Heading out on a day trip from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay is an exciting and relatively easy adventure. Colonia del Sacramento is a charming small town that offers a blend of Portuguese and Spanish post-colonial influences, mixed with modern Uruguayan flair.
As a getaway from the bustling streets of Buenos Aires, the quiet, cobblestone alleys of Colonia del Sacramento are often a highlight for many visitors to the Rio de la Plata region.
In addition to being rather inexpensive, simple, and safe to visit, many visitors to Argentina are attracted by this day trip option in order to check out another South American country. A day trip to Uruguay from Buenos Aires is a great thing to add to your South American itinerary.
Good to Know for Uruguay
Currency: Peso
Capital City: Montevideo
Primary Language: Spanish
Bordering Countries: Brazil, Argentina
Where is Colonia del Sacramento?
Colonia del Sacramento is about 1.5 hours from Buenos Aires via ferry. It is about 36 miles (58 km) across the Rio de la Plata.
It is located in the southwestern side of Uruguay and is about 110 miles (180 km) from the capital city of Montevideo by road. If you decide for an onward journey in Uruguay, a trip from Colonia del Sacramento to Montevideo will take you about 2.5 hours by bus or car. While both cities are coastal, the road is actually a bit inland.
Colonia del Sacramento Information
As a small town, there are only about 27,000 people living here however the population is quickly growing in recent years in part due to economic crisis in Argentina.
As the name might suggest, Colonia del Sacramento is one of the oldest towns in Uruguay. The town was founded in 1680 by Manuel Lobo. During the colonial period, the city went back and forth between Spanish and Portuguese occupation. It was even incorporated into Brazil as part of Portuguese colonization in the 19th century. Uruguay gained its own independence from Brazil and the colonizing states in 1825.
Preparation for a Day Trip to Uruguay
Here are four key tips to ensure your day trip goes smoothly:
- Pick a date that suits your schedule and consider the weather forecast to ensure a more comfortable trip. Dress accordingly.
- Confirm the necessary travel documents, such as passports, visas, and any additional requirements for crossing the border into Uruguay. American passport holders do not need a visa in advance (as of February 2024).
- Purchase your ferry tickets online and in advance to ensure availability.
- Pack a day bag. I recommend a light tote bag or small backpack. Bring items such as comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a camera, and a book for the ferry ride.
- Obtain Uruguay pesos in advance in Buenos Aires. Not all shops take card.
Choosing a Ferry
Departing from Buenos Aires by ferry is quite easy. The two main ferry operators are Buquebus and Colonia Express. You can find options to book either through here. I used Colonia Express both ways and totally recommend them, although I’ve read good things about Buquebus as well. It should really come down to your preferred schedule.
There are daily departures in both directions in the morning and evening, making a day trip a flexible and easy activity. I recommend booking your Colonia del Sacramento tickets in advance though. Sometimes they sell out during the high season.
There are two main ferry ports so plan carefully. Check your tickets for a departure terminal location to avoid a mix up. The two main ferry operators leave out of two different ports, but are both in the Puerto Madero neighborhood.
Arrive at the Buenos Aires ferry terminal at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid any last-minute rush.
Related: Things to do in the Palermo Neighborhood
What to Expect on the Ferry
First, you’ll need to pass through immigration. This happens on both ends of the journey given you are going through an international border twice. US passport holders do not need a special visa arranged in advance (as of Feb 2024). The immigration check is pretty quick. There is a security check as well, but it is nothing like the airport.
Then, after immigration and security, you settle into a waiting area closer to the departure gate. There are some basic concessions at the gate area as well as bathrooms.
Once boarded, follow the guidelines provided by the ferry company and settle into a comfortable seat to enjoy the ride across the Rio de La Plata. When you get on the ferry it is open seating, meaning you get to choose where to sit.
The windows on most of the boats a pretty foggy from the sea salt outside and the temperature and humidity inside. I wouldn’t expect to be able to watch much out of the windows, at least in my experience.
The seats are comfortable and there is a mix of family seating and rows. Not all rows have windows. In fact, the quality of the seats exceeded my expectations.
The journey across the river and bay is fairly calm. I did not feel any motion sickness or sea sickness, although I am not particularly sensitive to it. Instead, I fell asleep on the way there given the early morning departure.
