Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay: travel guide
Cobbled Portuguese-era streets and river sunsets an hour from Buenos Aires
A UNESCO World Heritage former Portuguese smuggling port on the Rio de la Plata, an hour by ferry from Buenos Aires. Cobblestone Barrio Historico, the 1680s lighthouse, vintage cars and riverside sunsets make it Uruguay's most charming colonial town.
About Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento sits on the Rio de la Plata, facing Buenos Aires across the water. It began as a Portuguese outpost, and its old quarter, the Barrio Historico, still has the cobblestones, low houses and fortified gateway that give it a timeworn look.
The pleasures here are slow ones. Walk the Calle de los Suspiros, climb the lighthouse for a view of the river, wander the Plaza Mayor 25 de Mayo and finish the day watching the sun go down over the water. Vintage cars parked along the lanes add to the scene.
Colonia is an easy day trip by ferry, but it rewards an overnight stay once the day-visitors leave. It suits couples and short breaks, and the best time to visit is spring or autumn, when the days are mild.
- Country
- Uruguay
- Currency
- UYU
- Time zone
- America/Montevideo
Last updated
Plan a Colonia del Sacramento trip
Top places to visit in Colonia del Sacramento
Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento
church · 4.6 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Uruguay's oldest church, begun by the Portuguese in 1680 and rebuilt over centuries. A simple whitewashed nave facing Plaza de Armas in the old town.
Barrio Historico
old town · 4.8 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The UNESCO-listed colonial quarter where Portuguese and Spanish streets meet. Cobblestones, bougainvillea, vintage cars and river views make it one of South America's most romantic old towns.
Faro de Colonia
lighthouse · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The 1857 lighthouse rising beside the ruins of the 17th-century San Francisco convent. Climb its spiral stairs for the best panorama over the red rooftops and the Rio de la Plata.
Calle de los Suspiros
street · 4.7 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
The Street of Sighs, Colonia's most photographed lane - a short, steeply cobbled street of 18th-century houses sloping toward the river. Pure colonial atmosphere.
Porton de Campo y Murallas
city gate · 4.7 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
The reconstructed 1745 city gate and drawbridge with its surviving stone ramparts - the historic entrance to the fortified town and a favourite photo spot.
Plaza Mayor 25 de Mayo
plaza · 4.6 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The leafy central square of the old town, framed by museums, the lighthouse and colonial houses. The heart of the Barrio Historico and a shady place to pause.
Rambla Costanera de Colonia
promenade · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
The riverside promenade curving along the Rio de la Plata, perfect for a sunset bike ride or stroll with the old town's silhouette behind you.
Real de San Carlos
ruins · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A faded Belle Epoque resort complex 5 km north built by Nicolas Mihanovich in 1910 - the ruins of a grand bullring, a hotel and a pier, set among quiet beaches.
Museo Portugues
history museum · 4.5 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A small museum in a 1720s Portuguese house displaying period furniture, tiles, maps and uniforms from Colonia's Portuguese era. Part of the unified museum ticket.
Museo del Azulejo
tile museum · 4.4 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
A tiny riverside museum in one of the town's oldest houses, showing a collection of antique French, Spanish and Portuguese decorative tiles (azulejos).
Things to do
- Colonia Barrio Historico Guided Tour Cultural · 2 h · from USD 25 per person
- Colonia Golf Cart Rental Self Guided · 4 h · from USD 60 per person
- Colonia Sunset Sailing Boat · 2 h · from USD 55 per person
Day trips and tours
- Colonia del Sacramento from the Riverfront 6 h · from USD 80
Where to stay in Colonia del Sacramento
- Barrio Historico about UYU 110 per night
Stay inside the UNESCO old town among cobblestone lanes, posadas and the lighthouse — magical at sunset once the day-trippers leave.
- Centro about UYU 75 per night
The modern town centre near the bus terminal and ferry port, with everyday shops, more affordable hotels and a short walk to the old town.
