Colonia del Sacramento is a charming colonial gem that’s just a ferry ride away across the River Plate from Buenos Aires.
With several ferry options available, the journey is quick and convenient, making for an easy day trip or weekend getaway for a group, couple or solo explorers.
Uruguay has a fascinating colonial history dating back to the 1600s, and its Historic Quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Colonia del Sacramento also allows travelers to get some beach time without having to go all the way to the Atlantic Coast.
About Ferry Services to Colonia from Buenos Aires
Three companies offer ferry passage over to Colonia del Sacramento from Buenos Aires.
They are Busquebus, Colonia Express and Seacat.
All offer fast ferries, which take approximately one hour and 15 minutes.
The cheaper ferry will get you there in about three hours.
Prices are usually very similar and can vary depending on the season or special offers, so your best bet is to purchase online or pop into the ticket offices, which are all within a block of each other downtown.
Busquebus and Colonia Express make the journey five to eight times per day, depending on the season.
Buquebus and Seacat depart from the terminal in Puerto Madero (Antartida Argentina 821), not far from where you can purchase the tickets.
Colonia Express’ boats leave from Av. Elvira Rawson de Dellepiane 155, Puerto Madero, which is more convenient for those staying in San Telmo.
These days the best deals are found online at least a couple of weeks in advance of departure.
Busquebus, Colonia Expres & Seacat Comparison
Three companies offer ferry passage to Colonia del Sacramento from Buenos Aires:
- Departures: 5-8 times per day, depending on the season.
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes for fast ferries; slower options may take around three hours.
- Amenities: Onboard services may include Wi-Fi and food options.
- Booking: Tickets can be purchased online or at their terminal in Puerto Madero.
- Address: Cordoba 867, Microcentro | Tel: 4316 6500
- Departures: Similar frequency as Buquebus.
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Convenient Location: Ideal for those staying in San Telmo, as it departs from a nearby terminal.
- Address: Av. Elvira Rawson de Dellepiane 155, Puerto Madero | Tel: 4313 5100
- Departures: Similar frequency to Buquebus and Colonia Express, typically offering multiple daily sailings.
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes for the fast service; slower options may take longer.
- Amenities: Onboard services include comfortable seating, food options, and possibly Wi-Fi, ensuring a pleasant journey.
- Booking: Tickets can be purchased online or at the terminal in Puerto Madero.
- Address: Av. Elvira Rawson de Dellepiane 155, Puerto Madero | Tel: 4316 6500
Booking Tips
- Prices are generally similar across all companies but can vary depending on the season or special offers. Compare prices online before booking.
- The best deals are often found when booking at least a couple of weeks in advance.
- Consider signing up for group tours that include ferry tickets as part of the package.
Travel Tips
- Arrive at the terminal early to allow time for ticketing and boarding.
- Bring valid identification, as it’s required for boarding.
- Check each company’s website for specific travel requirements or updates.
Restaurants in Colonia de Sacramento
Once you’ve marveled at the historic Barrio Histórico and seen the colonial structures that earned it its preservetion status, the next step is to dive into the local experience and sample the local cuisine.
For visitors on a day trip, most of the restaurants fall into the ‘tourist trap’ category, at least as far as prices are concerned — in a country already notorious for its expensive food (compared to Argentina).
Eating away from the historic neighborhood is sure to save you a few pesos.
Many restaurants on the Barrio Histórico are worth paying extra for due to their fine locations but remember to be careful when converting prices into Argentinian pesos or dollars.
Most restaurants will accept Uruguayan or Argentine pesos and even USD, but the exchange rates offered can make it more expensive to pay with foreign currency.
Visitors should note that — unlike Argentina —paying with a credit or debit card in Uruguay is best because you won’t be charged the high 22% sales tax.
Ganache Café & Pastries de Especialdad $$
Calle Real 178, Old Town
Tel: 4523 5895
A small house-turned-cafe in the Old Town is where coffee fiends will want to head for a decent morning cup of java.
They also have snack options such as pastries, granola and yogurt and refreshing lemonade.
A beat-up tom cat keeps watch over the outdoor seating area.
Yacht Club $$$
Santa Rita Street, along the pier.
When you’re in a nice little seaside town, you can’t help but crave a nice little seafood meal once in a while.
Such simple pleasures prove unusually hard to find in Colonia, but that’s where the Yacht Club comes to the rescue.
At the foot of the pier, the Yacht Club offers indoor or outdoor dining, but big windows ensure the view is a gorgeous one no matter where you sit.
Prices are just as expensive as most other Colonia restaurants, but at least here you feel you are getting some value for money. Seafood pastas or paellas are the highlights of the menu. Y
You know it’s good because the locals eat here.
Calma Coco $$$
Rivadavia 214
Perhaps it’s not surprising that one of the best places to eat in town is owned by an Argentine couple.
Close to the water, but lacking an ocean view, Calma Coco has a cobblestone terrace that is hard to resist on a sunny day, especially after you try the food.
Even the bohemian interior decor is reminiscent of a hip San Telmo or Palermo hangout in Buenos Aires.
The menu is also refreshing, with fresh salads, pastas and a couple of meat dishes.
Prices are on the high side, and although sometimes it is worth paying extra for some ambiance.
With limited options in town, Calma Coco is a solid choice for some fresh, healthy food.
Candela $
Ituzaingo 190
Tel: 452-29273
For those on a budget, with kids to feed or who just want to watch a game Candela who keeps it simple with pizzas, hamburgers and other fast food.
Dishes such as the classic Urguyuan Chivito are abundant and not bad for the price.
It ain’t the Four Seasons, but it’s food and it’s much more affordable than other options.
