Full Day Tour to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

Just hop on a ferry for the one-hour ride across Río De La Plata, to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay.  The first reason to visit Colonia is that you have a desire to escape the big city.

After the adrenalin rush of crazy cab rides and the noisy excitement of Buenos Aires, you might require a day or two of complete relaxation. Colonia del Sacramento, on the Uruguayan side of Río de la Plata, is the perfect place to catch your breath. You won’t regret it!

Early in the morning you will be picked up at your hotel to be transferred to Buenos Aires Harbour.

You will get to Colonia del Sacramento by an express ferry that makes the journey from Buenos Aires to Colonia in approximately one hour.   To book the ferry your passport is required.  We recommend you show up about 45 minutes prior to arrival for check-in.  Don’t forget your passport , as the customs officer will request them when it’s time to come back to Argentina.

Colonia Guided Tour

Colonia del Sacramento’s historic quarter is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Founded in 1680 by Portugal as Colónia do Sacramento, the colony switched hands repeatedly over the next century and a half, between the Spanish—who settled on the opposite bank of the river at Buenos Aires—and later the Brazilians, until Colonia finally became a part of the independent Oriental Republic of Uruguay in 1828.  The loveliest experience is to stroll through the small, cobbled streets.

You will stumble upon small hidden plazas, little parks, churches, cute restaurants and historic houses. Take your time exploring this beautiful little neighbourhood.

Restaurants can be found on every corner.  Some of them have a dray parked outside…

Some restaurants are pretty formal, with fine decor in the best traditions of the early 20th century, while some boast truly authentic local influences and honours best reviews.  You will have free time to have lunch where you prefer.

After lunch, you will visit the Port, downtown, the Ferrando Beach and the Trees Reserve, the lovely “Rambla” that stretches along the coast up to the famous Real de San Carlos where you will be able to admire the old “Plaza de Toros”, the "Hippodrome" and old harbour.

The old town is very tiny, so it won’t take a long time to decide you’ve seen it all. Still, it’s an adventure.    The locals at Colonia seem to be obsessed with retro cars. You can see them everywhere. Whether it’s rusting on a side of the street, serving as a giant plant pot, or inviting customers into a restaurant, every car has its purpose.

As the sun goes down, take a walk by the river and enjoy the beautiful late-afternoon light falling on the town before you take the ferry back to Buenos Aires.  Upon arrival in the big city, you will be transferred from the port to your hotel.