Things to Do in Colonia del Sacramento
Are you thinking of visiting Colonia del Sacramento? Then this post will inspire you to plan a trip to this beautiful colonial town in Uruguay. This must-see Unesco World Heritage site is just an hour-long ferry ride from Buenos Aires. Spending time in Barrio Histórico, or the historic quarter, is a beautiful day trip from Buenos Aires. There are many Things to Do in Colonia del Sacramento, so get excited and let’s learn more.
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How to Get To Colonia del Sacramento
You can easily access Colonia del Sacramento by taking a one-hour ferry ride from Buenos Aires. The Colonia Express and BuqueBus offer a daily service to and from Colonia del Sacramento. The ferries leave from Puerto Madero in Buenos Aires. We took the Colonia Express and it was clean and an easy ride to and from Colonia del Sacramento.
The ferries run daily back and forth from Buenos Aires. I recommend purchasing your ferry tickets in advance if possible. Once you arrive at the port in Colonia del Sacramento, you can easily walk to Old Town or take a quick taxi ride.
When you’re ready to plan your trip to Argentina and Uruguay, Booking.com can help.
Perfect Day Trip from Buenos Aires
The History
From the moment you step on the Puerta de la Ciudadela, the drawbridge, you will want to go off in every direction to explore. If you like historic old towns, then you will quickly understand why this is Uruguay’s diamond. Initially founded in 1680 by the Portuguese but taken over several times by multiple countries, this town has a fascinating past. Luckily, in 1828, it finally earned its independence when it became part of the new state of Uruguay.
The Best Things to Do in Colonia del Sacramento
Explore the Barrio Histórico
The Barrio Histórico is the heart and soul of Colonia del Sacramento. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a charming, cobblestone-filled old town with winding streets and colorful colonial buildings. For instance, Calle de Los Suspiros, also known as Street of Sighs, dates back to the 16th Century and is the most popular spot for photos. Additionally, Calle de Los Suspiros, the street itself, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
You will love the charming colonial homes and all the colors, flowers, and tree-lined walls. You can easily spend hours wandering through the narrow alleys, admiring the architecture and taking in the views of the Rio de la Plata.
Climb to the top of Faro Lighthouse
The next item of things to do in Colonia del Sacramento is Faro, the Lighthouse on Colonia del Sacramento. Climbing to the top is a must-do for a gorgeous aerial view of Colonia. Of course, climbing to the top is in a very tight space and straight up a small spiral staircase. I would not advise it to anyone with health issues. The cost to go up is 100 Argentine pesos, which is about $1 US, at the time of writing this post.
See the ruins of the Convent San Francisco
You’ll also want to visit the Convent of San Francisco ruins that still remain connected to the lighthouse. The Convent was destroyed in 1704 by a terrible fire.
Wander in Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas is the main square and it is a beautiful place to just sit, enjoy the beauty, and relax. You’ll also be able to see and visit, if you like, the oldest church in Uruguay. Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento, or Church Matriz, was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. You can also see the remains of the old cisterns that provided water to the Governor’s Mansion. The original Governor’s Mansion is across the way and is now a hotel.
Visit the Harbor
You will eventually run into the Rio de la Plata while exploring the old town of Colonia. The Rio de la Plata is a lovely waterfront walk that you can enjoy while in Colonia del Sacramento. When you do, be sure to visit the Marina. It’s quite lovely and an excellent spot for photos.
Enjoy a Meal or Mate at a Cafe
I suggest taking your time in Colonia del Sacramento. There are many cafes to choose from to relax and take in the scenery. Here, you can enjoy a nice meal or sip some Mate, the National drink of Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. It’s like a tea, but not, it’s quite different. You should definitely give it a try.
A Photographer’s Paradise
Obviously, one of my favorite things to do in Colonia del Sacramento is taking photos. This gorgeous little town is a photographer’s paradise. There is so much history, colors, and charm that you just won’t be able to help yourself. I encourage you to enjoy yourself and have fun taking your best shots.
