Day Trip to Colonia from Buenos Aires

The atmosphere of the historic Uruguayan town of Colonia del Sacramento is a universe apart from the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires. Just a short boat ride across the Rio de la Plata, Colonia is a popular day trip or weekend destination for tourists and Buenos Aires locals alike.

A visit to Colonia offers an exploratory introduction to Argentina's small neighbor, Uruguay, through an enticing blend of colonial history, museums and laid-back ambiance. Full of old cobblestone streets, rustic buildings and famous landmarks, Colonia is historic town with a captivating atmosphere and charm.

Although Portugal officially ceded Nova Colonia do Sacramento (founded in 1680 by Manoel Lobo) to Spain in 1750, its Portuguese settlers resisted. The Spanish viceroyalty took possession only in 1777, destroying part of the town in the process. Meanwhile, Colonia was established as a prime smuggling center, exploited primarily by the British while the Spanish were busy building up the strength and size of their colony in Buenos Aires. A stop was put to this when Uruguay was created in 1828, as a buffer state between Argentina and Brazil, both of whom wanted its territory.

Colonia enjoys a superb location, only 110 miles (180km) west of Montevideo and perched atop a small peninsula jutting out into the great expanse of the Rio de la Plata. Warm light reflects from its bronze waters creating an effect especially impressive at dusk and only further enhancing the townThe atmosphere of the historic Uruguayan town of Colonia del Sacramento is a universe apart from the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires. Just a short boat ride across the Rio de la Plata, Colonia is a popular day trip or weekend destination for tourists and Buenos Aires locals alike.