Colonia del Sacramento: The Perfect Day Trip to Uruguay from Buenos Aires
Are you looking for a great day trip to Uruguay from Buenos Aires? Maybe you're in Uruguay and want to explore some of the great areas that it has to offer. Well, look no further than Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. This town may be small, but it surely is worth visiting.
We took a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento from Buenos Aires, and then spent the weekend in Montevideo. We found that it was the perfect way to introduce my brother to Uruguay for the first time, as well as a nice and convenient day trip to Uruguay from Buenos Aires to take again in the future.
In this guide we're going to share all of the best spots to visit, how to plan your trip, and everything we learned from the locals in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. Buen Viaje!
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📍 Where is Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay?
Colonia de Sacramento is off the south western coast of Uruguay. Located along Rio de la Plata, this small town is located just across the river from Argentina's capital city, which is what makes it the perfect day trip to Uruguay from Buenos Aires.
Colonia del Sacramento is just across the river from Argentina, making it the perfect day trip to Uruguay from Buenos Aires.
How to Get to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Colonia del Sacramento can be reached in a few different ways. Here are the different options for visiting.
⛴ The Ferry to Colonia from Buenos Aires
The most popular way to visit Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, is by taking the ferry from Buenos Aires.
There are two companies that run this route. One is Buque Bus, and the other is Colonia Express.
Ferries to Colonia with Colonia Express
Colonia Express goes from Avenida Elvira Rawson De Dellipiane 155 in Buenos Aires direct to Colonia. This company only provides this direct route, and has sailings at 8:30, 10:30, 12:50, 6:30 pm, and 8:00 pm.
The ride is an hour and 15 minutes, and ticket prices range from 8,500- 21,000 Argentinian pesos for economic, 9,200- 22,800 for express, and 10- 24,000 pesos for "classic: tickets.
The only difference between tickets is the ability to change your ticket, or to get a refund if you miss the ferry. Prices of tickets depend on time and date that you're sailing, and many run out, so we definitely recommend booking in advance for the cheapest rates.
Ferries to Colonia with Buque Bus
The ferries of Buque Bus run from Puerto Madero to Colonia, as well as to Montevideo. The ride to Colonia is an hour and 15 minutes, while the ride to Montevideo is about 2 1/2 hours. (We'll explain more about the Montevideo options in our Montevideo travel guide.
Sailings go daily at 8:15 am, 9:30 am, 12:15 pm, 6:45 pm, and 8:15 pm. (Not every sailing goes out at all time slots each day. Make sure to check online and book your tickets in advance).
Tickets range from 11-19,000 pesos, and there is also a first class option. We actually highly recommend bumping up to first class, as for only $5 USD we got a private air-conditioned room, champagne, and priority getting off the ferry once we arrived.
🌊 The Ferry Ride from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
The ride is pretty smooth, so you won't need to worry about getting sea sick. Colonia Express is a smaller vessel than Buque Bus, but has both indoor and outdoor seating.
While Buque Bus is a much larger vessel, and has a cafe, shops, and many different areas (kind of like a tiny cruise ship).
There are direct ferries from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.
🇦🇷 Ferries from Buenos Aires to Montevideo
It's also important to note that there are ferries to and from Montevideo.
There are two types of tickets- 1 is the direct ride which is 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the other which includes a bus to Colonia, and then a ferry from Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay to Buenos Aires (and vice versa).
The ticket stopping in Colonia is 4-5 hours, and is the more affordable option, while the direct ferry is a bit pricier, but less time consuming.
🚌 How to Go to Colonia del Sacramento from Montevideo
Colonia and Montevideo are an easy connection by bus, with regular rides going pretty much every half hour. There are two different companies that run this route, and both charge 500 Uruguayan pesos each way (around $12 USD).
Below you can see the two different companies' timetables:
If you plan on going to Colonia del Sacramento from Montevideo as a day trip, we suggest renting a car to save time, and enjoy the ride along the way. You can do so from inside the city, or at the Montevideo Airport.
Here is a site we often use for booking our rentals:
Entry Requirements for Uruguay
Before taking the ferry over to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, you'll need to keep in mind the requirements for entering the country.
🛂 Visa Entry Requirements for Uruguay
Uruguay actually doesn't require any nationalities to have a visa in order to visit. You can stay up to 90 days in the country as a tourist before having to apply for one, no matter what country you are from.
Nationals from Argentina and Brazil don't need their passport to enter Uruguay, and can simply bring their national ID card.
⛴ Entry Requirements Visiting Uruguay by Ferry
In order to enter Uruguay, you do need to still bring your passport, and you'll go through customs before boarding the ferry. Because of this, they recommend you to arrive at least an hour before, since lines for customs can vary greatly.
