Colonia del Sacramento is one of the prettiest cities in South America and despite it’s small size, there are actually so many fun things to do in Colona del Sacramento Uruguay. I visited during a trip across the continent that took me from Bolivia through Chile and Argentina. Uruguay was the last leg of my journey, and what a perfect place it was!
I arrived to Colonia by ferry from Buenos Aires, and my experience in this lovely colonial town was so perfect that I felt compelled to write about it.
This is the oldest city in Uruguay. It was founded by the Portuguese in 1680 but also saw the domination of the Spaniards, the British, and the Brazilian. Colonia del Sacramento’s complicated past is due to its strategic position on the Rio de la Plata. Colonia finally became part of Uruguay in 1828, when the country was declared independent.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Colonia del Sacramento is a place full of history and charm. Life goes by much slower than in nearby Montevideo and in the terribly chaotic Buenos Aires, which is right across the river.
Ready to find out everything you need to know about what to do in Colonia del Sacramento Uruguay? In this post, I highlight what to see in Colonia del Sacramento and share some practical tips that will help you plan your trip.
Best Things To Do In Colonia Del Sacramento Uruguay
Pass by the Puerta de la Ciudadela
One of the very first Colonia del Sacramento things to do is the town’s main gate.
The Puerta de la Ciudadela is the town’s gate, marking the entry point into the old historical center of Colonia del Sacramento. In the past, it was meant to defend the city from intruders.
While there isn’t a lot to do at Puerta de la Ciudadela, aside from take a few pictures, it’s a good place to reflect and think about the history of the city. Colonia del Sacramento is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has, luckily, maintained basically all of it’s original charm and architecture.
You can really feel this is places like the town’s gate, with the cobblestone streets and brick buildings.
Pass by San Francisco Convent
San Francisco Convent is one of the best things to see in Colonia del Sacramento, even though very little remains standing.
Not much remains of this convent which was destroyed by a fire in the 1700s, but you will pass by its remains when you go to the lighthouse, one of the most popular landmarks in town. It’s another good photo spot and interesting ruins.
Climb the lighthouse
Climbing the 100 steps of the lighthouse – located at the entrance of the historical center – is a must when in Colonia del Sacramento, as the views from the viewing platform are simply stunning. The lighthouse was built in 1857 over the ruins of a tower of the old convent, and it is 26 meters tall.
Pop into a museum
For as small as it is, Colonia del Sacramento has a remarkable concentration of museums. Among the most interesting ones are the Spanish Museum, which has an exhibit on the first period of Spanish domination, and the Portuguese Museum, which focuses on the history of the city’s foundation.
Also worth mentioning are the Paleontological Museum, the Museum of Azulejos, and the Municipal Museum. If you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture, all of these museums are great things to do Colonia del Sacramento.
If you want to visit all the museums in Colonia, make sure to get a master ticket to the Museo Municipal to save some money.
Hang out in Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas is the main square in the historical center of Colonia del Sacramento and is a nice place to catch some shade on a hot summer day.
At the center of the square, there is the excavation of what used to be the house of the city’s governor. Right in the square, you will find the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento, which was built in 1680 and is the oldest church in the country.
Take a turn onto Calle de los Suspiros
The Street of Sights, or Calle de los Suspiros, is a really tiny cobbled alley that is worth at least passing by. It dates back to the 17th century, right from the time Colonia del Sacramento was founded, and it is lined with colonial buildings that also date back to those times.
According to legend, the street got its name from the fact that this is where women would expect sailors to return after many months at sea.
Pass by the train station
If you arrive in Colonia del Sacramento by ferry, you will pass by the old train station on your way to the old historical center. It honestly is nothing more than an abandoned building, but it is quite eerie and photogenic, so make sure to stop while you pass by!
Head to the beach
If you are visiting Colonia del Sacramento in the summer, you will want to get away from the heat at some point. So the best thing to do is to head to one of the public and free-to-access beaches along the Rio de la Plata. Don’t expect the clear waters of the Mediterranean, but the setting is nice, and the sand too – so definitely go for it.
Give birdingwatching a try
When you think of birdwatching, you likely think of being out in the jungle, or maybe even visiting a bird island out in the Caribbean. But Colona del Sacramento is a good place for birdwatching for beginners!
Because of the laid-back atmosphere of the city and the environment, there are a lot of bird species unique to South America on every corner. There are actually several Colonia del Sacramento tours through the city that offer birdwatching. So, it’s a great way to become better acquinted with the place, while learning a little about the local bird species.