Colonia de Museo
If you are a museum enthusiast, Old Town Colonia del Sacramento has quite a few. A few to mention include the Portuguese Museum, the Origami Museum, and the Paleontology Museum. If you plan to visit the museums, start at the Municipal Museum. You can purchase a combined ticket to most museums for a nominal fee, approximately $2 US dollars. However, it is important to note that not all the museums are open on the same day, and they close by 4:30 p.m.
Enjoy Some Helado (Ice Cream)
At the end of a long day of exploring, treat yourself to some delicious helado (ice cream). There are many little shops in Old Town Colonia del Sacramento that sell homemade ice cream. It’s the perfect way to cool off and relax after a day full of sightseeing.
Explore Nearby Beaches
If you happen to be in Colonia del Sacramento during the summer months, I highly recommend taking a short ferry ride to one of the nearby beaches. The most popular is Playa Ferrando, which has calm waters and beautiful white sand. It’s a great place to spend a day with family or friends, soaking up the sun and enjoying the beach life. Of course, you may want to extend your stay to include time for the beach.
How Much Time Do You Need in Colonia del Sacramento
While there are numerous things to do in Colonia del Sacramento, you really only need about five to six hours to see it all. Therefore, enjoying a day trip is probably all you need. Now, if you’re looking for a quaint town to get lost in for a few days or longer, this is a good one!
Where to Stay in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
If you do decide to extend your stay, there are many charming and affordable options for lodging in Colonia del Sacramento. You can find everything from budget-friendly hostels to boutique hotels. And with the town being relatively small, it’s easy to navigate and explore by foot no matter where you choose to stay.
A Few Favorites Include:
Charco Hotel – A highly rated upscale boutique hotel with top amenities and free breakfast.
Posada Boutique Le Vero – Featuring a garden and only a 7 minute walk to the beach, this lovely hotel is reasonably priced and breakfast is included.
Posada Boutique Las Terrazas – Located in the heart of old town, this boutique hotel features a swimming pool, a cozy living room with fireplace and full breakfast buffet included.
Don’t forget to try some traditional Uruguayan cuisine while you’re here, such as chivito (a sandwich made with steak, ham, cheese, and other toppings) or an asado (a BBQ-style meal). And be sure to take plenty of photos of the colorful streets and picturesque views – this is a town that will make for some amazing memories!
Best Time to Visit Colonia del Sacramento
The best time to visit Colonia del Sacramento is during the summer months (December – March) when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities. However, if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall.
Tips for Visiting Colonia del Sacramento
- Bring comfortable walking shoes as most of the town is easily accessible by foot
- Try traditional Uruguayan cuisine at one of the local restaurants
- Don’t forget your camera for capturing all the picturesque views and colorful streets
- Take advantage of a day trip option if you’re short on time, but don’t be afraid to extend your stay for a more in-depth exploration of the town
- Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with locals – they are known for their warm and friendly hospitality
- Take a stroll along the Rambla, a waterfront promenade with stunning views of the Rio de la Plata
- Explore the local markets for unique souvenirs and handcrafted goods
Is Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay Worth It?
I would say Colonia del Sacramento is totally worth it. My friends in Buenos Aires suggested it to my husband and I, and we were very glad we took their advice. The old town is so charming and beautiful. Since I am a photographer too, I fell in love with Colonia del Sacramento immediately.
We only did the day trip from Buenos Aires this time, but I hope to return and spend more time in this hidden gem in the future.
Final Thoughts on Colonia del Sacramento
With its charming streets, historical sites, and welcoming atmosphere, Colonia del Sacramento is truly a gem worth visiting. Whether you’re here for a day or staying longer, you’ll find plenty to explore and enjoy in this delightful Uruguayan city.
I certainly hope you have enjoyed my Things to Do in Colonia del Sacramento. If so, you may also enjoy Must-Try Experiences in Buenos Aires or Buenos Aires Food- What to Eat.
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