Places / South America / Uruguay
Colonia del Sacramento
Visited in January 2016
At a glance
- Country
- Uruguay
- Region
- Colonia Department
- Population
- 32,159
- Best time to go
- October to April
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Montevideo Carrasco (MVD)
- Coordinates
- 34.45°S, 57.84°W
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Colonia is one of the oldest towns in Uruguay, founded by the Portuguese and fought over with Spain for more than a century. Its compact historic quarter of cobbled lanes, low stone houses and old cars is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It's small enough to walk in an hour, but it is best enjoyed slowly: a long lunch, a wander along the river walls and a seat facing west as the sun sets over the Río de la Plata.
Things to see
-
Photo: JGHowes , photographer ( Canon AE-1 camera)., Attribution Barrio Histórico
The old quarter's cobbled streets mix Portuguese and Spanish colonial styles, with bougainvillea spilling over the walls.
-
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0 Calle de los Suspiros
The Street of Sighs, a sloping lane of uneven stones running down to the river, is the town's most photographed corner.
-
Photo: es:Usuario:Eligna, CC BY-SA 3.0 The lighthouse
Climb the 19th-century lighthouse, built among the ruins of a convent, for views over the rooftops and river.
-
Photo: P. Hughes, CC BY 4.0 Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento
One of the country's oldest churches, rebuilt over the centuries, facing a shady square.
Things to do
-
Photo: Mx. Granger, CC0 Sunset on the river
Join everyone on the rocks and walls along the western shore as the sky turns orange.
-
Photo: Unknown photographer, Public domain Real de San Carlos
Cycle or drive north along the coast to the restored early-1900s bullring.
-
Photo: Luciajimena1990, CC BY-SA 4.0 Explore by golf cart or bike
Hire one to follow the waterfront road out to the beaches beyond town.
Where to stay
Barrio Histórico
Small inns in old houses, right among the sights and restaurants.
Hotels in Barrio HistóricoNewer centre
More choice and better value along the main avenue, a short walk from the old town.
Hotels in Newer centre
Getting around
The old town is best on foot. Bikes, scooters and golf carts can be hired to explore the coastline.
Fast ferries from Buenos Aires cross the river in just over an hour and dock a short walk from the old town; buses from Montevideo take around two and a half hours.
When to go
Spring to early autumn (October to April) has warm weather and long evenings. Summer weekends bring crowds of day-trippers from Buenos Aires, so stay overnight to see the town at its quietest.
Plan your trip to Colonia del Sacramento
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.