Valizas to Cabo Polonio, Uruguay

On the Uruguayan coast, just west of the Brazilian border, lie many vast stretches of beautiful coastline, all in the department of Rocha. There are two beautiful villages definitely worth visiting called Valizas and Cabo Polonio and the walk along the beach between them is stunning.

Getting There

Valizas is a tranquil beach town located 170 miles east of Montevideo. There are daily departures from the bus station in Montevideo and many from other destinations in the Department of Rocha.

Cabo Polonio by “Sand Buggies” or by foot

Cabo Polonio is just west of Vallizas and can only be reached by “Sand Buggies” that take you through the sand dunes or by foot.

Leaving Valizas at around 3 pm, walk west along the beach towards Cabo Polonio. After walking for about half an hour you’ll see a hill off to your right covered with boulders. You’ll know what I’m talking about.

Walk up the sand dunes to the top of this hill and climb the boulders for a spectacular 360 view of Valizas to the east, Cabo Polonio to the west, the ocean to the south, and the endless sand dunes to the north.

Walk back down the other side of the hill and along the empty beach to Cabo Polonio as the sunsets. There is no wrong way to walk as long as you stay parallel to the ocean. You may even see some cows on the beach providing some great photo opportunities.

Depending on how fast you walk, it should take you anywhere from 2 to 4 hours.

Cabo Polonio hostels

When you arrive in Cabo Polonio there are a couple of hostels with flags that you’ll see immediately on your right. They are a little expensive but the options are limited and the people running the hostels are really friendly.

There is no camping allowed in Cabo Polonio and it can sometimes be difficult to find a place to stay, but you will almost certainly eventually find a place… just ask around.

Idyllic

There is limited electricity and most of the village is lit by candlelight when the sun goes down, including the restaurants and bars.

It is known by the Uruguayos to be a very spiritual place, with a lot of good energy.

Enjoy!