Does Cabo Polonio have electric power?

The village has no electrical grid or public lighting. Guesthouses and restaurants use generators or solar power. Bring a flashlight and a portable charger.

Can I bring a tent or a pet?

No. Bringing tents and pets into Parque Nacional Cabo Polonio is prohibited.

Is it worth staying overnight in Cabo Polonio?

For those who want to see the village without the day visitors and to enjoy the dark sky at night, yes. There are guesthouses and simple homes; book in advance in summer.

Can you see sea lions all year round?

Yes. The colony is on the cape's rocks at the foot of the lighthouse, and on the nearby islands throughout the year.

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