If you’re new to birdwatching and also want a walking tour Colonia del Sacramento, I recommend this Private Old City Birdwatching activity. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Colonia del Sacramento, and honestly a very fun way to explore the city. Since it’s private, the guide will go at your level making it perfect for beginner birdwatchers.
Admire the vintage cars
One fun thing you will quickly notice in Colonia del Sacramento is the vintage cars. They really are everywhere. Some of them are simply parked where their engines used to be, where you can now find flower pots. Others are newer ones and still in use.
It’s not exactly the same as the cars you come across in Cuba, which is world-renowded for the vintage cars lining the streets. But there’s still a lot here, and they only add to the charm! You might be surprised by how many are still in use, too.
Stroll along the Marina
The Marina is a cool place to stroll for a while. You can admire the many boats and the people fishing. There are a few restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood, in case you are hungry.
This is what to do Colonia del Sacramento if you want some good scenary and maybe even some people watching. It’s also a great break from the cobblestone streets lining the historic quarter of Colonia. I recommend finding a little restaurant with a waterfront view, grabbing a drink, and maybe even a snack at the marina.
Eat Chivito
People in Uruguay love meat, and it is hard to stay away from it. This meat obsession is reflected in the most famous sandwich in Uruguay, the Chivito, and if you have just arrived in Colonia del Sacramento from Argentina, you really have to try one.
It is not exactly light: picture layers of beef, bacon, fried egg, and ham over lettuce, tomatoes, and whatever else your tastebuds ask for. There supposedly is a vegetarian version of it, though I fail to see how you can substitute that amount of meat!
Enjoy the sunset views
Sunsets in Colonia del Sacramento are legendary. If you are there only for a day trip, make sure to plan it so that you get to see the sunset on the Rio de la Plata—I promise you it is worth it. The best places to enjoy the sunset are the Marina and the Bastion of San Pedro.
Visit the restored bullring
The recently resotred bullring (Plaza de Toros) is one of the most unique places to visit in Colonia del Sacramento. But don’t worry, it hasn’t been restored to host bull fights.
This ancient structure was built in 1909, can seat over 10,000 people, and was expected to be one of the best bullrings in South America. However, it only hosted a total of eight fights until it was closed down due to the bullring prohibition from the Uruguay government.
The bullring was left abandoned for a century until it was finally restored and renovated. Now instead of hosting inhumane bull fights, there is an assortment of concerts and events. The structure itself is beautiful in it’s former glory, so it’s worth checking out even if you don’t plan to attend a show there.
Have a glass of Tannat
You will find many nice wine bars in Colonia del Sacramento, so make sure to pop in one for a glass of Tannat, Uruguay’s most famous wine. One of the nicest wine bars is El Buen Suspiro, a tiny place in Calle de los Suspiros.
Additionally, you can also go on a wine-tasting tour from Colonia del Sacramento if you have the time. Carmelo, a nearby town, is the best starting point for some hidden-gem vineyards. But you can also depart from Colonia.
For a winte tour from Colonia, I recommend this Winery Experience at Carmelo. You can organized transportation from Colonia del Sacramento or Carmelo. It’s a really fun tour that includes a complete tasting at a quintessential vineyard, and even some snacks (or a larger lunch of you opt for that).
Eat dinner al fresco
One of the nicest things to do in Colonia del Sacramento on a summer evening is eating dinner al fresco. Literally, all Colonia del Sacramento restaurants have tables outside, and the quality of food is good in pretty much all of them. Charco Bistro is supposed to be one of the best restaurants in town. It has a lovely patio that faces the river and a good menu.
Drink Mate
What do Argentines, Uruguayans, Brazilians, and Paraguayans have in common? They are obsessed with mate. So, one of the things you really should do in Colonia del Sacramento is try this drink in one of the many coffee shops around town. If the weather is hot, opt for terere, the cold version.
Shopping
Colonia del Sacramento isn’t exactly a shopping mecca, but there are a few art galleries and small boutiques where you are bound to find something you like. I certainly did a good amount of shopping when I was there!
And since it’s such a lovely city to walk around and explore, doing a little window shopping Colonia del Sacramento is a good way to spend an afternoon while admiring the quintessential streets and architecture.
Practical Guide
When to visit
The best time to visit Colonia del Sacramento is the late spring and summer months, between November and the end of March or April, so between late spring and the beginning of fall. The Colonia del Sacramento Uruguay weather is most pleasant during these months, with fewer crowds.
It can get very hot in the summer months, it certainly is better to travel then than in the winter, when the weather tends to be overcast (although it doesn’t rain much).
Keep in mind that January and February are the busiest months, and that’s when Colonia del Sacramento may get rather crowded. I visited in mid-March, and it was hot, with long days and none of the crowds.
