Located directly across the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires, Colonia del Sacramento is one of the oldest settlements in Uruguay. It has changed hands between the Portuguese and the Spanish several times throughout its history and its historic core is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Things to do in Colonia del Sacramento
Spend a day exploring Colonia del Sacramento’s UNESCO-listed historic quarter and the remnants of its old city walls. Its cobblestone streets were laid down by the Portuguese in the 17th century, centred around the tree-lined Plaza Mayor. Admire the 1808-built Basilica of the Holy Sacrament before visiting the former bullring of Real de San Carlos.
For elevated views across the Rio de la Plata, climb the staircase that leads to the Colonial del Sacramento Lighthouse. Built by soldiers, work began on the lighthouse in 1845 but was put on hold following the outbreak of the Guerra Grande. The lighthouse was constructed from the remains of a 17th-century convent tower, with the walls of the religious institution still visible today.
Colonia del Sacramento is dotted with museums detailing the people and events that have shaped the city. Get up close to antique furnishings, uniforms and maps from the Portuguese colonial period at the Portuguese Museum or experience life in an 18th-century Portuguese house at the Casa de Nacarello. Occupying the Casa del Almirante Brown is the Municipal Museum, which explores the history of the region from prehistoric times.
Getting around Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento is around two hours’ drive from Montevideo and 2.5 hours from Carrasco International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Latin America. Regular buses connect to Colonia del Sacramento while ferries depart from the local wharf for Buenos Aires. The historic centre of Colonia del Sacramento can easily be explored on foot.