UNESCO
Barrio Histórico
Declared World Heritage in 1995. Portuguese and Spanish streets side by side, with bars looking onto the river.
Old town
Colonia · Uruguay
Colonia del Sacramento
A UNESCO World Heritage quarter of seventeenth century cobbled streets facing the river, an hour by ferry from Buenos Aires.
About the destination
Good to know
01
Getting there
One hour by fast ferry from Buenos Aires, or two and a half hours by road from Montevideo.
02
When to go
Any time. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant, and the old town is never crowded outside weekends.
03
Getting around
The historic quarter is small and entirely walkable. Rent a golf cart or a scooter for the rest.
What to see and do
Worth your time
The places we send our travellers to, and the ones we would go back to ourselves.
Historic
Calle de los Suspiros
The most photographed cobbled street in Uruguay, unchanged since the 1700s.
Old town
Landmark
Faro de Colonia
Built over convent ruins, with the best view over the river and the tiled roofs of the old town.
Old town
Historic
Puerta de la Ciudadela
The old city gate and drawbridge, the entrance to the historic quarter.
Old town
Waterfront
Rambla de Colonia
A quiet promenade along the river, with benches facing west. The sunsets here are the reason people stay the night.
Along the river
Nature
Río de la Plata
The widest river in the world. Crossing it by sailboat or ferry is an experience in itself.
Waterfront
Historic
Plaza de Toros Real de San Carlos
A bullring from 1910, used for eight fights before bullfighting was banned. Now restored.
Real de San Carlos
Church
Iglesia Matriz
The oldest church in Uruguay, with thick colonial walls and a quiet interior.
Old town
Beach
Playa Ferrando
A calm beach with white sand and clear water, far enough out that it stays empty.
By car
Wine
Bodega Los Cerros de San Juan
The oldest winery in Uruguay, with its own village inside the estate.
Near Carmelo
Museum
Granja Colonia
A curious museum of collections, with a shop of local crafts.
Nearby
Wine
Carmelo wineries
Boutique wineries and the Tannat route, an hour north along the river.
65 km away
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