Hotels
- Charco Hotel 4-star · USD 150 to USD 300 per night
- Posada Plaza Mayor 3-star · USD 95 to USD 170 per night
- Sheraton Colonia Golf & Spa Resort 5-star · USD 150 to USD 290 per night
- Costa Colonia Riverside Boutique Hotel 4-star · USD 110 to USD 200 per night
- Don Antonio Posada 3-star · USD 80 to USD 140 per night
- El Espanol Hostel Colonia 2-star · USD 20 to USD 60 per night
Where to eat
- El Drugstore International, Eclectic, Uruguayan · about UYU 1,500 per person
- La Bodeguita Pizza, Italian · about UYU 1,100 per person
- Charco Bistro Modern, Uruguayan, Bistro · about UYU 2,400 per person
- Buen Suspiro Tapas, Wine Bar, Uruguayan · about UYU 1,300 per person
- Parrilla El Porton Parrilla, Uruguayan · about UYU 1,300 per person
- Lentas Maravillas Cafe, Tea House · about UYU 700 per person
Getting to Colonia del Sacramento
Nearest airport: Buenos Aires, Jorge Newbery (AEP), about 53 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
How visitors arrive in Colonia del Sacramento
- Ferry from Buenos Aires (Buquebus, Colonia Express) By ferry from Buenos Aires · common
Ferries cross the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires to Colonia; Buquebus and Colonia Express both run the route, and Colonia Express also ties in a bus link to Montevideo. Source: coloniaexpress.com
- Bus from Montevideo By road from Montevideo · common · unconfirmed
Coaches connect Montevideo with Colonia; the Colonia Express service includes a bus link to Montevideo. Source: coloniaexpress.com
From the port to the centre
- Walk from the ferry terminal unconfirmed
The old town sits close to the port; confirm which terminal your operator uses. Source: buquebus.com
Getting around
- Bus
Local buses run by ABC and Sol Antigua serve Colonia, including orange Sol Antigua buses to Real de San Carlos and its old bullfighting ring.
- Car Rental Self
Cars, golf carts and motorbikes can be rented from companies near the bus and ferry terminals in Colonia.
- Ferry
Ferries link Colonia with Buenos Aires across the Rio de la Plata, and the port is a short distance from the old town.
- Taxi
White taxis wait at spots such as outside the bus station and can also be called by phone.
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Tourist-menu overcharging
Restaurants around Plaza Mayor and the old town
A few eateries in the busiest tourist spots add cover charges (cubierto) or quote prices without tax, inflating the bill for day-trippers.
How to avoid it: Check whether a cubierto and taxes are included, confirm prices before ordering, and step a block or two off the main square for better value.
Golf-cart damage charges
Golf cart and bike rental offices
On return, renters are sometimes charged for pre-existing scratches or dents on the cart.
How to avoid it: Photograph the cart from all sides at pickup, note existing damage with the operator, and keep the rental agreement.
Best time to visit Colonia del Sacramento
- Jan 29°C
- Feb 28°C
- Mar 26°C
- Apr 22°C
- May 19°C
- Jun 16°C
- Jul 15°C
- Aug 17°C
- Sep 19°C
- Oct 21°C
- Nov 25°C
- Dec 27°C
More in Uruguay
Frequently asked questions about Colonia del Sacramento
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Colonia del Sacramento?
- The highest-rated places in our Colonia del Sacramento guide are Barrio Historico, Faro de Colonia, Calle de los Suspiros, Porton de Campo y Murallas, Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento.
- Where should I stay in Colonia del Sacramento?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Colonia del Sacramento: Barrio Historico, Centro.
- How do I get around Colonia del Sacramento?
- Ways to get around Colonia del Sacramento covered in our guide: City bus, Self-drive car, Ferry, Taxi.
- What scams should I watch out for in Colonia del Sacramento?
- Scams reported to us for Colonia del Sacramento include Tourist-menu overcharging; Golf-cart damage charges. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Colonia del Sacramento?
- Average daytime highs in Colonia del Sacramento run from 15°C in Jul to 29°C in Jan.