Should you be going to Colonia del Sacramento on a day trip from Buenos Aires, you will still need your passport – so remember to take it with you! Ferries depart from the other side of Puerto Madero. If you are there only for a day trip, make sure to plan it so that you get to see the sunset on the Rio de la Plata – I promise you it is worth it. It is filled with old colonial buildings and cobbled streets, and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city, which today capital of the department of Colonia (something like a state) was founded in 1680 by Portuguese and Rio de Janeiro governor Manuel Lobo, anxious to consolidate business with Spanish speaking America. Dollars and euros are accepted widely and at good rates, Argentinian pesos are also accepted but the rates will not be so good. Nueva Helvecia is a city in Colonia Department of Uruguay. The old town in Colonia is a UNESCO protected site, very well preserved and whort while a visit when in Uruguay (or also when in Buenos Aires since … A beautiful, riverside city in the south-west of Uruguay; Colonia del Sacremento is a quaint, incredibly picturesque place with more charm than…. You can pick up one from Gral Flores Avenue for around $40 USD. Founded Keep in mind that it is better to book in advance, especially at weekends, as it can get busy. And because it's only an hour's ferry ride from Buenos Aires, it attracts loads of daytrippers. Share. Colonia is so small that the best way to get around it is on foot. These are the ones I recommend: Colonia del Sacramento is a really safe place to visit – you can stroll around day and night and face no issues at all. Sunsets in Colonia del Sacramento are legendary. Colonia Valdense is a small city located in southwestern Uruguay, within the Colonia Department. Save. Your email address will not be published. Enjoy a Colonia City Tour in the company of a professional guide. US$257 So the best thing to do is heading to one of the public and free to access beaches along the Rio de la Plata. Founded by the Portuguese in 1680, Colonia del Sacramento is located at the tip of a short peninsula with a strategic position on the north shore of the Río de la Plata, facing Buenos Aires. Colonia del Sacramento, city, southwestern Uruguay, 110 miles (177 km) west-northwest of Montevideo. Enjoy the city view from El Faro El Faro Lighthouse is one of the main attractions in Colonia Del Sacramento, Uruguay and can’t be missed. However, I still recommend getting a good travel insurance for your trip to Uruguay. In the second case, you will also have to clear customs upon arrival. Ferries depart from the Buquebus Terminal in Puerto Madero, located near Retiro and Cordoba Avenue. Colonia del Sacramento is a small town on the Río de la Plata in Uruguay. GFNY URUGUAY will only be cancelled in case of severe thunderstorm, and by decision or by suggestion of the competent National Authorities (National Secretary of Transportation, Highway / Traffic Police, Colonia City Hall). Colonia is probably the only city in Uruguay, other than Punta del Este, which is really focused on serving tourists. In a bid to add more passport stamps or perhaps do a visa run, day-trippers frequently flock to the charming city of Colonia, Uruguay. 169 Washington Barbot St., Colonia, Uruguay (+598) 4522-5315 / 4226 info@sergiomato.com The Puerta de la Ciudadela is the town’s gate and it marks the entry point into the old historical center of Colonia del Sacramento. According to legend, the street got its name from the fact that this is where women would expect sailors to return after many months at sea. Colonia del Sacramento Uruguay is a stunningly beautiful restoration of an original colonial city. One day I packed my life and started traveling… except I packed too much. City. Another quiet street in the historical center of Colonia del Sacramento. There are three ferry companies that connect Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento Uruguay several times a day. It sits on San Gabriel Peninsula, which juts into the Río de la Plata across from Buenos Aires, Argentina. So let me tell you what to do in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay and show you why the it’s worth a visit. It has its coastline on the Rio de la Plata (River Plate) and boasts an ideal bay that forms a natural harbor. If you decide to spend a few days in Colonia del Sacramento, you will find no shortage of good places to stay. They all more or less depart at the same time and you can buy tickets online. In this post, I highlight the things to see and do in Colonia del Sacramento, and share some practical tips that will help you plan your trip. