Colonia del Sacramento
Uruguay · Colonia · 20 m
Description
Colonia del Sacramento is the oldest town in Uruguay and its historic quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded by the Portuguese as a smuggling post facing Buenos Aires across the river. Ownership changed hands between Portugal and Spain repeatedly, and the two building traditions still sit side by side in the same streets. The Calle de los Suspiros is a rough cobbled lane of low colonial houses, and the lighthouse stands on the ruins of a seventeenth century convent. Ferries from Buenos Aires arrive in an hour, which makes it a heavy day-trip destination. Staying overnight separates it from the day-trip crowd.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: November – March
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Barrio Histórico (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Calle de los Suspiros
- Lighthouse and convent ruins
- Portón de Campo city gate and drawbridge
- Sunset over the Río de la Plata
- Plaza Mayor and the Portuguese museum
- Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento
- Vintage car street scenes and rental buggies
- Riverside beaches and the Rambla
- Real de San Carlos bullring ruins
- Bodega Bernardi and Colonia wineries(Day trip)
Getting there
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry