Things to do in
Nueva Helvecia

Our most recommended things to do in Nueva Helvecia

Tour to historic Colonia del Sacramento including coffee

Tour to historic Colonia del Sacramento including coffee

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.

Montevideo: Colonia del Sacramento City Tour with Pickup

Montevideo: Colonia del Sacramento City Tour with Pickup

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.

From Montevideo: Colonia Day Trip & Sightseeing

From Montevideo: Colonia Day Trip & Sightseeing

If you like Art, Architecture, Culture and World Heritage sites, then this experience is perfect for you. Your guide will start by talking about Uruguay and its history. This is a beautiful drive. Colonia is the agricultural department, so you will see lots of cattle, sheep and soya plantations. You will then make your way to Colonia stopping at Plaza de Toros (former bullring). It officially opened on January 9, 1910 to 7,000 spectators featuring the most famous Bullfighters of the time, Ricardo Torres and his brother Manuel from Spain. The arena hosted a total of eight fights before bull fighting was prohibited by the Uruguayan national government in 1912. When in operation it could host 10,000 spectators. It is designed in typically Moorish style. The bull ring was part of a tourist complex including a racecourse, which is still in operation. You then have plenty of free time to have a local lunch and to explore the old Historic Plaza including the Fort, which used to be a Portuguese Settlement. There will be plenty to see including vintage cars and cobbled streets. In the afternoon you will return to Montevideo with many fond memories!

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Nueva Helvecia?

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What people are saying about Nueva Helvecia

Overall rating

4
(1 reviews)

We had an exceptional tour. Miguel was fluent in English, very knowledgeable and a pleasure to be with. We learned a lot about the history of Colonia. The old town was charming to walk around and had a unique character. This was a great tour.

Unfortunately, the guide spoke so quickly that you couldn't understand either the English or the German. Unfortunately. There was definitely some very interesting information. Otherwise, it was very well organized!

It was an amazing experience. Pablo was an excellent guide very acknowledgment. We had a nice group multicultural. Highly recommended. The results of this tour we have made a good people friends from Brazil and Peru

It was very good Virginia the guide was excellent as she had a few different languages she had to speak in She was very informative Marcello was also nice and nothing was too much trouble

I loved the tour. Silvana the guide was super friendly and attentive. I would recommend it 100%