Cabo Polonio, Remote coastal hamlet in Rocha Department, Uruguay
Cabo Polonio is a small settlement on a peninsula where sand dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean, with a lighthouse rising above the coastline. The hamlet spreads across sand and rocky outcrops with simple buildings and a small harbor for fishing boats.
The area took its name from a shipwreck of a vessel called Polonio that occurred near the cape during the 18th century. This incident shaped the region's identity and eventually led to the settlement's current name.
The community preserves traditional fishing practices that shape daily life here, with local fishermen depending on the sea as they have for generations.
Reaching the settlement requires specialized 4x4 vehicles that cross sand dunes, as paved roads do not connect it to the main highway. Travel is weather-dependent and should be planned with local conditions in mind.
The settlement operates without municipal electricity or running water, relying instead on solar panels, generators, and rainwater collection. This self-sufficient way of living makes it a place where nature shapes the daily rhythm.
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