On our way our of Buenos Aires, it took just a few minutes, while on our way back in Uruguay the lines were super long. This will of course depend on the time and day of the week that you decide to sail. We suggest allowing yourself a bit more time during the weekends.
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Local Adjustments for Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Whenever traveling somewhere new there are things which may be different from where you are coming from. These are what we call local adjustments. Here are a few of them to keep in mind on a day trip to Uruguay from Buenos Aires.
🗣 Language Spoken in Uruguay
The official language in Uruguay is Spanish. Just like Argentina, the accent of Uruguay is quite particular, and can be a bit difficult to understand for those that don't speak Spanish as their first language.
One of the most notable characteristics of Uruguayan Spanish is the sound "sh" which is used in place of the y sound. So for example beach in Spanish is "playa", but the pronunciation in Uruguay and Argentina would be "pla-sha".
There are some people in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay that speak English, but it definitely helps to try and pick up the basics before visiting.
💶 Currency Used in Uruguay
The currency used in Uruguay is the Uruguayan peso. Currently (September 2024) the exchange rate is about 41.26 Uruguayan pesos for every 1 USD.
Is Uruguay Cheaper Than Buenos Aires?
If you are coming from Buenos Aires, you will notice that things are much more expensive in Uruguay than over in Argentina. Meals range around 400-1,000 pesos, taxi rides around 400-800, and budget hotels around $40-100 USD/night.
Most things can be paid with card, but we definitely suggest taking out some local currency for small souvenirs or for transportation.
🔌 Which Plugs Work in Uruguay?
Uruguay's outlets are the same as Brazil, and serve plug types C, F, & L. Uruguay operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Do European Plugs Work in Uruguay?
If the electronics you have are between 220-240V then you can use them without needing a travel adapter.
If you are coming from North America or the UK, you will in fact need to get a travel adapter.
🚰 Can You Drink the Water in Colonia del Sacramento?
The tap water in Uruguay is potable, and perfectly safe to drink. We suggest getting an insulated water bottle to refill, as it can hold the temperature in the hot temperatures of Colonia del Sacramento.
💸 Tipping in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
The tipping culture in Uruguay is a standard 10%. Many restaurants actually include the service charge, so make sure to check your bill to see if it's been included or not.
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Things to Do in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Now that you know almost everything you need to know before taking a day trip to Uruguay from Buenos Aires, here are the best things to do in the area.
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🏘 Roam the Old Town
The number one thing to do in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay is to explore its historic town. Just a couple of blocks from the ferry station is where you'll find all of the top historical sites, all located within a few blocks along the water.
the Old Town is located right on the water.
The buildings are old and colorful, and the area is beautiful to just walk around. Admire the architecture, and simply get lost down the picturesque streets.
Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay has a super picturesque Old Town.
One of the best ways to explore the Old Town is to take a tour. Here are a few you can choose from:
🚶🏻♀️ Walk Down Calle de Los Suspiros
One of the most famed streets in the old town of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay is Calle de los Suspiros. The "Street of Sighs" is a small cobblestone street, but it holds a lot of stories and magic.
Hundreds of years ago the street was where the Portuguese and Spanish would walk along after a long journey at sea. There are several different legends about why this street became so famous, from putting prisoners there to get drowned, to seafarers searching for prostitutes, and even a woman getting stabbed by a masked man.
No one knows the real reason behind this legendary street, but it certainly is a place you'll want to add to your list while visiting Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.
The Street of Sighs has several tales of its history.
🚨 Stop by the Lighthouse & Ruinas del Convento de San Fransisco
When we first looked up things to do in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, this came up as two different landmarks.
However, realistically they are right in the same location. Built in the 1850s, this lighthouse rises 112 feet above the historic center, and has ruins of the 18th century convent surrounding it.
The ruins are located right in front of the light house.
🏛 Explore the Museums
Despite being a tiny place, there are actually over a dozen museums in the historic center of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay! The good thing is that if you pay for ticket (just a few dollars) you'll be able to enter all of the different museums in the city.
Some of the most popular museums include the Municipal Museum, Nacarello House, and Casa del Virrey.
🌁 Stroll Through the City Gate
Another one of the highlights for things to see in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay is the city gate. This drawbridge is the entrance to a former fort, and is now a place that you can enjoy right in the middle of the Old Town free of charge.
🧫 Go to the Centro Cultural Bastion del Carmen
Located right along the water, this is one of the most popular places to enjoy the sunset in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. This cultural center also has an art gallery, as well as a beautiful garden area to enjoy.
The Cultural Center is located right on the water.
