AnnaA colonial jewel of cobblestone promenades. A cosy place to admire the sunset from the river. This is Colonia del Sacramento –often shortened to Colonia– a little diamond set on the RÃo de la Plata river; halfway between the two capital cities of Buenos Aires and Montevideo. While we spent a night in this cute town vibrant with past glory before taking the ferry to Argentina, it’s totally possible to enjoy this day trip from Buenos Aires to Uruguay. For many travellers, it might even be the only occasion they’ll step in Uruguay.
Why should you go to Colonia
Small town Colonia is really another world compared to the bustling city of Buenos Aires. Walking the curving cobble streets of the historic centre will take you back a few centuries. Colonia is really a town for slowing down, learning about the joined history of Argentina and Uruguay and noticing that Uruguayans are even crazier about their mate tea!
Only a couple of hours of ferry away, Colonia is a perfect day-trip destination from Buenos Aires.
Are you traveling in the other direction? Check out the most fun things to do in our favourite South American city, Buenos AiresÂ
On a day trip to Colonia from Buenos Aires
So you’ve made up your mind, let’s go to Colonia! But what to do there? We’ve collected below our favourite activities in Colonia del Sacramento.
A stroll in the historical centre of Colonia del Sacramento
On a sunny day this historical quarter –or Barrio Histórico– is really charming with its narrow, curvy streets and village-like traditional houses, that is listed of the UNESCO world heritage.
Being originally a Portuguese colonial settlement, it’s the only town in the area where the planning was not based on the grid style (learn more about the Spanish and Portuguese city planning methods here) that the Spanish colonies adopted.
Spot the old cars on the streets
Old cars are a thing in Colonia! Well, not like in Cuba, where old cars are still in use, but they park in Colonia’s streets just like movie accessories. On a walk in the centre you’ll surely come across with them, just keep your eyes peeled on the roadside.
Enjoy the sunset and a view of Buenos Aires
Colonia del Sacramento’s unique location makes it possible to enjoy a nice sunset facing Buenos Aires. Indeed, it’s so close from Buenos Aires that it’s the perfect day trip to Uruguay.
The best watching point is on the river bank where you’ll be able to sit on the big stones facing Buenos Aires and the setting sun, while a colonial church and the cobblestone streets are at your back. The river, Rio de la Plata, flows here as wide as a sea, making it a very special view.
History of Colonia del Sacramento
This town was often under attack and changed hands crazy many times as the Portuguese and Spanish crowns battled for the territory, which was called Banda Oriental. Sadly, many of the buildings that the Portuguese colonists erected got destroyed in the wars.
In the end Colonia got independent when the Banda Oriental found its independence under the name of Uruguay. (Read more about its turbulent history here.) The historic quarter kept its irregular, terrain-fitting street plan created by the Portuguese, but the newer areas of the town followed the grid-based Spanish urban planning style.
If you want to escape from the hubbub of Buenos Aires, we highly recommend this day trip to Uruguay and the cosy peacefulness of Colonia.
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