Bastión de San Pedro

Feel the atmosphere of the colonial era as you walk through the charming streets of the historic center among the Spanish and Portuguese architecture. Take a relaxing walk on this city tour accompanied by a local host who will take you back in time. Learn about local customs and discover the most characteristic legends and mystical stories of the place Discover the city of Colonia del Sacramento declared a World Heritage Site since December 1995. As the tour progresses, the irregular stone sidewalks, the wide granite stone walls, the colonial houses with tiled roofs and views of the Rio de la Plata will transport you to colonial times. Join this tour and live an incredible day discovering the history, culture, nature and architecture of this beautiful and unique place.

Our journey back to History starts by going over the traditional towns of Colonia Suiza and Nueva Helvecia, and knowing Nirvana Hotel where you can enjoy a coffee or tea served with medialunas, after we go to Plaza de los fundadores, Santuario de la Virgen de Schoenstatt. Next, arrive in Colonia del Sacramento (declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO). Colonia was founded by the Portuguese Empire more than 300 years ago, and it was the bone of contention among Portugal and Spain until 1777, when the Treaty of San Ildefonso left Colonia in the hands of the Spanish Monarchy. Go over Calle de los Suspiros, Iglesia del Santísimo Sacramento (church), Bastión de San Pedro, Polvorín, the Lighthouse, Museos Español y Portugués (museums), Museo del Azulejo, etc. (entrance tickets are not included). Go across Rambla “Costanera” (coastal boardwalk), Real de San Carlos and its old Plaza de Toros, St Benito´s Chapel, Port. Return downtown and have free time to go over Barrio Histórico and its charming streets. Lunch (optional). At the appointed time return to the hotel in Montevideo.

In the morning, your downtown Montevideo hotel will pick you up for a 177-kilometer journey. Along the way, you'll observe agricultural, livestock, and industrial productions. After visiting the city of Nueva Helvecia, also known as Colonia Suiza, and admiring the elegant Hotel Nirvana, you'll continue to the Plaza de los Fundadores and the charming Sanctuary of the Virgin of Schoenstatt. In the next phase of the journey, you'll arrive in Colonia del Sacramento, where you'll explore the famous Calle de los Suspiros, known for its many legends and offering stunning views of the Río de la Plata coastline and its mesmerizing sunsets. Afterward, you'll proceed to the Historic District at Plaza de Armas, where the Church of the Santísimo Sacramento, dating back to 1680, holds significant memories and a rich history of Colonia. Continuing your exploration, you'll head to the Bastión de San Pedro, where the Uruguayan flag proudly flies, accompanied by the Powder Magazine and the iconic Lighthouse. These are must-see tourist attractions, along with visits to the Spanish and Portuguese Museums and the Tile Museum (admission tickets not included). You'll also visit the Costanera Promenade, the Real de San Carlos with its old bullring, the Church of San Benito, and the residential neighborhoods of the city. After an unforgettable day, you'll return to your hotel in Montevideo.

Explore the sights of Colonia del Sacramento with a local guide in your language and learn the history of this ancient Portuguese city from 1680. Meet your guide at the door of the emblematic Matriz Church, and admire the ancient buildings as you begin a tour of the city's Old Town. Pass by the imposing 18th century wall, see the Portón de Campo, continue to the iconic Calle de Los Suspiros, discover the bastions, the famous lighthouse and other important attractions. Take a moment to appreciate the buildings and take some photos to take of your walk an unforgettable experience, Stroll through the old stone streets and take a look at the impressive view of the Rio de la Plata and end your visit again at the starting point of the tour.