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Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, is a beautiful little city on the Rio de la Plata, only a brief boat journey from Buenos Aires. There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Colonia del Sacramento, and it’s wild which you can take pleasure in a straightforward day journey to a completely new nation!
In case you’d like to flee the loud, loopy environment of the massive metropolis, Colonia del Sacramento will chill out you instantly. With its beautiful historic middle, a UNESCO World Heritage Website, you’ll wish to {photograph} every thing in sight.
I initially meant to go to Colonia del Sacramento on my first journey to Buenos Aires, again in 2008 — however for numerous causes, it didn’t occur. Now returning to Buenos Aires with my husband, Charlie, as a part of our South American honeymoon, we have been decided to go to this time.
And what a gem of a city Colonia is.
Based by the Portuguese in 1680, Colonia del Sacramento modified fingers between the Portuguese and the Spanish over the course of a number of hundred years. Because of its strategic place on the Rio de la Plata throughout from Buenos Aires, it was an essential stronghold that each the Portuguese and the Spanish needed to regulate.
Now a preferred vacationer vacation spot, the city retains its colonial vestiges. Colonial del Sacramento is filled with historic structure, cobblestone streets lined with tall bushes, cute cafes, and distinctive museums.
And regardless that our December day was sizzling, humid, and grey, with a couple of rain storms thrown in, we fell in love with Colonia del Sacramento straight away. And there are a shocking variety of cool issues to do right here.
Listed below are the very best issues to do in Colonia del Sacramento — so you’ll be able to maximize your day journey from Buenos Aires!
This publish was printed in Could 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Dale Peterson.
Day Journey to Uruguay from Buenos Aires
Are you planning to go to Colonia del Sacramento as a day journey from Buenos Aires? Loads of folks do. It’s an ideal day journey vacation spot, and getting right here isn’t as arduous as you suppose!
You could have two choices: guide the ferry by yourself, or guide a bunch tour.
Guide the ferry by yourself right here. Charlie and I tried reserving straight with the ferry corporations, however our funds saved getting rejected as a result of we didn’t have native financial institution accounts. As a substitute, we had success reserving via DirectFerries.
Alternatively, this group tour comes extremely really useful. It consists of round-trip ferry transport, a two-hour tour of Colonia, and free time to discover independently. You’ll have a information to be sure you get to the correct place.
Must you do that as a tour or by yourself? Actually, I discovered this to be a fairly simple day journey to do on our personal, and the boat actually drops you off strolling distance from the historic a part of Colonia del Sacramento, so it comes down as to whether you’d reasonably have a guided tour included or not.
Extra on the transportation choices beneath.
Do you must change cash? Uruguay makes use of Uruguayan pesos, however we discovered that each place we visited took bank cards, so there was no want for taking cash out.
Will you want your passport? YES. You’ll completely want your passport, as you’ll be crossing borders.
Finest Issues To Do in Colonia del Sacramento
Discover the Barrio Histórico
One in all my favourite issues to do in Colonia del Sacramento was merely to wander via the streets of the Barrio Histórico. Stroll via the Puerta de la Ciudadela, the historic stone gateway into the previous city, to start your exploration. You can too stroll alongside a portion of the previous metropolis partitions across the gate.
The whole Barrio Histórico is a UNESCO World Heritage Website, and you may see many examples of well-preserved colonial structure in addition to historic ruins as you stroll the cobblestone streets.
You possibly can cowl the entire Barrio Histórico on foot in a comparatively brief period of time as a result of it’s fairly compact. That is the thriving coronary heart of Colonia del Sacramento, and it’s the place you’ll discover a lot of cafes, eating places, boutiques, and memento outlets. Don’t miss Plaza Mayor, which can have some native artisans promoting their wares.
Go to Plaza de Armas
As you wander via the Barrio Histórico of Colonia del Sacramento, you’ll quickly hit Plaza de Armas. This central sq. is among the most essential locations within the previous city (and “Plaza de Armas” is the title of the primary sq. in lots of South American cities).
This sq. was the hub of colonial life a whole lot of years in the past, and it’s the place you’ll discover the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento, also called Matriz Church, which most historians consider is the oldest church in Uruguay.
After popping into the church for a fast go to, chill out on one of many benches within the sq. or head over to Colonia Sandwich Espresso Store. This cute little cafe serves quite a lot of sandwiches, muffins, smoothies, and high-quality espresso from good espresso machines. Charlie and I had scrumptious espresso frappes with dulce de leche — the proper cool deal with on a sizzling day!