Exploring Colonia del Sacramento
There are many things to do in Colonia del Sacramento, however not so much that you’ll feel rushed. Strolling through the Barrio Histórico is the main thing to do in this little town. Begin your journey by wandering through the well-preserved Barrio Histórico, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with colonial-era architecture, vibrant plazas, and picturesque cobblestone streets. Mature trees, colorful flags, and cute buildings adorn the bumpy roads.
When you first enter the town, don’t miss the historic 1745 fortress gate and drawbridge. Here you can also find the old walls and canons.
As you go, explore iconic landmarks such as the Colonia del Sacramento lighthouse, the Basilica del Santísimo Sacramento, and the ruins of the Convent of San Francisco, each offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history. There is a small fee to climb to the top of the lighthouse, but it is worth it for the sweeping views you can’t find elsewhere in the town.
For a historical and pretty redish-pink avenue, check out the Calle de los Suspiros.
As you wander, keep an eye out for local boutiques and antique stores. You can find a good variety of high-quality goods in Colonia del Sacramento. Local markets and artisanal shops are nice spots to find unique souvenirs, handmade crafts, and traditional textiles to bring back as memorable tokens of your trip. Although, the US dollar does not go nearly as far in Uruguay as it does in Argentina.
You might also be interested in the many small museums in the historic district. Some include the Espacio Portugués Museo de Colonia, Museo Armada, and the Museo y Archivo Regional. The museums are primarily based around the Plaza Mayor. Unfortunately, they were closed during my visit in July 2023.
For nice ground level viewpoint, head to the “vista del atardecer.” This literally means sunset view, but it is a nice spot at any hour with views over the Rio de la Plata bay area.
Related: 15 Free Things to do in Buenos Aires
Where to Eat on a Day Trip to Colonia
As you explore during your day trip, you’ll like need lunch and a snack at a minimum. Keep an eye out for traditional Uruguayan fare at local restaurants like chivito, asado, and medialunas. Uruguayan food has many similarities to the cuisine in the Buenos Aires region. Because of this, you can find great pasta, wine, and steak throughout town. Similarly, don’t miss out on enjoying a relaxing mate (a popular drink in the region) at one of the plaza cafes.
One of the best restaurants in town is Charco. Here they have a waterfront covered patio space with lots of lush details. I came here with a group of four and everyone’s dish was amazing. You can also choose from a variety of local Uruguayan wine.
If you find yourself craving dessert, head to Bortolot Gelato and Caffe for a good sugar and caffeine fix. They also serve homemade Uruguayan pastries.
Returning to Buenos Aires
Keep an eye on the time to ensure you have sufficient hours to explore and make it back to the ferry terminal for your return trip. You should budget at least four hours in the small town to explore and eat, although I think six hours would be more leisurely.
Leave ample time for the journey back to the ferry terminal and check the ferry schedule to avoid missing your return trip. It is simple and easy to walk to the terminal from the historic center of Colonia del Sacramento, however you can hail a cab if you need to.
The return to Buenos Aires is much like the departure. Expect to revisit immigration and security. Once back in Buenos Aires, you can easily get a taxi, call an Uber, or use public transit to get back to your local accommodation.
Related: Best Things to do in Recoleta
Is Colonia del Sacramento safe?
Yes, Colonia del Sacramento is a very safe destination. Furthermore, Uruguay is the most stable democracy in the region. There is less crime, especially violent crime in Colonia del Sacramento relative to the rest of the region. You should still use common sense, but you really don’t need to worry about crime or violence during a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento.
Is a day trip to Colonia worth it?
Yes, Colonia del Sacramento’s relaxed atmosphere makes a perfect retreat from the city. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a charming, quiet day trip.
A day trip to Colonia from Buenos Aires is quite popular and definitely worth it if you enjoy history, architecture, and a laid-back vibe. You can wander through the old town, visit the lighthouse for panoramic views, explore the museums, and enjoy delicious Uruguayan cuisine at one of the local restaurants.
The ferry ride from Buenos Aires to Colonia is relatively short, taking about an hour and a half, making it convenient for a day trip. Given how far away this area of the world is for many people, a chance to ferry across the river zone to see a new country and town is hard to resist.
If you’re planning your visit to Buenos Aires, I would definitely make room in the itinerary for a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento. It was one of the highlights of my month in the southern Brazil– northern Argentina area.
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