Cabo Polonio and Valizas are two hidden gems that are not to be missed if you are visiting Uruguay. As an ocean lover I would even dare to suggest you to skip the rest of the country and go directly to the unspoiled and wild Atlantic coast. Known for their pristine landscapes, serene beaches, and remote charm, these destinations offer an unparalleled experience for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. A week in Cabo Polonio and Valizas allows you to immerse yourself in some of Uruguay’s most stunning natural environments. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make the most of your week-long adventure base on my personal experience.
The most important info: how to get there and the payments
First of all you have to remember that Cabo Polonio is a remote national park and doesn’t have direct road access. Second: most of the places do not accept credit cards or any other electronic payments so make sure to have Uruguayan Pesos or US dollars with you.
Transportation:
The best way of reaching Cabo Polonio and Valizas is by a public transport. Rutas Del Sol from Tres Cruces Terminal in Montevideo has a convenient bus service to Barra de Valizas. You can buy the ticket directly to Cabo Polonio and once you are off the bus at the entrance, you hop onto a 4X4 truck. If you are heading to Valizas, you simply get off the bus at the final stop.
4×4 Bus Service The 4×4 bus service to Cabo Polonio is essential due to the park’s inaccessibility by regular vehicles. Tickets should be purchased in advance if possible directly on the website of Turismo Rocha. In alternative, you can walk. You can also stay in Valizas and walk along the beach to Cabo (2-3 hours depending on how often you stop to enjoy the incredible landscape)
Renting a car provides you more flexibility but I find it totally inconvenient as you will have to leave your car in Valizas or at the park entrance as no private vehicles are allowed in Cabo Polonio.
Accommodation:
You can stay either in Cabo Polonio or in Valizas. As written before, it’s a nice walk from Valizas to Cabo. Valizas is more quiet and less crowded than Cabo but the vibe in Cabo is really special. In both places you can count on a working wifi connection if you have some light work to do.
Book your accommodation in advance if you are traveling during peak tourist seasons which runs from December to March (summer). If you are coming here at the end of March, you can arrive without and reservation, and definitely find a nice place to stay. Options within the park are limited. Most of them are hostels and posadas but if you would like a quiet house just for yourself, you can find that too. In addition to the usual booking and airbnb websites, check the local portal which offers different options for accommodation. Portal Del Cabo
Exploring Cabo Polonio
Once you are on the bus from Montevideo heading towards Cabo Polonio and Valizas, you will notice that the landscape is very green, dotted with cows and hardly any settlements along the way. This pristine remote area really offers a peaceful and relaxing environment. The sand beaches and crystal clear waters are simply perfect to enjoy snorkeling and long walks. If you are lucky you could even surf!
If you think that relaxing on the beach and surfing is not enough, you can head to visit the iconic Lighthouse (one of the oldest in Uruguay) and try to spot some wildlife. In fact Cabo Polonio is home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in South America. Go by yourself or ask for a guided tour to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. The park also features a diverse range of bird species.
You cannot leave this area without a long hike between forests and the sand dunes. The trails offers incredibly scenic views. The trails are well-marked and provide opportunities to immerse yourself in the park’s unique flora and fauna.
It’s also worth just to relax in Cabo Polonio itself. This lovely little beach town has tons of character and flair and the vibe is really cool.
Exploring Valizas
Valizas is known for its laid-back beach atmosphere. Not as famous as Cabo Polonio it is less crowded. There was literally nobody at the end of March. Imagine long, sand, empty beaches just for yourself.
The sand dunes between Valizas and Cabo Polonio are simply stunning. You can hike or simply wander through the dunes, enjoying the unique terrain and panoramic vistas. If you follow the coast you will arrive to Cabo Polonio. It took me 3 hours and it was one of the most beautiful marine walks in my life. If you are lucky you can spot some wild life or the cows.
If you are a lover of bird watching, you should visit the nearby Laguna de Valizas, a serene lagoon that provides great opportunities for spotting different species of wild birds. Moreover, the lagoon is a great spot for a quiet afternoon, with its calm waters and natural beauty.
Obviously you have endless possibilities of kayaking or paddleboarding. The calm waters of the lagoon and the beach provide ideal conditions for these activities, allowing you to enjoy the natural surroundings from a different perspective.
It’s also worth to visit the local market in Valizas. You will find there all sorts of products: from food to handmade crafts. All in all it’s a nice place and a great way to support the local artisans.
Some people decide not to travel to this remote piece of Uruguay thinking it is too complicated to arrive here. In reality it’s not. It takes a little over 5 hours from Montevideo and it is really worth it. I personally think that the pristine beaches and the relaxed atmosphere are simply perfect for a relaxing holiday. Those who love the wild beaches will enjoy this place. The accommodations are basic but they have all you need for a nice beach stay. It’s great to come here either if you are a young traveler, a retired adventurer or a family with little or young kids. The laid back atmosphere, great beaches and super polite and helpful locals will make your journey great.
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