Outings and excursions · Valizas / Aguas Dulces

From Valizas to Cabo Polonio on foot, across giant dunes

Photos: Casaseneleste / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

About two hours on foot along the beach and shifting dunes, with Cerro de la Buena Vista as a lookout.

Photo: Casaseneleste, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

One of Uruguay's most beautiful walks links the village of Barra de Valizas with Cabo Polonio. At a good pace it takes about two hours, along the beach and through a landscape of giant shifting dunes, among the most important in South America, constantly reshaped by the wind.

The route

Leaving Valizas, you must cross the Valizas stream where it meets the ocean: on foot when it is low, or by boat when it rises. Then the path winds between dunes up to 30 metres high. Cerro de la Buena Vista, 56 metres high, is the great lookout of the walk.

Tips

  • Set off early to avoid the strongest sun.
  • Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat: there is no shade and no services.
  • Check the stream before setting off and, if in doubt, take the boat crossing.
  • You can return on foot or on the authorised trucks from the Cabo Polonio terminal on Route 10.

Plan your trip

See alsoHotels and lodging in Valizas / Aguas Dulces

Outings in Valizas / Aguas Dulces

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