Colonia, Uruguay: An extraordinary day trip from Buenos Aires

When I planned a spontaneous trip to Buenos Aires recently, I never would have guessed my visit would end up taking me to two countries. But Uruguay's close proximity to BA plus its compact size made it extremely easy to take a day trip from the Argentine capital. So, upon doing a little research, my mom and I decided to pay it a visit - and it ended up being one of our favorite things we did.

One of the top spots to see in Uruguay is the charming Colonia del Sacramento, an UNESCO World Heritage site located on the banks of the Rio de la Plata about an hour and a half from Buenos Aires. Dating back to its founding in 1680, the once-Portuguese settlement is an ancient, enchanting spectacle that you absolutely cannot pass up - especially if you'll be in the BA area.

Intrigued? Here's what you need to know:

What makes it special

Picture this: winding cobblestone roads, an ancient lighthouse, ruins from an old convent, pastel-colored buildings, and ceramic tiles for street signs. Not to mention, dulce de leche sold on every block. Is this a movie set for an upcoming period piece? No, it's just Colonia. But simply put, Colonia is a place of pure magic.

(Side note: I had the joy of visiting during Uruguay's fall, which meant the air was crisp and the leaves were a tease in brilliant shades of amber and apricot. Fall is one of my favorite seasons, and it was even more mesmerizing on the edge of South America!)

Aside from its sheer good looks, Colonia's history and sense of transporting you back in time will make your inner adventurer keen to explore. While the town is easy to conquer in a day, you just may find yourself longing for more - I know I did.

How to get there

There are several ferry companies that operate between BA and Colonia, but the one I chose to go with (and recommend using) was Buquebus. The ferries are clean and comfortable, the ride lasts a little over an hour, and the entire process is fairly straightforward.

Our tickets cost about $67USD roundtrip, which seemed on the pricier end to me. Granted, we booked a day before our visit, so I'd recommend purchasing tickets as far in advance as possible to secure the cheapest price (I've seen rates as low as $34 RT.)

Remember to bring your passport and allow extra time at the port to pass through customs on each leg of your trip.

What to do there

Here are some of the things you can do to maximize your time in Colonia:

Rent a golf cart and explore the Historic District: You can snag a 4-person golf cart for a whopping $30 (did I forget to mention Uruguay is cheap?), and spend the day exploring the town's top historic sites.

There's the Colonia Lighthouse, which you can climb up in for a 360-degree view of town and the sprawling Rio de la Plata beyond. Next door are the ruins of the Convent of San Francisco.

There's the impressive Portón de Campo, or the City Gate, which dates back to the 18th century and features a wooden drawbridge.

There's also the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento, considered one of the oldest churches in the country. The impressive building holds court over the quaint and charming Plaza de Armas (where you can also find some adorable boutiques and art galleries!)

Wander down Calle de los Suspiros: Also known as the Street of Sighs, this stunning little avenue in the Historic District is one of the most photographed parts of town - and for good reason. Not only is it the oldest street in the city, but it shows off Colonia's Portuguese heritage with a drainage channel running down the middle. The picturesque little block features chocolate shops and pastel-colored homes.

Dine at El Drugstore: Across the street from the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento, this eclectic little restaurant features a warm staff, colorful atmosphere, and a delicious variety of pastas, seafood, and soups.

Venture into the modern town: It's pretty easy to follow the river into the modern part of Colonia, where you get a sense for how the locals live. There are "beaches" (not very appealing, as the river is a murky brown color), beautiful villas, and lots of people-watching opportunities.

Before you go

  • The local currency is the Uruguayan peso, but most shops and museums accept US Dollars as well. (You can exchange money at the port upon arriving.)

  • Uruguay used to observe Daylight Savings, which meant there were times of the year when it was one hour ahead of Argentina. This is no longer the case, so nothing to stress about!

* * * *

All in all, Colonia is an extraordinary place and well worth an escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby Buenos Aires - whether just for a day, or perhaps even longer.

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