What You Will Do
Embark on a captivating walking tour of Colonia del Sacramento, where history and charm meet on every corner. Begin your exploration in the enchanting Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where cobblestone streets lead you through a tapestry of colonial architecture. Wander down Calle de los Suspiros, a narrow street steeped in legends, and visit the iconic Plaza Mayor, a vibrant hub surrounded by museums, quaint cafes, and art galleries.
Marvel at the well-preserved city walls and climb the historic lighthouse for panoramic views of the Rio de la Plata. The tour also includes visits to the Basilica del Santísimo Sacramento and the evocative ruins of the Convent of San Francisco, each a testament to Colonia's rich past.
For added convenience, choose between joining the walking tour directly in Colonia del Sacramento, or opting for a comprehensive package that includes round-trip ferry tickets and transportation from Buenos Aires, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Itinerary
1
Barrio Historico
6 hours
Your full-day tour starts with hotel pickup in Buenos Aires. Meet your guide and drive to the station catch a ferry to the city of Colonia. The ride is one hour long and you can admire the views as you travel.
Once you get to the city of Colonia, you will enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the city. This quaint town in Uruguay lies just on the opposite side of the River Plate. You will visit the historic center and be taken back in time. Founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, the town is famous for its cobbled, windy streets and colorful houses. Today, it is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Learn from your guide about the city's layout and how it differs from the majority of Uruguayan cities. Admire its streets and houses as well as small bars, restaurants. After your tour, you will have three more hours in Colonia to explore on your own. You can head to one of its lovely plazas and small flower-filled parks. You can enjoy lunch and visit some art and craft shops, museums and a large yacht harbour.
After a nice day in Colonia, you will board the ferry back to Buenos Aires, where you will be taken back to your hotel.
2
La Calle de los Suspiros
15 minutes
It is born in the Plaza Mayor and continues on a slope to the Río de la Plata. It is a narrow street with Portuguese characteristics, cobbled with a wedge and without sidewalks. The sides are tilted towards the center to form a drainage channel.
The houses, built in the first half of the 18th century, have stone walls, tile roofs and ceramic floors. The doors and windows are small and made of wood, although only houses with a gabled roof are preserved.
3
Puerta de la Ciudadela
15 minutes
It was built in the year 1745 by order of the Portuguese governor Vasconcellos who at that time was leading these lands. In its origins the Door was the portico of entrance to Colony, protected at that time by a strong military of thick walls that were frequent target of pirate attacks, Spanish and English.
4
Faro de Colonia del Sacramento
5 minutes
It was built in January 1857. It has two red flashes every nine seconds. It is a circular tower of white masonry with a dome with white and red radial stripes. It has a unique structure with a square base and a cylindrical tower that reaches the lantern. It was built on one of the old towers of the Convent of San Francisco, whose ruins are at the foot of the lighthouse.
Its height is 26 meters and has a luminous range of 7.8 nautical miles.
5
Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento
10 minutes
The Basilica has the most unusual altar feature for its time and even now; a back lit semi-circular alcove that features a very large monstrance (receptacle for displaying the Sacred Host or Blessed Sacrament). The outside brickwork shows the Portuguese influence of its builders.
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