The Perfect Day Trip to Colonia Del Sacramento: A Complete Guide
Colonia del Sacramento is a magical town in Southwestern Uruguay, only a quick trip away from Buenos Aires and is a must-see if you are planning a trip to Argentina or Uruguay. It is one of the oldest towns in Uruguay and it is known for its beautiful historic quarter, which dates back to the 16th Century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check out all of the details below on getting there, things to see, and where to eat to help you plan your trip.
Getting There:
- High Speed ferry from Buenos Aires with either Buquebus or Colonia Express – they run multiple times a day.
- On average the trip takes about an hour and a half
- Be sure to arrive a couple of hours in advance of your ferry as you’ll have to go through customs before boarding.
Things To Know:
- The locals are very friendly so don’t be afraid to ask for help (they were some of the friendliest people we met in South America!)
- Uruguay is very tourist-friendly and many places will accept USD as payment if you don’t have Uruguayan pesos
- You can store your luggage across from the ferry terminal at Viaggio Services Turisticos which is a car and bike rental place for a small fee for the day (they only accept cash)
Things to See:
- The historic quarter: Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic quarter is incredibly picturesque with its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and well-preserved fortifications. Established by the Portuguese in 1680, Colonia del Sacramento changed hands between colonial powers, including Portugal, Spain, and Brazil, before finally becoming part of Uruguay. The remnants of its fortifications, city walls, and bastions bear witness to its turbulent history and strategic significance as a trading port along the Rio de la Plata.
- Calle de los Suspiros “Street of Sighs”– One of Colonia’s most iconic streets, allegedly named after the prisoners sighs as they made their way to the gallows during the town’s early days.
- Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse: Standing tall at the edge of the peninsula, the lighthouse has panoramic views of the town and the Rio de la Plata. If you climb the spiral staircase you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views, especially during sunset.
- Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento:This is the oldest church in Uruguay, dating back to the late 17th century. It’s also a UNESCO Heritage Site
- Visit a museum: Colonia has 15 museums to choose from but it’s most popular are the Casa de Nacarello and Municipal Museum
Places to Eat:
Looking to learn more about Uruguay? Check out Top 8 Things to do in Montevideo