Barra de Valizas

Valizas sits behind a field of mobile dunes that are among the largest in South America, some of them rising well over twenty metres and shifting with the wind. The classic walk from here crosses the arroyo Valizas by rowing boat and then goes over the dunes to Cabo Polonio, about three hours on sand with no shade and no water. The village itself is small, alternative in character and largely built of wood.

What you actually see

• The dune field - mobile sand dunes among the largest on the continent.
• The Polonio walk - a three-hour crossing over the dunes to Cabo Polonio.
• The arroyo crossing - the stream crossed by rowing boat at the start of the walk.
• The wooden village - a low-built settlement behind the dunes.

When to go

December to February is the season for the village. The dune walk is best done early in the morning; midday sand temperatures are punishing. Wind can make the crossing very unpleasant.

Honest expectations

The dune walk has no shade, no water and no marked route; people have got into serious trouble on it. Sand reflects heat and burns feet through thin shoes. The village has almost no facilities outside summer.

Nearby

Cabo Polonio is south over the dunes, and Aguas Dulces is north.