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. One of the nicest things to do in Colonia del Sacramento on a summer evening is eating dinner al fresco. more, Colonia del Sacramento Tourism: Best of Colonia del Sacramento. There are several daily buses with Turil and COT departing from Tres Cruces terminal in Montevideo. Population. Colonia del Sacramento is one of the prettiest cities in South America, and a must see when in Uruguay. Among the most interesting ones there are the Spanish Museum, which has an exhibit on the first period of the Spanish domination, and the Portuguese Museum, which focusses on the history of the foundation of the city. Colonia’s distinctive character is defined by winding cobblestone roads and the colourful architecture of its historic old town. One of the nicest wine bars is El Buen Suspiro, a tiny place in Calle de los Suspiros. Colonia del Sacramento complicated past is due to its strategic position on the Rio de la Plata. The lighthouse was built in 1857 over the ruins of the Convento de San Francisco and famous for its original design. Vintage cars can be spotted everywhere in Colonia del Sacramento. Plaza de Armas is the main square in the historical center of Colonia del Sacramento Uruguay and is a nice place to catch some shade on a hot summer day. Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences. Arriving at Colonia del Sacramento we will drive along the coast. This is the oldest city in Uruguay. Montevideo is the capital and most populated city of Uruguay. Founded in 1680, the historic center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area, located in southwestern Uruguay on the Rio de la Plata, was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. You can admire the many boats and the people fishing. This is the capital city of Uruguay’s Department of Colonia and it is a popular destination for many tourists. Colonia is the oldest city in Uruguay, its fortified port was created by the Portuguese in 1680 to compete with the Buenos Aires of the Spaniards established a century earlier on the other bank of the Rio de la Plata. FACT: People in Uruguay love meat, and it is hard to stay away from it. Climb up El Faro to see the best view of Colonia and Rio de la Plata. Colonia (Colonia del Sacramento) is in the Rio de la Plata region of Uruguay. Learn more about me here…. Founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, Colonia still stands with charisma and authenticity from its distant past. Though it can get very hot in the summer months, it certainly is better to travel then than in the winter, when the weather tends to be overcast (although it doesn’t rain much). Through a series of wars and treaties, control of Colonia was transferred 10 times before it became a part of Uruguay in 1828. PRACTICAL INFORMATION: The lighthouse is located right at the entrance of the historical center. Colonia finally became part of Uruguay in 1828, when the country was declared independent. They also sell excursions, bike rentals and food. 15 Cool Things To Do In Colonia Del Sacramento Uruguay, Tips To Organize Your Trip To Colonia Del Sacramento Uruguay, How long to stay in Colonia del Sacramento, Guided day trips to Colonia del Sacramento Uruguay, How to move around Colonia del Sacramento, Further readings about Uruguay and Argentina, Colonia del Sacramento full day tour from Montevideo, Colonia city full day tour from Buenos Aires, Colonia del Sacramento day trip with an expert guide from Buenos Aires, A Guide To The Greatest Things To Do In Argentina, 25 Unmissable Things To Do In Buenos Aires, A Complete Guide To Where To Stay In Buenos Aires. Explore Colonia del Sacramento holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. The historic quarter of Colonia del Sacramento, founded in 1680, evokes old Lisbon with its Portuguese-influenced architecture and winding streets. This meat obsession is reflected in the most famous sandwich in Uruguay, which is called Chivito, and if you have just arrived in Colonia del Sacramento from Argentina you really have to try one. 2 reviews. From Colonia del Sacramento you will easily get to the capital city of Uruguay Montevideo, but also other popular beach destinations such as Punta del Este or points of interest located inland. The historic quarter of Colonia del Sacramento, founded in 1680, evokes old Lisbon with its Portuguese-influenced architecture and winding streets. Also worth mentioning are the Paleontological Museum, the Museum of Azulejos, and the Municipal Museum. Create a Trip to save and organize all of your travel ideas, and see them on a map. Some of them are simply parked where their engines used to be you can now find flower pots. I spent 2 full days when I visited, and was glad I did. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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