How long to spend in Colonia del Sacramento
Most people visit Colonia del Sacramento on a day trip from either Montevideo or Buenos Aires. However, I think Colonia del Sacramento is one of the best places in Uruguay because of it’s charm, and it’s worth a little more time. I spent two full days when I visited and was glad I did.
Sure, the city is so small that you can explore the main highlights in a day. The best thing about it is the atmosphere, and having the chance of eating al fresco will definitely add to the experience. I definitely recommend spending two days there!
Guided day trips to Colonia del Sacramento
If you are short on time, the best way to visit Colonia del Sacramento is on a guided day trip. Regular ones depart from Montevideo or Buenos Aires.
I recommend this Montevideo: Colonia del Sacramento Full Day Tour if you have to visit on a day trip in Uruguay. The guided tour takes you to all the best spots, like the famous Bullring, Costanera, and the Historic Quarter. The tour lasts about nine hours and includes transportation.
How to get to Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia can be easily reached from Montevideo and from Buenos Aires. In the second case, you will also have to clear customs upon arrival.
From Montevideo
Colonia is about 180 km (112 miles) from Montevideo, from where it can be reached by car (it will take you a little over 2 hours) or by bus, in which case the trip takes about 3 hours. There are several daily buses with Turil and COT departing from Tres Cruces terminal in Montevideo. The bus terminal in Colonia is right by the harbor.
From Buenos Aires
If you are coming from Buenos Aires, you can opt to travel to Colonia del Sacramento by bus. There are daily buses departing from the Retiro bus station. However, the trip takes around 7 hours, so if you are only planning to spend a day or two there, it’s better to opt for the ferry.
Three ferry companies connect Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento several times a day. They all depart at the same time, and you can buy tickets online.
BUQUEBUS – This is the most well-known company connecting the two cities. They also sell excursions, bike rentals, and food. Ferries depart from the Buquebus Terminal in Puerto Madero, located near Retiro and Cordoba Avenue.
COLONIA EXPRESS – Another well-known company, other than the plain ferry tickets also sells tour packages. Ferries depart from the other side of Puerto Madero.
SEACAT COLONIA – Lesser known and cheaper than Buquebus, what’s interesting is that the ferries actually are those of Buquebus and depart from the Buquebus terminal in Puerto Madero.
Immigration
Should you be going to Colonia del Sacramento on a day trip from Buenos Aires, you will still need your passport, so remember to take it with you!
You will have to clear immigration both in Buenos Aires before getting on the ferry and in Uruguay once you get there. You will also have to scan your bags. Your passport will be stamped on the way out and on the way in.
How to move around Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia is so small that the best way to get around it is on foot.
If you have mobility issues, you may want to rent an electric golf cart. You can pick up one from Gral Flores Avenue.
Alternatively, you can opt to move around by bike – though keep in mind that the historic center is all cobblestone, so it’s not exactly ideal for biking. You can rent a bike for a day from your hotel.
Where to stay in Colonia del Sacramento
If you decide to spend a few days in Colonia del Sacramento, you will find no shortage of good places to stay. However, it is better to book in advance, especially at weekends, as it can get busy.
These are some of the best Colonia del Sacramento hotels:
- Posada Boutique Las Terrazas is one of the best hotels in Colonia del Sacramento. It’s a cute boutique hotel right in the Historic Quarter of the town. It has a small outdoor pool, a cozy fireplace, and spacious rooms.
- Colonia Suite Apartments is the perfect place for a longer stay. All apartments are incredibly stylish and fully equipped with anything you may need. Sometimes, it’s more convenient to stay in a fully serviced apartment, and this one allows just that without losing comfort and luxury.
- Don Antonio Posada is a fabulous hotel with spacious, comfortable rooms set around a small but well-kept internal garden with a pool. The hotel is very comfortable, and the staff is excellent.
Other useful information
Compared to Argentina, Uruguay is really expensive, so don’t be shocked by the prices in Colonia, especially for food.
Colonia del Sacramento is a really safe place to visit—you can stroll around day and night and face no issues at all. However, I still recommend getting good travel insurance for your trip to Uruguay.
Make sure to read my post Why You Need A Good Travel Insurance. I recommend HeyMondo travel insurance. There’s a variety of different plans and packages depending on what you want covered.
Further Readings
Make sure to read my other posts about Uruguay and Argentina:
- A Guide To The Greatest Things To Do In Argentina
- A Flash Pack’s Argentina Itinerary
- 25 Unmissable Things To Do In Buenos Aires
- A Complete Guide To Where To Stay In Buenos Aires
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