⛪️ Visit the Basilica of the Blessed Sacrament
Right in the center of the old town is an old Catholic Church worth visiting. Admire the architecture, take a peak inside, and enjoy the cute little plaza around it.
Basilica of the Sacred Sacrament is the most recognizable church in town.
🌴 Check out Plaza Mayor
The main square of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay is Plaza Mayor. The main meeting place of locals and tourists, this large square is home to many of the main attractions in the old town.
It's a great place to soak up the vibes of Colonia, and to check out the local artisans that line the outside of the square.
Plaza Mayor is the center of the top things to do in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.
🐂 Take a Tour at the Plaza de Toros
While most of the top things to do in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay are located in the historic center, another one of the highlights of the city is actually situated a bit outside of the center.
Plaza de Toros is one of the most beautiful and intricately designed structures of the city, and definitely worth a visit.
The Plaza de Toros has beautiful architecture.
Originally built in 1909 as a bull arena, it actually got closed down just a few years after when the act of bull fighting became prohibited. The arena was closed for over 100 years, and was just recently reopened for events such as concerts.
You can either visit if there is an event, or you can take a tour of the arena. In addition, there is a small winery that you can visit, which can be enjoyed without having to purchase tickets for a tour.
There is also a winery inside of the bull arena.
The area is open from 12-5 every day, and tours go every hour for 150 pesos.
🐎 Visit the Hipodromo
Just down the road from Plaza de Toros you can find the Hipodromo, which is where horse races happen. While we weren't able to catch one, we suggest checking to see if there is a race while you are in town.
🐴 Go Horse Back Riding
Right at the Hipodromo you can also sign up for horse back riding. Due to the shallow waters of the beach, riders usually bring the horses through the water, and we even saw quite a few doing so during sunset.
🏖 Relax at the Beach
The day we visited Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay was extremely hot, so we couldn't resist running over to relax at the beach and cool off.
Well, what we didn't know was that the water was going to be so warm! After some time though we really started to enjoy the water, and because it is so shallow, it's easy to just sit in the water and end up spending hours there. This is also particularly great for families with small children, as it is basically a big pool that all ages can enjoy.
The beaches stretch all along the coast, with some being busy with volleyball courts, other being covered in palm trees, and the further ones having larger sand areas to relax along.
🌅 Enjoy a Magical Sunset
One of the things we loved about visiting Colonia is that unlike Buenos Aires, or other Atlantic facing coastal cities, you can actually enjoy the sunset right on the beach in Colonia.
Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay is known for having spectacular sunsets, and you'll notice in the late afternoon is when the locals flock to the beach areas. Our personal favorite was Playa del Real, where the tide makes natural sand bars, giving an even more magical reflection from the sunset.
Colonia has the sunset at the beach.
📸 Take a Photo at the Colonia Sign
While it may be a tacky tourist thing, we definitely think it's worth stopping by the Colonia sign. Located right over the beach, the large colorful letters contrast the shining sun and glistening waters behind it.
Snap a photo and enjoy walking along the coast where you'll find people playing volleyball, drinking mate, and taking a dip in the water.
Things to Do in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay: Food & Drink
The cuisine of Uruguay is quite similar to Argentina. They are known for the quality of their meat, and also have a great selection of fresh pasta dishes. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in the old town of Colonia del Sacramento.
We were recommended Charco Bistro, which is located inside of a hotel, and El Refugio, located right in front of Basilica of the Blessed Sacrament.
Another great place to enjoy a drink and a snack is Parador Cerro. Located just a few minutes from the Colonia Sign, this bar/restaurant is perched right over the beach, and is a great vibe to spend your afternoon. There are even pool tables inside, and a large outdoor seating area with beautiful views of the beach below.
Parador Cerro is located right on the beach.
Finally, something that you will see everywhere in Uruguay is mate. This infusion is drank with a straw out of what looks like a bowl.It is very typical in both Argentina and Uruguay, and is a social beverage.
Look all around and you'll see Uruguayans relaxing in squares, parks, and on the beach with a mate in hand. We definitely suggest meeting a local and trying some mate for a truly authentic local experience.
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Day Trip to Uruguay from Buenos Aires: Getting Around Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay is a pretty small place, and the Old Town is best explored by foot. It is just 4 blocks away from the bus station and the ferry pier, and is between a 5-10 minute walk.
The Old Town is just a short walk away from the port area.
To get to the other side of town where the beaches, Colonia sign, and Plaza de Toros are located, you just need to head a couple of miles down the coast.
You can easily do this by requesting the Info center in town to get a taxi for you, which costed us $8 each way.