Wander the cobblestone streets
A part of what makes Colonia del Sacramento so charming is its picturesque cobbled streets. Many of those streets date again to the seventeenth and 18th centuries. They’re a photographer’s dream, lined with colourful colonial buildings draped with flowers and vines.
Strolling down the cobblestone streets of Colonia, you’ll really feel transported again in time. It feels odd seeing the fashionable companies poke their faces out of the traditional buildings!
An fascinating factor about Colonia (and Uruguay as an entire) is that its residents are loopy about classic automobiles. In order you stroll via the streets of city, it’s possible you’ll spot classic and vintage automobiles, which make for an awesome photograph op.
One of many oldest streets in Colonia — and by far essentially the most photographed avenue — is Calle de los Suspiros, or Road of Sighs.
Whereas there are a number of theories about how this avenue acquired its title, its true origin is unknown. Nonetheless, this charming and romantic avenue is one you shouldn’t miss in Colonia. You’ll positively wish to get a couple of photographs right here.
Climb to the highest of El Faro Lighthouse
El Faro Lighthouse is the best level within the Barrio Histórico, and you may climb to the highest to soak up scenic views over Colonia and the encircling waters. Standing at 112 toes, the lighthouse was constructed within the mid-1800s on the ruins of an previous convent.
Though it’s not in use, the lighthouse performed an essential function within the nineteenth and twentieth centuries serving to boats navigate the Río de la Plata.
A ticket to climb to the highest of the Colonia del Sacramento lighthouse is a discount — about 25 UYU ($0.65 USD) — and the views are positively value it.
See the ruins of the Convent of San Francisco
Whilst you’re at El Faro Lighthouse, you’ll want to try the ruins proper behind it. The Convent of San Francisco was constructed by the Portuguese within the 1680s. Nonetheless, a lot of it was destroyed by hearth in 1705.
The lighthouse was later constructed from the ruins of the convent’s tower. You possibly can nonetheless stroll across the stone ruins of the remainder of the convent behind the lighthouse.
Study on the many museums
For such a small city, Colonia del Sacramento is residence to a shocking variety of museums! One of the best ways to take a look at all of the museums in Colonia is to buy a grasp ticket for all the Museo de Colonia collections.
This consists of entry into 9 totally different museums and collections round city, together with the Spanish Museum, the Portuguese Museum, the Indigenous Museum, the Paleontological Museum, and extra. You should purchase a ticket from the ticket counter of any of these museums.
Tickets are solely 150 UYU ($3.85 USD). Whilst you most likely gained’t be capable of go to all the museums in simply someday except you barrel via them, you’ll be able to choose a number of that curiosity you essentially the most. The entire museums are fairly small, so that you don’t want a ton of time for every one.
Strive ice cream at Helados Dinezzo
In case you’re visiting Colonia del Sacramento on a heat day, there’s no higher strategy to cool off than with some scrumptious artisanal ice cream. I cherished the espresso ice cream I had at Helados Dinezzo, a small ice cream store situated within the Barrio Histórico.
I at all times like to hunt out the very best ice cream on the town, and although this one got here from my good friend Lauren‘s suggestion, I knew this was legit from the second I noticed the coated ice cream containers. These are an indication of the best high quality gelato in Italy.
Different flavors to attempt embody sambayon, ardour fruit, Swiss chocolate, and banana break up, which Charlie actually loved. Vegan ice cream flavors are additionally obtainable.
This can be a great spot to cease for a mid-afternoon snack after you’ve been exploring the city all day and wish to relaxation for some time. Or, in our case, we waited out a sudden downpour right here!
Strive craft beer
I like that craft beer and microbreweries have change into so well-liked all over the world! Colonia del Sacramento is residence to some brewpubs. Cerveceria Barbot, La Choperia, and MBC Sacramento are the three greatest choices on the town.
All three locations serve craft beers and a menu of bar meals.
Understand that each brewpubs are solely open within the evenings, so that is greatest for an in a single day go to to Colonia. Nonetheless, MBC Sacramento can also be open within the afternoons on Saturday and Sunday in the event you’re visiting on a weekend day journey.
Origami Museum
One of many coolest and quirkiest museums in Colonia del Sacramento is the Origami Museum. I used to be shocked and delighted to seek out this tiny little museum within the coronary heart of Uruguay. This can be a gem of a museum that’s effectively value a go to when you’ve got the time.
