Planning a Trip to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

South America Travel Posted on 12/05/2013

Colonia del Sacramento is a city in southwestern Uruguay facing Buenos Aires across Rio de la Plata. Founded in 1680, it is one of the oldest towns in Uruguay with a population of about 22,000 people. Planning a trip to Colonia is very simple, as it is just a 1-3 hour ferry ride away from the city of Buenos Aires, depending on the company you decide to travel with. Say Hueque Tours can help you book your trip.


A trip to Colonia can be done in one day. Surrounded by water on three sides, the romantic town is full of charming cafes, cobblestone streets and is home to wonderfully preserved architecture. Colonia is a beautiful and intimate stop for people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, as bicycles are more prevalent than cars. Upon entering the town, you may encounter the lighthouse. A short walk away from the center of town, you can find an isolated beach. The peaceful atmosphere is softened by the leafy streets and flowers and is perfect for a leisurely weekend outing or day trip.

The best sightseeing activity in Colonia is walking through its Barrio Histórico, or “Old Town”. Visitors should take advantage of their time to walk at a slow pace, admire the little old buildings and have a meal.

On your trip to Colonia, be sure to walk through Calle de los Suspiros, or “Street of Whispers”. Calle de los Suspiros is famous for its mysterious stories well known all over Uruguay. It also holds many of the colloquial age’s architectural features.

Colonia - Uruguay

A few of the homes have turned into small museums, which are worth stopping by. As the town was subject to a long series of wars between Spain and Portugal, many museums are dedicated to the story of its history. The well-preserved landscape and the modest single-story buildings illustrate the fusion of the Portuguese, Spanish and post-colonial styles.

In fact, Colonia has earned itself the honor of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite the passage of time, the elements of the ancient town have maintained their original structure.

For more help planning a trip to Colonia del Sacramento, contact Say Hueque Tours and visit our website.

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