If you’re not in Colonia for the fine dining, a hearty pizza and a pitcher of beer at Candela should do the trick.
Resto-Morriña $$$
Arquitecto Miguel Angel Odriozola 215
In a green little Colonial house with friendly owners, Morriña is another well-situated restaurant with outdoor seating near the water.
Run by its owners, this little spot offers the standard fare for these parts but a more varied menu with something for everyone.
There are seafood options such as Galician-style squid, and marinated lagonstines. Unsurprisingly, they also offer ravioles, milanesa and the classic chivito.
Charco Bistro $$$
San Pedro 116
Tel: 4523-5000
Hours: 8 a.m. -11 p.m
The bistro at Charco Hotel offers up tenderloin steak, rack of lamb, grilled salmon, veggie-filled ravioli and even poké in a modern, minimalist ambiance.
A kids menu means there are a few choices for younger members of the family too.
The views of the water and outdoor seating make this a nice place to linger on the terrace during the afternoon.
Bars, Microbreweries & Wine Bars
Chopería Mastra Colonia $$
Del Comercio 158 – local 9.
Tel: 4523-8853
Hours: Mon 12—5 p.m.
Wed-Sat 1p.m—5p.m/8p.m—1a.m.
Sundays: 1p.m—12p.m
A little beer house in a historic setting in Colonia’s historic district that offers up a variety of homemade beers including a Belgium blonde ale, as well as other ales, a couple of IPA’s and a bitter American stout with a hint of chocolate.
Limited menu on the food front but good options are Uruguay’s national dish of Chivito (also available in a vegetarian version), picadas (meat and cheese platter) and burgers.
Barbot Brewpub $$
Washington Barbot 160
Tel: 4522-7268
Mon-Thurs 6:00 p.m -2 a.m.
Fri-Sun 12: p.m.-3 a.m.
Another tiny beerhouse with a great variety of delicious microbrews to choose from including a pumpkin ale, Kölsch, ‘Dublin stout’ and a ‘Mumbai IPA.’
There is sometimes live music on weekend nights. Outdoor seating is a bonus. On the menu are passable pizzas and Tex-Mex-style food.
El Buen Suspiro $$$
Calle De Los Suspiros 90
Tel: 4522-6160
Hours: 11:15 a.m.-12 a.m. everyday
A romantic but rustic little wine bar in one of the city’s original structures built by the Portuguese.
This is the perfect place to try Uruguay’s signature wine, Tannat and a picada (meat and cheese platter).
The staff and even the house cat are friendly.
In the summer you can also enjoy salads on the patio, and in the winter soups by the warmth of the fire.
Reservations are recommended at dinnertime in the high season, accepts credit cards.
Places to Stay in Colónia del Sacramento
Don Antonio Posada is a nice four-star option a block from Colónia’s historic area within walking distance from the port.
Rooms are nice and spacious.
All the usual amenities, including wifi, a nice breakfast spread and an outdoor pool.
Don Antonio Posada -$$$
Ituzaingo 232
Colonia Del Sacramento
Posada Las Terrazas is a good four-star option for couples or families.
Amenities include a pool, bar and common areas, air-conditioning and on-site babysitting.
The great location is two blocks from the beach and right on the outskirts of the old town, meaning it’s centrally located but quiet at night.
Viajero La Posada -$$$
Odriozola 269 (ex Florida Street)
Colonia Del Sacramento
Viajero Posada B&B is a more upsclare property from the Viajero Brand (whose hostel is mentioned below).
Offering bright and spacious rooms a block from the old quarter and with views of the scenic Rio de la Plata, this B&B provides simply furnished rooms with air conditioning.
A complimentary breakfast is served daily.
Couples particularly like this simply B&B for romanitic weekend getaways.
Posada del Virrey
de España 217
Posada del Virrey is a bit less expensive than similar properties, as a three-and-a-half star hotel with airy rooms starting at about $85.
Set in the beautiful ‘Mansión del Virrey’ in the heart of the old quarter, this hotel offers tons of character, comfy beds, cable TV in every room, nice staff and homemade breakfast.
An international array of guests just adds to the charm.
Budget Accommodation in Colonia
Hotel Rivera is a clean, cute and friendly two-star hotel near the historic neighborhood. Basic rooms start at under $70.
In common areas there is a gas fireplace, rustic decorations and lots of plants.
A good option for those who don’t want to do the hostel thing, but also don’t want to pay too much for accommodation (since you will need the extra cash for food!).
Hotel Rivera
Rivera 131
Colonia Del Sacramento
There aren’t too many hostels in Colonia del Sacramento but now that El Viajero Hostel Suites Colonia bought out a larger hostel in town, it is the best budget option in the historic district for those looking to save money on lodging and meet people.
It recently relocated to a beautiful historic building six blocks from Barrio Historico.
This well-run hostel has locations in Colónia, Montevideo & Punta del Este.
Visitors can choose between a private room or dorms with four or six people.
El Viajero Hostel Suites
General Flores 440
Colonia Del Sacramento
Hot Tip: Some of the hotels in Colonia close down in the winter season, so if traveling in the winter, make sure you check and make reservations beforehand.
TLDR on Colonia de Sacrameto
Colonia del Sacramento is well worth the short ferry ride from Buenos Aires to explore the old city and get another stamp in your passport.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning an overnight stay, this picturesque town offers a glimpse into Uruguay’s colonial past, beaches and places to stay that offer visitors some R&R.
They are also included if you sign up for an intimate group Colonia del Sacramento day tour.
← cont. from: Colonia del Sacramento, The Uruguayan Getaway