Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay)
May 26, 2019: So you’ve made it all the way to Buenos Aires, why not take the ferry across Rio de la Plata and visit one of the oldest towns in Uruguay? Aside from adding another country and stamp to your passport, you will not regret escaping the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires by strolling through the historic UNESCO site. Your instagram account will thank you for stopping by!
8:15am – 9:15am: Ferry to Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay) via Buquebus ($66; need to arrive at least 30 mins ahead for immigration)
Walk around Barrio Histórico:
Puerta de la Ciudadela (Porton de Campo)
La Calle de los Suspiros (pretty cobblestone street)
Basilica De Santisimo Sacramento (oldest church in Uruguay)
Lighthouse (take tons of photos or pay 60 AR pesos to go up)
Shop around Avenida General Flores (and get cash)
Visit 5-6 historical museums (UR $50 ticket):
Museo Municipal (opens at 11:15am; obtain ticket here with Uruguayan peso)
Paleontologico (15 mins drive from Plaza Mayor)
Lunch @ Charco Bistro (sit at the terrace for the waterfront views; get the caivitos) & walk to the beach afterwards
Walk around cute shops such as Galeria de los Suspiros (Atelier Fraga) & Almacen La Carlota
Go inside the shops between Casacuero and Chopería Mastra Colonia and take the stairs up to the 2nd floor for the view
Coffee/ice cream @ Freddo
5:01-6:01pm: Ferry back to Buenos Aires
Other points of interest
Drink @ Barbot (first craft brewery)
Walk along the water to Rambla de Colonia
Tips
There are 2 other ferry sites available aside from Buquebus (Colonia Express & Seacat Colonia). I personally found Buquebus easy for booking the ticket online with the lowest price.
If possible, try to get Uruguayan peso from Banco Republica on General Flores. Some attractions/stores give more favorable rate on Uruguayan peso.
Shop at stores on Avenida General Flores over the ones inside the historic district for better exchange rates.
