Shore Excursions Group
Discover Colonia
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.
| Day 1 |
Buenos Aires, the vibrant political and cultural capital of Argentina, has become an enticing destination for many travelers and a must-see destination in South America. Founded in the sixteenth century by Spanish explorers, Buenos Aires has since developed its own unique flair. Hints of Buenos Aires’s colonial origins can be found in the Plaza de Mayo city center, including the Cabildo, the Spanish colonial town hall turned museum, and Casa Rosada, the iconic governmental building. This bright pink palace was once the site for Eva Peron’s political speeches, immortalized in Broadway’s Evita, and is a favorite landmark for photographs. In contrast, La Boca’s famous Caminito street museum bursts with brilliant hues of blue, red, green, and yellow and is a haven for local Argentine artists, chefs, and dancers. Buenos Aires abounds with art, beauty, and romance. The luxurious Teatro Colón opera house rivals those in Paris and London, while El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore, housed in an old cinema theater, is a book-lover’s paradise. Stop by the Café Tortoni to delight in fresh coffee and churros or listen to live tango and jazz performances. Browse eclectic and traditional antiques in Plaza Dorrego’s San Telmo fair. Marvel at the city’s Floralis Genérica sculpture, whose massive aluminum and steel petals open or close in response to sunlight and wind. Buenos Aires’s stunning blend of colonial, European, and modern architecture, gastronomy, and attractions will enthrall you at every turn! |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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01/09/25 - 05/16/27 |
Starting At $338 |
Get A Quote |
This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility and is not wheelchair accessible.
