Day Trip from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento

When we visited Buenos Aires on our trip to Argentina and Antarctica, I wanted to hop over to Uruguay to visit Montevideo for a day.  Unfortunately, that would take a long time to visit for a short time frame. So I opted for a closer destination, Colonia del Sacramento. Located on the east coast of Uruguay, this UNESCO Heritage designated town is a smooth, one-hour ferry ride – making it a perfect day trip from Buenos Aires. It’s also an easy way to get another stamp in your passport! 

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Fun Fact: This colonial village was founded by the Portuguese in 1680.  The ruling of the town bounced around among Portugal, Spain, and even Brazil before Uruguay’s independence in 1825. 

Here’s everything to know to take a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay from Buenos Aires.  

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Getting to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay 

Ferry tickets can book out in advance, so try to get a reservation at least a day in advance (or longer if you’re visiting on a holiday).  There are two main sites where you can get a reservation. 

https://www.buquebus.com/  Buquebus is the most well-known ferry to Uruguay.  They also recently bought Seacat Colonia which used to be their more-affordable competition.  You can also buy day tours on their site as well. While the town is small enough to do your own trip, if you want a more complete experience they can coordinate walking tours, bike rentals, and restaurant reservations.

https://www.coloniaexpress.com/ar The Colonia Express terminal is on the other side of Puerto Madero. They offer a variety of package tours including wine tastings or golf-cart rentals. 

The ferries run pretty regularly throughout the day and the price varies depending on the time of day. You can expect to pay between $75-$100 for a round trip ticket.  While it’s a bit expensive to get there, it is a nice ride with views of both Buenos Aires and Colonia del Sacramento from the water. 

Travel tip: Be sure to arrive an hour before the boat departure time to clear immigration and customs. You’ll have to do this going both ways. Don’t forget your passport.

Since it is very common and popular to do day trips between the two countries, the two immigration agents are together on one side of the border.  When you leave Buenos Aires, you go from the Argentina exit stamp, to the Uruguayan next to them for your entry stamp. Once you arrive in Colonia del Sacramento, you’re good to go! The same is true for your return trip back to Buenos Aires. 

Fun Fact: Almost 95% of Uruguay’s electricity comes from renewable energy. 

What to do in Colonia Del Sacramento

Now that you’ve made it this quaint town, it’s time to get lost in the narrow cobblestone streets, vibrant buildings, and the old ruins scattered throughout.  Depending on your physical activity level and/or budget, you can either walk around town or rent golf carts or scooter. The historical center possess the best of the city, so be sure to spend a few hours wandering around.

Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse (El Faro Lighthouse)

It’s hard to miss the lighthouse when entering the historic part of the city. The base of the lighthouse was built in the 19th century over the old ruins – making it look a little odd, but it still did its service guiding ships to port. The iconic lighthouse rewards visitors with amazing views once they climb the 110 or so steps to the top. It only costs $1-2 to go to the top. The lighthouse only accepts cash. 

Old Town or Barrio Historico 

This UNESCO World Heritage site is very well preserved.  The cobblestone streets are original from when it was built by the Spanish and Portugese in the 1600/1700’s.  

Travel Tip: Colonia del Sacramento is a photographer’s paradise – so be sure to have your camera out and ready. You’ll find colorful houses, unique trees, and possibly an abandoned street with no name! These are things no blog or guide book can tell you about.

Plaza de Armas

This is the main square of Colonia del Sacramento – a trademark of most South American cities- and it’s the heart of the historical center. The square itself is beautiful.  You’ll find restaurants with outdoor seating, old cars along the roads, and people selling handmade items.

Visit a museum

The Museo Municipal is an eclectic mix of history and science. You’ll recognize it by the enormous whale skeleton visible by the street.  There is also the Spanish or Portugese Museums to learn about the impact they’ve had on the city. You can also visit the Paleontological Museum for a look at what has been found in the area.

Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento (The Basilica of the Holy Sacrament)

This is also home to Church Matriz.  It’s the oldest church in Uruguay. This is the main attraction of the Plaza de Armas in the Barrio Historico. You can take a guided tour of the church as well. 

Porton de Campo or Puerta de la Ciudadela (The Old Town Gate)

This was my favorite part of our visit to Colonia del Sacramento. This is the gate to the city and has a wooden drawbridge.  It was built in the 18th century by the Portugese to protect the city from intrusion. This gate marks the border between Barrio Historico and the newer part of the city.

Walk along La Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs)

The cobblestone street and old buildings lining the street with the ocean in the background makes this the most photographed street in all of Uruguay. Some of the historic buildings are beautifully colored as well.  The street runs from Plaza Mayor down towards the Rio de la Plata and is foot-traffic only. You’ll find this street on almost every postcard from the city because it’s one of the most original streets dating back to the 17th century. Legend has it that when the sailors came back from a long time on the sea, women would be waiting for them here.

Travel Tip: Wear comfortable shoes.  The cobblestones are no joke. Sneakers or flat sandals will save your ankles! 

Take in the colors of Colonia del Sacramento

Whether it’s the colors of the buildings and trees or the street art all around to the old cars – the city is filled with vibrant colors and textures.  (Let me reinforce that it is a photographer’s paradise!)

Walk along the water

Since the city is right along the Rio de la Plata, which flows to the Atlantic Ocean, there are a lot of things to see along the water.  You can watch boats and people fishing at the Marina, sunbathe, swim, and/or have a picnic at the beach, or have a meal at one of the seafood restaurants nearby.

Best Places to Eat in Colonia Del Sacramento

Just by walking around Old Town you’ll find many small restaurants – mostly owned by locals, so feel free to pop in wherever smells the best.  For dining with a view of the waterfront check out Charco Bistro or El Buen Suspiro. Vintage Resto offers a quick bite (sandwiches, pizzas, salads) while El Torreon is a great option for a sit-down meal. El Torreon is actually an old tower mill converted into a restaurant – talk about a unique experience!  You can experience the first craft brewery in Colonia del Sacramento at the Barbot Brew Pub. If wine is more your style, then check out Buen Suspiro for a great selection of wines. This is where we stopped because it’s literally a hole in the wall. Duck to get in the low door and step back in time! Of course, no food experience is complete without dessert! If you like very sweet things, try the Dulce de Leche ice cream at the Heladeria El Cali (it’s right next to Vintage Resto). 

Travel Tip: Try Chivito. It’s an iconic Uruguayan dish and a meat lover’s dream. It includes beef, ham, bacon, a fried egg, lettuce and tomato.  There are vegetarian options of this dish as well. 

Most restaurants take both Argentinan and Urguayan money and accept credit cards! If you’re only visiting for a day and buying snacks, drinks, and a small souvenir, you should be fine if you use Argentina Peso. However, if you need Uruguay Pesos, there are a few banks, ATMs and exchange offices on the main shopping street.

Where to Stay in Colonia del Sacramento

If you have the time to spend a night or two here, there are some great hotel options to fit any budget. 

Posada de la Flor is located at the beginning of the historical district.  It offers visitors free bikes, a terrace, and the ever-important free Wifi.  For less than $75/night it’s a great hotel option in a perfect location. If you want to really embrace the old town feel, then the Hotel La Mision is for you! This hotel is set in a refurbished Spanish house – ancient world interiors included – all for around $140 a night! There are some chain hotels in the area as well – Sheraton Colonia Golf & Spa Resort and Radisson Colonia del Sacramento are both in prime locations.

Fun Fact: Uruguay ranks first in South America for press freedom and the absence of terrorism! 

I did not know what to expect from Colonia del Sacramento, but I do believe that it would have exceeded any expectations. The pretty rows of sycamores offer protection from the summer heat while walking along the cobblestone. Even though it is a popular tourist destination, English was not widely spoken, which means I got to brush up on my high school Spanish! I would highly recommend staying a day or more in Colonia del Sacramento if you’re visiting Buenos Aires!

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