Cabo Polonio - The ultimate South American getaway

Located on a sandy cape declared as a national park in 2012, Cabo Polonio was originally an escape for the ones fleeing the modern society in search for a more tranquil life.

Even though the primitive town is nowadays a popular vacation spot among locals and backpackers, Cabo Polonio has managed to conserve it's original feeling, partly thanks to the strict construction regulations which basically ban building of new houses in the area of the natural park.

The town mainly consist of primitive huts made out of stone or driftwood. Only roads to and in the village are sandy lanes leading to the beaches. There is no power lines or running water in the village.

The landmark of Capo Polonio is the lighthouse, still in use today. Under the last centuries dozens of ships and vessels have sunk in the rocky waters surrounding Cabo Polonio.


Under the lighthouse part of the rocky shoreline has been fenced to guarantee the existence of the largest sea lion and seal colony in Uruguay. The seals spend their days tanning on the smooth rock surfaces and fishing in the ocean.

The vast empty beaches offer great scenes for sunset spotters.