Colonia del Sacramento

A UNESCO World Heritage colonial town founded by the Portuguese in 1680, with cobblestone streets, historic ramparts and a picturesque waterfront. Its Barrio Histórico is one of the most charming and best-preserved colonial quarters in South America.

Things to do

• Climb the Lighthouse — Ascend the 19th-century Faro for sweeping views over the Barrio Histórico, the Río de la Plata and the ruins of the Convent of San Francisco at its base.
• Walk the Calle de los Suspiros — Stroll the famous cobblestone 'Street of Sighs' with its sloping, uneven stones and low colonial houses, one of the most photographed spots in town.
• Cross the Portón de Campo — Pass through the restored 1745 city gate and wooden drawbridge, the historic entrance to the old town alongside its stone ramparts.
• Visit the Portuguese Museum — Explore period furniture, tiles and artifacts inside a colonial house that traces the town's Portuguese founding and colonial past.
• See the Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento — Step into Uruguay's oldest church, dating to 1808, on the leafy Plaza de Armas.
• Rent a golf cart or scooter — Cruise the wider streets and riverfront on a rented buggy, a popular way to reach the beaches and Real de San Carlos ruins beyond the old town.
• Watch sunset on the waterfront — Settle along the rambla or the old harbor at dusk as the Río de la Plata turns golden, a beloved local ritual.
• Explore Real de San Carlos — Head north to the ruins of an early 1900s bullring and resort complex built by Argentine entrepreneur Nicolás Mihanovich.

Food to try

• Chivito — Uruguay's iconic steak sandwich piled with beef, ham, cheese, egg and salad, best eaten at a casual local eatery.
• Asado parrillada — Wood-fired grilled beef and sausages served at riverfront parrillas, a cornerstone of Uruguayan dining.
• Buñuelos de algas — Fritters made from river algae, a distinctive local snack tied to the Río de la Plata.
• Dulce de leche desserts — Look for alfajores and pastries oozing this caramelized milk spread in Colonia's cafés and bakeries.
• Medio y medio — A refreshing local drink blending sparkling and sweet white wine, traditionally paired with a meal.
• Fresh river fish — Try grilled or fried catches from the Río de la Plata at waterfront restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Sip mate like a local — Uruguayans carry a thermos and gourd everywhere; you'll see mate sipped on benches and along the rambla throughout the day.
• Bring cash and small change — Many small shops and eateries prefer Uruguayan pesos, though Argentine pesos and US dollars are sometimes accepted near the ferry.
• Wear comfortable shoes — The Barrio Histórico's uneven cobblestones are charming but tough on heels and thin soles.
• Come as a day trip or stay overnight — Colonia is a one-hour ferry from Buenos Aires and fills with day-trippers by midday, so early morning or evening is quietest and most magical.

Nearby

• Street of Sighs — 0 km
• Colonia Lighthouse & Ruins — 0 km
• Real de San Carlos — 3 km
• Colonia Suiza (Nueva Helvecia) — 60 km