Cabo Polonio: Beaches, Lighthouse and Biodiversity
Accommodation in Cabo Polonio
If you are looking for a hotel in Cabo Polonio for your trip, you can start by getting your bearings from its coastline. Two beaches lie on opposite sides of a large rocky headland, where the Cabo Polonio Lighthouse stands. Playa de La Calavera is to the north, and Playa Sur is on the other side. These landmarks help distinguish the different routes and views around the town.
Two Beaches on a Rocky Headland
Cabo Polonio has two beaches: Playa de La Calavera and Playa Sur. Their positions on different sides of the headland give the coastline two distinct directions. The lighthouse stands on the rocky rise between them and serves as an easily recognizable reference point for describing the area. Using the beach names for orientation can help you distinguish the destinations of the routes from Playa Sur: the headland with the lighthouse is on one side, while a route continues to Playa de La Calavera.
Lighthouse, History and Views
The Cabo Polonio Lighthouse was declared a Historic Monument of Uruguay in 1976. In addition to its historical significance, it is a vantage point overlooking the small town and surrounding landscape. From there, you can see the large sea lion reserve, the Atlantic Ocean, the “Isla de Torres” archipelago, the dunes and the long stretch of beach surrounding Cabo Polonio. Here, a coastal panorama, islands and the sea lion reserve come together in one place.
You can hike to the lighthouse from Playa Sur. The view from there also takes in the small town and the Torre Islands. If you are interested in both a historic structure and a variety of landscapes when choosing your destination, the lighthouse brings these themes together with a clear view across Cabo Polonio.
Routes from Playa Sur
Playa Sur is the starting point for several routes described here, each with a different destination. From here, you can hike to the lighthouse. Another route leads to Playa de La Calavera. You can also walk along the sea to the southwest, in the direction of OceanĂa del Polonio. These options differ mainly in their destination and direction: the lighthouse, the second beach, or a coastal walk towards OceanĂa del Polonio. For your plans, it may help to decide first which of these places or routes you would like to focus on.
Getting There and Nature in the National Park
The 4x4 vehicles that take passengers to Cabo Polonio National Park enter and leave via Playa Sur. This beach is therefore the entry and exit point for the journeys described here. As transport arrangements may change, check the latest transfer information before your trip.
Biodiversity is also part of the national park’s character. Several species identified as priorities for SNAP live there, including the sapito de Darwin, the rana de cuatro ojos, the tortuga de canaleta and the banana do mato plant. Regionally and globally significant migratory species also occur there, including terns, the southern right whale and the green sea turtle. The natural landscape thus encompasses both the priority species living in the national park and the migratory species found there. Together with the beaches, dunes and views of the sea lion reserve, this offers a point of reference for travellers considering Cabo Polonio for its scenery and nature.
Discover more destinations: La Pedrera, Banado de la Angostura, Vuelta del Palmar, Aguas Dulces, Chuy, La Coronilla, La Esmeralda, Castillos
For the broader travel overview: Rocha.
