Cabo Polonio Dunes – Natural Monument

Nature hikes

Nature tourism is a growing industry both in quantity and quality, in our country and abroad. Uruguay is home to many amazing places for ecotourism activities, and visiting them is part of our work at VIDA SILVESTRE.

For us, the nature hikes are an educational tool and a way to reach our conservation goals.

The nature hikes strive to:

•promote a better understanding of our country through increased contact with nature.

• explore the rugged sites of Uruguay, in order to get to know our natural and socio-cultural heritage and contribute to its conservation

• offer new and exciting experiences to our participants.

We believe that the more that people participate in our hikes, the more they will learn to value nature and become active advocates for its conservation

:. OUR DESTINATION

• Natural Monument Dunes of Cabo Polonio

As is typical for the department of Rocha, this dune system reaches up to 30 meters in height and extends across 40 square kilometres.
The shifting dunes of Cabo Polonio are one of the most interesting dunes in Uruguay and in the world. The system includes not only the dunes but also a group of islands located just off the coast of Cabo Polonio, called the Torres. These islands provide one of the most important sea lion habitats in the country and are also used by several marine bird species.

The hike takes us up Cerro Buena vista, to the beach Playa de la Calavera and to the Cabo Polonio itself. It is an excellent excursion for observing marine fauna.

This is a 2-day trip.

:. Additional Points

All schedules are subject to change.

Included: Transfer (return trip bus and local transportation at the end of the hike. Food (from breakfast on the first day until lunch on the last day)

Safety: A guide with Red Cross First Aid training  will accompany all excursions
Bring: Backpack and sleeping bag

Level of Difficulty: All hikes have an intermediate level of difficulty. Extreme fitness is not necessary but participants should be accustomed to moderate physical activity such as carrying a 10kg Backpack.
Basic Requirements: Complete a physical fitness form, be at least 18 years old. Depending on the specific hike the requirements may vary and the organization reserves the right to limit participation in the case that certain individuals could pose a risk to the safety of the group.
Important Note: Before each hike there will be an information meeting and presentation where we will explain the details of the excursion, difficulties we may encounter, go over what participants should, review bring conducts of behavior, get to know the guides etc.

Observations: Hikes are designed for groups of 8 to 10 people. The dates for each hike may be changed if a sufficiently large group of people is formed for an alternative date.

In case you are interested in alternative destinations or visits of longer duration please speak directly with the organization.

The fee for each hike is paid in advance; in case of non-attendance you will be reimbursed 50%.