You have some extra time in Buenos Aires and don’t know what to do? The perfect getaway from the always busy Buenos Aires is Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. It is only an hour long ferry ride away and absolutely stunning. Here’s everything you need to know beforehand.
How to get to Colonia del Sacramento
The ferry from Buenos Aires only takes 1.5 hours. The main ferry operator is Colonia Express. You will find the schedule and prices on their website. We booked the ticket at the reception of our hotel but you can book them directly on the Colonia Express Website. The earliest ferry usually leaves at 8.30. This doesn’t sound too early but I would advise you to be at the ferry terminal around 1.5 hours before the departure time. It takes a lot of time to go through coustoms and passport control. After that you’re all set to board the ferry.
After you got off the ferry in Colonia del Sacramento and walk out of the port, take a turn left and walk over the huge parking lot. Keep walking in this direction and after around 5 minutes you will reach a gate, which is the entrence to the old town.
What is there to do in Colonia del Sacramento?
Wander around the old town
The old town is really lovely and very picturesque. You will find old colorful buildings, influenced by the Spanish and Portuguese. Even tho Colonia del Sacramento is located on the shore of the sea I wouldn’t recommend to go for a swim but you can walk around the coast and have a picknick next to the water. In the harbor you can observe fishermen or sit down at a restaurant to enjoy a fresh plate of seafood.
Climb up the stairs of the lighthouse
In Colonia del Sacramento stands an old lighthouse which isn’t only nice to look at but you can actually climb. The stairs are steep and the plattform is definitely only for people who don’t get sick from hights but the view is pretty great.
The entry cost 1400 Argentinan Pesos (October 2023) per person.
Have lunch with a nice view
There are multiple restaurants around town. Compared to Argentina, the food (and everything else) here is quite expensive. So make sure you will find a restaurant that isn’t overly priced and you’ll be fine. I checked the menu and prices of restaurants while walking around the town so when lunch time rolled around I already knew where I would want to go. The view from the restaurant I chose may have been a factor as well.
Buy a souvenir from a local artist
On the way from and to the port you will walk by a market where local artists sell handmade souvenirs among other things. There are also some shops and little market stands around town to buy something small to remember your trip by.
What should I bring on this one day trip?
Passport or ID? Definitely bring your passport, an ID is not enough. Check beforehand if you need a visa.
Do you need Uruguayan Pesos? If you have some lying around, bring it. Otherwise you don’t really need it, you can pay with card in restaurants and shops. I suggest wise. The entry fee for the lighthouse we were even able to pay in Argentinan Pesos. Be aware that Uruguay is more expensive than Argentina.
Bring your camera! Colonia del Sacramento is a very picturesque town. You will find so many cute buildings you will want to take pictures of.
Should you bring food? There are plenty of restaurants where you can sit down and have lunch or a drink. Bring some water and you’ll be set.
