The atmosphere of the historic Uruguayan town of Colonia del Sacramento is a universe apart from the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires. Just a short boat ride across the Rio de la Plata, Colonia is a popular day trip or weekend destination for tourists and Buenos Aires locals alike.
Highlights
- Day trip to Colonia from Buenos Aires
- Guided sightseeing tour of Colonia
- Browse the local gift, pottery and jewelry stores
- Bilingual English and Spanish speaking guide
Recent Photos of this Tour
A visit to Colonia offers an exploratory introduction to Argentina's small neighbor, Uruguay, through an enticing blend of colonial history, museums and laid-back ambiance. Full of old cobblestone streets, rustic buildings and famous landmarks, Colonia is historic town with a captivating atmosphere and charm.
Although Portugal officially ceded Nova Colonia do Sacramento (founded in 1680 by Manoel Lobo) to Spain in 1750, its Portuguese settlers resisted. The Spanish viceroyalty took possession only in 1777, destroying part of the town in the process. Meanwhile, Colonia was established as a prime smuggling center, exploited primarily by the British while the Spanish were busy building up the strength and size of their colony in Buenos Aires. A stop was put to this when Uruguay was created in 1828, as a buffer state between Argentina and Brazil, both of whom wanted its territory.
Colonia enjoys a superb location, only 110 miles (180km) west of Montevideo and perched atop a small peninsula jutting out into the great expanse of the Rio de la Plata. Warm light reflects from its bronze waters creating an effect especially impressive at dusk and only further enhancing the town´s remarkable beauty.
A short walk into town from the ferry pier brings you to the touristic section of Colonia. You'll stroll the streets, browsing the local one and two-room museums, gift, pottery and jewelry shops. The city center itself is not very large and you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the guided sightseeing tour.
Having managed to cling to its rustic charisma thanks to the untainted quality of its classic architecture, both Colonia's old and modern architecture are now protected as UNESCO world heritage sites.
This tour is likely to sell out! The ferry tickets for the Day Trip to Colonia from Buenos Aires regularly sell out weeks in advance, so book ahead to avoid disappointment!
Although Portugal officially ceded Nova Colonia do Sacramento (founded in 1680 by Manoel Lobo) to Spain in 1750, its Portuguese settlers resisted. The Spanish viceroyalty took possession only in 1777, destroying part of the town in the process. Meanwhile, Colonia was established as a prime smuggling center, exploited primarily by the British while the Spanish were busy building up the strength and size of their colony in Buenos Aires. A stop was put to this when Uruguay was created in 1828, as a buffer state between Argentina and Brazil, both of whom wanted its territory.
Colonia enjoys a superb location, only 110 miles (180km) west of Montevideo and perched atop a small peninsula jutting out into the great expanse of the Rio de la Plata. Warm light reflects from its bronze waters creating an effect especially impressive at dusk and only further enhancing the town´s remarkable beauty.
A short walk into town from the ferry pier brings you to the touristic section of Colonia. You'll stroll the streets, browsing the local one and two-room museums, gift, pottery and jewelry shops. The city center itself is not very large and you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the guided sightseeing tour.
Having managed to cling to its rustic charisma thanks to the untainted quality of its classic architecture, both Colonia's old and modern architecture are now protected as UNESCO world heritage sites.
This tour is likely to sell out! The ferry tickets for the Day Trip to Colonia from Buenos Aires regularly sell out weeks in advance, so book ahead to avoid disappointment!
Departure Point:Tour departs from your Buenos Aires hotelDeparture Time:
9:00am
Duration:10 hours (approx.)
Return details:Returns to original departure point
Additional Information
Inclusions:
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Ferry ticket
- Lunch
- City tour
- Gratuities (optional)
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Please note: a current valid passport is required to enter Uruguay
- Possession of proper government issued documentation is the responsibility of the passenger. You may require additional documentation to enter Uruguay. A Uruguayan visa may be required for some nationalities ; check your home country requirements for entering Uruguay.
Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.