Nestled along the eastern coast of Uruguay, the rustic and enchanting village of Cabo Polonio provides a refreshing escape from the modern world. Famed for its laid-back ambiance, Cabo Polonio is known for its charming thatched huts, rustic farmhouses, and gorgeous natural landscapes. This tiny, virtually electricity-free hamlet serves as a sanctuary for those who wish to reconnect with nature, boasting the large sand dune systems, the magnificent Cabo Polonio Lighthouse, and the largest community of sea lions on the South American continent. Once a hidden gem, but now increasingly popular, Cabo Polonio presents a captivating combination of rugged coastal beauty, wildlife encounters and exceptional tranquility, offering travelers an offbeat and immersive experience.

3.5 /5

Based on our research

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Safety:Safe

Cabo Polonio boasts a tranquil, off-the-grid atmosphere that many solo female travelers can appreciate. Its remote nature means relatively low crime rates. However, like any place, exercising standard safety precautions is important. Remember to secure your belongings, avoid isolated areas at twilight hours and be aware of your surroundings.

Transport:Moderate

Cabo Polonio is a beautiful village, known for its simplicity and rustic charm. Driving your own vehicle into the village is not permitted, you must park outside and take a local 4x4 truck or walk. Walking can be challenging as the region is remote, and it often involves crossing sand dunes. Once in the village, getting around is easy because of its small size. However, with limited amenities and no street lighting, it can present certain challenges especially at night.

Things to do:Interesting

Cabo Polonio is a unique and off-the-beaten-path destination, perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. It is home to luscious sand dunes, a vibrant seal colony, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Uruguay. Here, you can enjoy long coastal walks, star-gazing due to the lack of light pollution, as well as surfing and swimming. However, the lack of modern amenities might make some activities less accessible, hence it does not get a perfect score.

Food:Average

Cabo Polonio offers an interesting variety of food choices - mostly local cuisine with a strong emphasis on seafood given its coastal location. Variety-wise, it may not be as expansive as other cities considering the town's small size and isolation. However, each dish is cooked with simplicity and authenticity, providing visitors a genuine experience of Uruguayan tastes and flavors. The downside is, if you're seeking international or more varied choices, you might find options somewhat limited.

Budget:Moderate

Cabo Polonio is moderately budget-friendly. The cost of food and accommodations is reasonably priced, but not incredibly cheap. The real expense is transportation as it's remote and requires a specific transport system to reach. However, the priceless experience of its unique, natural beauty and tranquility could balance that out.

Chile

Solo travel experience

Cabo Polonio is a unique place in the world. It's a highly isolated beach that lacks electricity, making internet access difficult, and it presents a real opportunity to disconnect from the pace of modern life. It's a beautiful place with the most stunning sunsets I've ever seen. It's very safe and also a great destination for solo travel because all the people are very friendly, and it's easy to make friends. I highly recommend visiting Uruguay, especially Cabo Polonio.

Posted: December 27, 2023

Things to do: 3/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5