Colonia del Sacramento:
Colonia is a very small and quaint town located in southwestern Uruguay. It’s one of the oldest towns in Uruguay and its historic quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While you only need a couple of hours to explore the city, the old-world charm is worth the visit.
Getting to Colonia from Buenos Aires: You can take a ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia for ~$70 USD per person, round trip. The ferry ride is ~1 hour each way. There are 2 companies that operate ferry rides to and from Colonia: Buquebus and Colonia Express. Each company runs to and from Colonia 3 times per day.
- Arrive to the ferry terminal ~1 hour early, as you have to check in and go through customs before boarding the ferry.
Things To Do:
- Puerta de la Ciudadela: Gateway to the historic quarter
- Street of Sighs: Street lined with houses dating back to the first colonial period
- Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse: You can pay $0.80 to go up to the top
- Convent of San Francisco: Visit and explore the old remains
- Basilica of the Holy Sacrament: One of the oldest churches in Uruguay
- Calle de Portugal: This street has beautiful flowers and several vintage cars
Food:
- Istanbul Restaurante: Great Mediterranean food
- A la Pipetua: Italian restaurant with a great outdoor atmosphere. The chef makes paella outside right by the patio.
Notes:
- Local Currency: Uruguayan Peso
- Tipping: It’s customary to tip 10% at restaurants.
Background photo taken in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.
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