It was the primary museum devoted to origami within the Americas, and it gives a small however well-curated assortment of paper-folding artwork. You should purchase loads of cool souvenirs, like origami kits within the form of various animals.
Tickets to the Origami Museum are 80 UYU per particular person ($2.05 USD) or 150 UYU for 2 folks. This can be a nice strategy to cross the time in Colonia and be taught extra about origami.
Have a scrumptious lunch
As a preferred day journey spot, there are many nice eating places in Colonia del Sacramento serving lunch. If the climate is sweet, many eating places and cafes provide out of doors seating excellent for people-watching.
Charlie and I ate at Calma Coco, a cute and quirky cafe with scrumptious, hearty salads and massive glasses of lemonade. It couldn’t have been a greater lunch for a sizzling day!
This restaurant is correct within the coronary heart of the Barrio Histórico, making it a very good place to cease after you’ve spent the morning sightseeing.
Different extremely really useful eating places in Colonia embody La Florida, Charco Bistro, and Bohemia Bistro.
Like Argentina, Uruguay is well-known for its beef obsession. In case you’re in search of a very good steak, Charco Bistro is among the top-rated eating places on the town to attempt.
Loosen up on the seashores alongside Rio de la Plata
Colonia del Sacramento is correct on the waterfront, and there are a number of seashores close by. In case you’re visiting throughout the summer time months, hanging out on the seaside is an efficient strategy to chill out and benefit from the sunshine.
The nicest seashores are north of the historic middle. Though there’s a small seaside, Playa Honda, on the town, there’s not a lot area and I wouldn’t take into account it a spot I’d wish to sprawl out and sunbathe. Playa Urbano Balneário Municipal, which is north of Colonia, is a more sensible choice.
However truthfully, nothing in Colonia holds a candle to Punta del Este or Uruguay’s different seaside cities on the Atlantic Ocean. These are the preferred seaside locations in Uruguay, drawing guests from throughout South America. However in the event you don’t have time to make it that far, a stroll alongside the seashores of Colonia may be enjoyable.
Go wine tasting
If you wish to get out of city and discover extra of the Uruguayan countryside, a wine-tasting expertise is an effective way to take action! Uruguayan wine will not be fairly as well-known as that of their Argentinian neighbors, nevertheless it’s simply beginning to change into extra well-known. Pink wine from the Tannat grape is shortly changing into the signature of the nation.
This tour from Colonia del Sacramento consists of pickup and dropoff on the town and transportation to a neighborhood vineyard. On the vineyard, you’ll be taught extra about wine manufacturing in Uruguay and revel in a wine tasting in addition to lunch.
In case you solely have someday in Colonia del Sacramento, I don’t suggest doing this because it takes half the day, nevertheless it makes an awesome exercise for an in a single day or weekend journey.
How A lot Time Do You Want in Colonia del Sacramento?
Colonia del Sacramento is a superb day journey from Buenos Aires. In case you’re visiting on a day journey, I like to recommend permitting at the very least 5 hours between your ferry drop-off and pickup to totally discover the city.
We have been imagined to have about 5 hours in Colonia, however our boat there was delayed one hour, leaving us with solely 4 hours on the town. It was a bit of bit rushed, and we general felt like 5 hours in Colonia would have been excellent. (Understand that you must arrive early on the terminal on the way in which again, so it’s not 5 full hours of sightseeing.)
If you wish to spend time lounging on the seaside or exploring bars or breweries on the town, you need to allot extra time in your go to by scheduling an earlier ferry to reach within the morning and a later ferry to depart within the night.
Loads of folks in a single day in Colonia, too! That’s an possibility if you wish to spend extra time there. In case you’re a photographer, that is one of the simplest ways to get pictures of Colonia at dawn and sundown. I’ve seen some blue hour photographs of Colonia which are simply beautiful.
I actually love visiting well-liked day journey locations after the solar goes down, like Česky Krumlov and Mostar, as a result of it will get a lot nicer after the day-trippers depart.
Staying for one or two nights in Colonia can also be a good suggestion if you wish to discover extra past the historic middle, like in the event you needed to go to close by wineries or seashores.
Find out how to Get to Colonia del Sacramento from Buenos Aires
How do you get to Colonia del Sacramento from Buenos Aires? You may get to Colonia del Sacramento on a fast and straightforward high-speed ferry journey that takes only one hour and quarter-hour!
