Discover Colonia

Take an exhilarating adventure to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, just a 50-minute boat ride away from Buenos Aires. Step back to 1680, when this enchanting colony was founded by the Portuguese. Today, the colonial gem beckons with its cobbled streets, labyrinthine alleys, and architectural treasures, offering a journey through time that's unlike any other. A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, Colonia's unique layout sets it apart from the rest of Uruguay, weaving together cobblestone paths with hidden gems - from cozy cafes and artful boutiques to interesting museums and a bustling harbor. With picturesque plazas, lush parks, and an air of romance, Colonia promises a day that's as enchanting as it is unforgettable. The town is particularly known for its Barrio Historico, an impeccably preserved colonial quarter that was at one time the military stronghold in the resistance against Spain. Today, the wide stone walls and single-story stucco buildings are an example of European colonialism. You'll see a variety of Portuguese, Spanish, and post-colonial architectural styles. Set on a small peninsula and surrounded by water on three sides, the 17th-century village boasts a towering lighthouse that faces Buenos Aires and has its own drawbridge, the Puerta de la Ciudadela. Visitors can ascend to the top of the well-preserved lighthouse to see the extraordinarily wide river and, if the skies are clear, Buenos Aires in the distance. Colonia contains a number of excellent museums, including the Museo del Azulejo, which showcases French and Catalan tiles in a small, 17th-century stone house; the Museo Indigena, with stone tools that belonged to the Charrua people, and the Museo Paleontologico, which exhibits locally excavated glyptodon shells and other finds. Don't miss the chance to see this historic and enchanting Uruguay secret. Colonia del Sacramento makes for a can't-miss, easy day trip from Buenos Aires.