Colonia del Sacramento

Bus & minivan tours

Embark on a delightful day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, the first site in Uruguay recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your adventure begins with a round-trip ferry ticket from Buenos Aires to this charming city. Choose from various options, including a guided walking tour or a visit to a local winery. Founded in 1680 by the Portuguese explorer Manuel Lobo, Colonia has a rich history marked by shifts between Portuguese and Spanish rule until its Declaration of Independence in 1825. Discover how these influences have created a unique architectural tapestry where Spanish and Portuguese styles harmoniously coexist. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, taking in breathtaking views of the Río de la Plata. Experience the allure of colorful houses, traditional lanterns, and picturesque sunsets at El Portón de Campo, as well as the famous Street of Sighs and the iconic lighthouse. If you opt for the walking tour, your knowledgeable guide will meet you at the ferry station, ready to share captivating stories about this remarkable town. After a day of exploration, you’ll return to Buenos Aires via the same scenic ferry route.

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Montevideo and heads out through the neighborhoods of Capurro, Le Teja, and the emblematic Cerro Hill. As you cross over the scenic Santa Lucia River Bridge, arrive at San José Department, famous for being the largest producer of potatoes in the country. Upon arrival in Colonia del Sacramento, learn about the city’s rich history which dates back to 1783 when it was founded by Spanish immigrants. With your expert guide, visit the Real San Carlos, The Bullring, and the De la Plata River to admire panoramic views across the city and surrounding areas. From here, head to the Historic Quarter of the city and wander around the picturesque streets on an insightful walking tour. Discover the Portón de Campo as well as the City Gate, the Walls, the famous Los Suspiros Street, the Lighthouse, the Main Square, and the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. After your walking tour, enjoy some free time to eat lunch at a traditional restaurant or continue to explore the city at your own leisure. Before returning to Montevideo, make a stop at the Granja Arenas to visit the Collectuonist Museum where you can taste local jams, marmalades, cheeses, and more.

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, and discover the bastions, the famous lighthouse, and other important attractions. Take a moment to appreciate the buildings and take some photos. Stroll through the old stone streets, 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.

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.

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.

Embark on a captivating day trip to Montevideo and immerse yourself in its rich history, stunning colonial architecture, and vibrant bohemian culture. Start your adventure with a scenic ferry ride to Colonia del Sacramento, followed by a bus transfer to the beautiful capital of Uruguay. Upon arrival, explore the remnants of the ancient city wall at Puerta de la Ciudadela, then wander through charming alleys lined with souvenir shops, markets, and cafes. Discover Montevideo's impressive colonial buildings, museums, and theaters that tell its unique story. As the day winds down, stroll along picturesque beaches and savor a breathtaking sunset on the Montevideo boulevard, with stunning views of the Río de la Plata. Note: This package includes a one-way ticket from Buenos Aires to Montevideo. Don't miss this unforgettable experience!

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.

Immerse yourself in a unique experience at one of the best wine shops, where you'll enjoy a cozy and exclusive atmosphere. An expert sommelier will guide you through a tasting of internationally awarded wines, representative of Uruguay's rich wine tradition. Throughout this experience, you'll also be able to delight in a selection of artisanal cheeses and sausages from the region, made by talented local producers. Discover the most authentic of our gastronomy while tasting the wines that have put Uruguay on the international map, all in a privileged location in the historic neighborhood, a World Heritage Site.

Discover the most essential of the Historic District, called Barrio Sur in Colonia del Sacramento. Explore the most relevant sites of this Uruguayan heritage city, talk with locals, walk through the old cobbled streets observing the landscapes and learning the details of the formation of this small town on the banks of the Rio de la Plata, facing Buenos Aires. Enjoy a dynamic and entertaining walk, guided by a local born there who will show you the essentials to get to know the history, idiosyncrasy and local culture of this picturesque city between Montevideo and Buenos Aires.