Two ferry corporations present service between Buenos Aires and Colonia del Sacramento: Buquebus and Colonia Categorical. Buquebus is the nicer possibility of the 2, however Colonia Categorical is extra reasonably priced. For such a brief journey, it doesn’t actually matter which ferry firm you select.
Each ferries depart from Puerto Madero in Buenos Aires; nevertheless, every firm has its personal terminal, so be sure you go to the correct one! The Buquebus terminal is a couple of 10-minute drive north of the Colonia Categorical terminal.
We have been informed to be there 90 minutes early for the ferry, however that appeared a bit extreme. Even so, I’ve been burned sufficient on my travels that I wouldn’t dream of exhibiting up later than that! (Additionally, there was a Ache Quotidian within the ferry terminal serving Speculoos alfajores that have been SO GOOD.)
On busy days, the traces for passport management can get backed up, so it’s a good suggestion to reach early in your ferry so that you don’t have to fret about lacking it.
When you arrive on the ferry terminal in Colonia del Sacramento, you’re a couple of 10-minute stroll from the Barrio Histórico.
Ferry tickets usually price round $80 to $140 USD round-trip. You’ll wish to guide your tickets on-line prematurely, particularly in the event you’re touring at a busy time or on the weekend.
In case you’d desire to go to Colonia del Sacramento as a part of a bunch tour, that’s additionally an possibility. This full-day tour consists of lodge pickup and dropoff in Buenos Aires, round-trip ferry tickets, a information to accompany you all day, and a two-hour strolling tour in Colonia adopted by free time to discover by yourself.
You can too go for a non-public tour from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento in the event you’d desire having a non-public information.
In case you’re already in Uruguay, it’s simple to get to Colonia del Sacramento by bus. There are common buses from Montevideo, and it’s a couple of three-hour journey. The bus terminal in Colonia is only a brief stroll from the Barrio Histórico.
The place to Keep in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
If you wish to spend greater than someday in Colonia del Sacramento, these are the very best locations to remain for an in a single day or weekend getaway. Staying within the historic middle is the place you wish to be.
These are the very best properties in Colonia del Sacramento for each finances:
Prime-Rated Luxurious Resort in Colonia del Sacramento: In case you’re in search of an expensive escape, Charco Resort is the best scoring lodge on the town. This high-end boutique lodge gives stylish lodging and waterfront views.
Prime-Rated Mid-Vary Resort in Colonia del Sacramento: Posada Boutique Las Terrazas is a good possibility for a cushty mid-range lodge within the Barrio Histórico.
Prime-Rated Funds Resort in Colonia del Sacramento: In case you’re on a finances, Viajero Posada B&B is the very best place to remain on the town, with modest rooms and an awesome location.
Discover offers on locations to remain in Colonia del Sacramento right here.
Finest Time to Go to Colonia del Sacramento
When do you have to go to Colonia del Sacramento? You possibly can fortunately go to Colonia year-round and revel in your time there — equally to how one can go to Buenos Aires year-round and have an awesome journey. Each locations expertise summer time from December to March, and that is when the climate is the warmest.
In the course of the winter, it might probably get fairly cool and windy in Colonia del Sacramento, although it by no means snows right here.
In case you’re taking a day journey from Buenos Aires to Colonia, I like to recommend avoiding Friday to Sunday if attainable. This can be a well-liked vacation spot for Argentines to go to on the weekends.
I’m at all times a fan of visiting locations in shoulder season for the proper mixture of respectable climate and fewer crowds. That might be in April, Could, October, or November. Although in the event you’re planning on visiting extra of Uruguay, together with the legendary seaside cities, you’ll most likely be right here in the summertime!
Is Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay Price It?
I’m so glad that we prioritized a day journey to Colonia del Sacramento! This city makes the proper foil to busy Buenos Aires — it feels so calm and enjoyable, which is strictly what you want after a couple of days within the large metropolis.
In truth, that is certainly one of my favourite day journeys that I’ve taken in fairly a while. It’s such a straightforward journey to do, regardless of being a day journey to an ENTIRELY DIFFERENT COUNTRY, that I extremely suggest it to vacationers in Buenos Aires.
I hope you will have a good time in Colonia del Sacramento!
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Have you ever been to Colonia del Sacramento? Any ideas?
