Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento tickets

About the ride from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento

At its heart, Buenos Aires is truly a fun place to travel! Blending a colonial history and a modern, boho vibe, there's lots to do in a city. Best of all are the neighborhoods. Whether it's stately Retiro or chic San Telmo, a night on the town in Buenos Aires is unlike any other.

However, just across the muddy Rio de la Plata lies a historic colonial town that has retained so much of its charm that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Colonia del Sacramento is just a short ferry ride away from Buenos Aires.

Read on to see why it is not only a popular day trip from the Argentine capital but a world-class destination in its own right.

Best things to do in Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento is a popular stop en route between Buenos Aires and the capital of Uruguay, Montevideo. But those who take the time to do more than pass through are rewarded with a ton of Insta-worthy photos and a great experience. 

Here are some of the top things to do in Colonia del Sacramento:

1. Make your trip historic in the Barrio Historico. As the name would suggest, the Barrio Historico is at the heart of this former Portuguese outpost. Easy to navigate and pedestrian-friendly, you'll love wandering through tree-lined streets and historic stone structures that currently accommodate restaurants, shops, and cafes.
   
   

Admire the classic architecture while browsing souvenir stores or stopping for a tasty treat. Be sure to check out Plaza Mayor for local handicrafts and Plaza del Armas for great photo ops.

2. Elevate your experience from El Faro. With a history of nearly 200 years, the lighthouse (El Faro in Spanish) allows visitors to get a bird's eye view of the entire area. 

No longer in use as a navigation aid, visitors can climb its 112 feet and look down at Plaza Mayor and the cobblestone streets stretching out like a web.

Also, below are the ruins of the former Convent of San Francisco, which are worth exploring for a few minutes.

3. Go museum hopping. For a tiny town, it hosts a surprising number of museums. You can buy a master pass for a few dollars that grants access to nine different museums, including the Paleontological Museum, the Indigenous Museum, the Portuguese Museum, and the Spanish Museum.
    

4. Stroll the Street of Sighs. While the actual origin of the street's name is unknown, you might let out a few contented sighs of your own while strolling down one of Colonia's oldest streets.
   
   

This romantic cobblestone street is lined with colorful, weathered stone houses right out of a storybook. You'll want to keep your camera handy, as this location near the city center is known for being among the town's most photogenic.

What to expect when traveling from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento and Buenos Aires are separated by the Rio de la Plata, a river/estuary that forms the natural border between Argentina and Uruguay. So, a ferry ride is imminent in your immediate future.

Boarding your ferry in Buenos Aires, you'll set off across the sometimes choppy waters. The ride takes a little more than an hour, so you can either relax in comfort indoors or take in the sea breezes on deck.

Upon docking at Colonia del Sacramento, you'll still have plenty of energy to explore the town. And since it's so close to Buenos Aires, you could even plan your return trip for an Argentine steak dinner that same evening. 

However, take notice that Colonia has its own charms after dark that would be worth sticking around for.

Important reminder: By taking this ferry ride, you are crossing the Argentina-Uruguay border, so you must bring your passport and all the necessary documents. 

How to get from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento

Ferries are the easiest, most direct way to travel from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento. Lasting just over an hour, they allow you to make the most of your visit, even if it's only a day trip. 

A handful of operators offer daily service between the two cities, with departures running throughout the day from morning to evening. Prices start at $52 per person.

Most ferries are high-speed catamarans, boasting restrooms, air conditioning and the possibility of grabbing a drink or snack on board. 

Luggage allowances generally include one large bag (up to 50 lbs/23 kg) and one handheld bag.

Departures leave right from the port in Buenos Aires, so if you're staying in any of the top tourist neighborhoods, you're not that far away. Even if you are, the Subte (subway system) can get you down there in a hurry.

Arrivals are at the Port of Colonia del Sacramento, which is just a few blocks from the historic center. From there, you can pretty much walk anywhere you wish.

When is the best time of year to visit Colonia del Sacramento?

Peak season in Colonia del Sacramento is during the Southern Hemisphere's summer months of January through February. Temperatures often reach 82°F/28°C, which is quite pleasant for walking the cobblestone streets. 

The shoulder months of November and December, along with March through May, also have pleasant touring weather and a low chance of precipitation. Expect highs anywhere between 66°F/19°C and 73°F/23°C.

If you come in during Uruguay's winter (June through August), temperatures average a bit chillier at 59°F/15°C. If all you're doing is touring the town, and you have a good windbreaker, you should have no issues — though you will miss out on seeing the area in full bloom.

Where to travel after Colonia del Sacramento

From Colonia del Sacramento, you can head eastward to explore the best tourist sights of Uruguay.

A few hours away by bus is the capital city of Montevideo. 

From there, travel a few hours further to check out the best beaches in the region, in lively Punta del Este.