A Day Trip To Colonia del Sacramento From Buenos Aires
If you are looking for unique day trips from Buenos Aires to surrounding areas, look no further; take a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento from Buenos Aires. A quick ferry ride will bring you to the historical town of Uruguay on the other side of Rio del la Plata.
Buquebus Ferry travels daily between Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento. You could choose between the express one-hour ferry ride or the three hours ride. One-hour ferry ride is more expensive and travelers could choose between economy or first class.
Colonia del Sacramento is about
34 miles from the metropolitan city of Buenos Aires Argentina, but the atmosphere is completely different. Once you arrive into Colonia del Sacramento, a calm environment, cobblestone streets, cafés and historical sites will greet you.
You can visit the historical sites of Colonia del Sacramento in two hours by foot. Either take a walking tour with a local guide or walk around on your own with a map from the tourism office right in front of the drawbridge (before entering the Old City)
Here are five places to visit in Colonia del Sacramento in a day:
One: The Drawbridge or Puerta de la Ciudadela
The Portuguese built the original drawbridge, which was the entrance to the fortified city, in 1745. It was the main entrance to the city and most tours start from the drawbridge.
One you cross the drawbridge you will notice the old cobblestone streets. There is a contrast between streets built by the Portuguese and Spanish. The Portuguese used all types of irregular stones and have drainage in the middle. The Spanish used rectangular stones laid in regular patterns.
Two: Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs)
This street on the left after you enter from the drawbridge has cobblestone streets and alleyways and colorful old houses. Most of these houses are used as restaurants, museums, art galleries and souvenir shops.
Three: Museo Portugues on Plaza Mayor
The museum is located in a 17th century Portuguese house and exhibitions include things from colonial days including old maps, military uniforms and furnishings. You can pay one admission fee of 50 Uruguayan pesos for all the museums in the historical area.
Four: El Faro (The Lighthouse)
The lighthouse, located between Plaza Mayor and Calle de San Pedro was built on the foundations of the destroyed Francisco Javier Convent. The 88.5 feet structure though not tall compared to many lighthouses of the world, offers visitors a view of Colonia del Sacramento, the Rio de la Plata and the skyline of Buenos Aires.
El Faro is open on weekdays from 1 p.m. to sunset and weekends from 11 a.m. to sunset. The viewing platform is small and has a bench fit for maximum of three visitors. You can get a 360 degree unobstructed view of the whole area surrounding Colonia del Sacramento.
The entrance fee is 20 Uruguayan pesos (about US$1). It is definitely worth the climb. Wear shoes and bring a light jacket if you plan to climb up the stairs of El Faro. The best time to visit, in our opinion is right before sunset.
Five: Dining in one of the cafés
Colorful chairs are arranged outside most restaurants and cafés for visitors to stop by for coffee, beer or lunch. For good coffee and local desserts and pastries try Ganache Café and Pasteleria at Calle Real N0 178, Colonia del Sacramento 43111, Uruguay.
Tips before taking your day trip to Colonia del Sacramento from Buenos Aires:
1. Bring your passport.
2. Bring some Uruguayan pesos. Use Travelmath’s
Currency converter.
3. To save money ride the slow ferry ride (3 hours ride) from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento. You can also go out to the deck and enjoy the view and ride if you travel on the slow ferry. Take the fast ferry (one hour ferry) back to Buenos Aires after your day trip.
4. Ferry tickets can be purchased online or at any
Buquebus ticket counter.
Have you been to Buenos Aires? Check out our article on 5 Things To Do In Buenos Aires