🛵 Renting a Vehicle in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Another fun alternative to explore the area is by renting a golf cart or a scooter. Unfortunately these options weren't available when we arrived, so we suggest renting these in advance. If we had known earlier that these were options, this is definitely the route we would have taken for getting around Colonia.
Another option is the rent a car. This is great if you plan on exploring other parts of Uruguay. If you plan on simply doing a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, this won't be necessary. However, if you plan on staying for a few days, it's a great option to be able to explore all of the great beaches further up the coast.
We found that renting a car in Uruguay was quite expensive, and that for Colonia and Montevideo it wasn't really worth it. However, the other time we visited Uruguay we decided to go up to Punta del Este, and found that renting a car was in fact worth it.
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Where to Stay in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Colonia del Sacramento isn't too big, but we do recommend staying inside the Old Town. This way you are right by the ferry port and bus station, but also are surrounded by the top things to do in town, as well as plenty of restaurants and shops.
There are plenty of restaurants and shops in the center of the Old Town.
Accommodation can get pricey, so we do suggest booking in advance if you want a more affordable option.
Check the map for the different hotel options throughout Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay:
Is Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay Safe?
South America can get pretty dangerous, especially in the big cities. If you are coming from Buenos Aires, you may have realized that you have to be particularly careful with your belongings, and walking around alone or at night.
Luckily though, Uruguay is one of the safest countries in all of South America, and we found Colonia del Sacramento to feel significantly safer than most South American cities that we have been to.
People are very friendly, and super helpful, making Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay an extremely tourist friendly destination- just another reason why we think this is the perfect day trip from Buenos Aires!
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Other Things to Know About Taking a Day Trip to Uruguay from Buenos Aires
Now you know almost everything you need to know about taking a day trip to Uruguay from Buenos Aires. But here are a few extra things to keep in mind.
☀️ Weather in Colonia, Uruguay
The weather in Colonia, Uruguay is a bit more humid and hot than Buenos Aires, and was particularly hot & humid when we visited in February, reaching over 100 degrees! The summer months are from December to March, and temperatures start to be bit more mild around April.
While Colonia del Sacramento does experience four seasons, it never gets too cold in the winter, and usually only goes as low as the forties.
📆 The Best Time to Visit Colonia del Sacramento
While Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay is a popular day trip from Buenos Aires in the summer, we personally felt that it would have been much more enjoyable later in the year.
We suggest visiting in October or November, when the temperatures are nice enough to take a dip in the water, but also warm enough to enjoy walking around the town.
🎒 Packing For a Day Trip to Uruguay from Buenos Aires
Here are a few things we suggest bringing on your day trip to Colonia del Sacramento.
- Comfortable shoes for walking around
- Insulated water bottle (we use Cafago water bottles as they hold the temperature well)
- Bathing suit for the beach
- Sunscreen
- Flip flops (our favorites are Havaiana flip flops, as they are long lasting)
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
- Standard Lens (we use the Sony GM 24-70)
- Tripod to get pictures while no one is around or for multiple shots from far away (We use the Rangepod Tripod)
- Drone (We have a Mavic Mini 4 Pro because it's small and has incredible quality)
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof)
- Travel Adapter (we use Insignia travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
- Case Mate waterproof phone pouch (we use the Cafago Waterproof Phone Pouch)
- Travel toiletries (our favorites are from Sheer Alternatives because they're all natural and 100ml)
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🤔 Is it Worth Going to Colonia, Uruguay?
Colonia is a super cute town, and a great day trip Uruguay from Buenos Aires. We'd recommend buying your tickets in advance tough, so that it truly is worth it for the money you spend. Or even better, pair it with a trip to Montevideo for an awesome weekend getaway!
Colonia is a great day trip to Uruguay from Buenos Aires.
⏳ How Much Time Do You Need in Colonia, Uruguay?
You really only need a half day to see the top things to do in Colonia, but spending a full day is the best idea. We'd recommend taking an early ferry from Buenos Aires in the morning, and going back on one of the ferries after the sun sets.
If you'd like a more relaxing stay, or to explore other nearby destinations, you we'd recommend going to Colonia for a couple of days.
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So are you ready for one of the best day trips from Buenos Aires? Colonia del Sacramento is the perfect place to spend a day, and is also a great place to start your trip in Uruguay.
Want to explore some more fun destinations in the area? We have plenty more South American travel guides for you to read!
Ready to start planning your trip? Let us help! Now Scratch Your Mapa offers customized travel planning services, so that you can sit back and relax, why we take care of the hard work. Unlike traditional travel agencies, we charge a low fixed cost, and make up the expense by all of the money that we save you along the way! Send us an email and we'd be happy to give you a free consultation to start planning your perfect trip.
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