If you’re planning your trip to Argentina, you might want to check out other nearby destinations. Travel to Uruguay is relatively accessible from Buenos Aires. The nearest city, Colonia del Sacramento, is just a ferry ride away.
In a few hours, you can be in a new country adding another stamp to your passport. The language and culture in Uruguay is similar to Argentina, as they’re both in the Rioplatense region of Latin America, but it’s stil worth heading out to learn more about Argentina’s closest neighbor.
Which Uruguayan city is the best for a day trip from Buenos Aires?
Escape the concrete jungle of Buenos Aires for a day by booking a ferry ride to Colonia del Sacramento. If you’re a history buff, or just looking for a picturesque town, Colonia is the ultimate day trip. There are plenty of tours available: walking tours, architectural tours, wine tastings, even horseback riding. Or, guide yourself through Colonia’s historical ruins, waterside strolls and quaint restaurants.
What else is in Uruguay? Destinations like Montevideo or Maldonado are perfect for a 2-3 day trip (see more details on a weekend escape to Montevideo below).
10 things to know before your day trip to Uruguay
Make sure you’re prepared before jumping on a boat!
- If you can, book a ticket to travel during the week. Ferry prices are cheaper on weekdays vs. weekends. You’ll have the town to yourself for tours and taking pictures.
- Make sure to pack your passport. Double check its expiration date so you have at least three months left before your trip. You’ll also need a blank page to get stamped when you go through customs. At customs, they’ll check your bags to make sure you’re not bringing any fruit or plants with you.
- Good news! You don’t need a visa to enter Uruguay if you’re from one of the following countries: United States, EU, most European countries (except former Soviet or Balkan countries), Australia, and New Zealand. They’ll check your return ticket to make sure you don’t plan on staying forever.
- Show your ticket when you pass through customs. An agent will check your return ticket and proof of travel insurance (included ONLY with BuqueBus day trip packages. Otherwise you should purchase insurance from your home country). If you plan on visiting rural areas, the US State Department recommends purchasing medical evacuation insurance.
- Traveling to Uruguay is still international travel, so be prepared for every scenario. Petty theft in Montevideo is on par with crime rates in Buenos Aires. Stay aware of your surroundings and know common tricks used by thieves (following you to an ATM, armed robbery on a motorcycle, breaking taxi windows to steal your phone or valuables, and using explosives to blow up ATMs).
- What to do in case of robbery? Dial 911 on your phone to report the theft to the police. Bring a driver’s license or other country ID in case your passport is lost or stolen during the trip. You’ll need it to apply for a new passport.
- Uruguay is more expensive than Argentina. Uruguay also uses pesos as a currency (UYU). Currently, 1 USD = 43 UYU, while 1 USD = 1,100 Argentine pesos (ARS) (Nov. 2024). You should budget ~U$65 per person for spending money (not including tours and ferry tickets).
- You can pay for almost everything with your credit card. Buy ferry tickets, day tours and meals at restaurants using your VISA or MasterCard. Some restaurants have a card minimum (~$U15), so it’s good to carry a few Uruguayan pesos in cash. Exchange ~U$20 worth so you have cash for museums, taxis or souvenirs. Avoid long lines at the ATM in the ferry station by exchanging on board the ferry before you arrive. Keep in mind that while USD cash is widely accepted, no one wants your Argentine pesos!
- Buy a universal plug adapter before you travel. Uruguay uses the type C, F & L sockets so your phone charger and laptop cable won’t work unless you’re from Europe.
- Be careful if someone offers you marijuana. As a tourist, smoking or possession of marijuana without a license can get you arrested and prosecuted. While Uruguay legalized recreational marijuana use in 2013, it’s highly regulated and requires a permit (only available to citizens).
How to get to Colonia del Sacramento
Choose your ferry company
BuqueBus is the premier ferry company traveling to Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo. Their ferry boats have multiple floors and can hold up to 950 passengers. Sign up for their email list to get coupons for up to 20% off on travel.
Colonia Express is a cheaper service (from U$50) that operates smaller boats (up to 250 passengers). They also offer tickets to Montevideo (first by ferry, then a second leg of the trip by land). Their ferries are slightly faster than the BuqueBus service – taking one hour ten minutes rather than one and a half hours to arrive in Colonia del Sacramento.
Travel tip: If you suffer from motion sickness you may prefer to book a seat on the larger BuqueBus boat. In my experience, you’ll feel more movement sitting towards the back of the boat (over the engine). You can purchase Dramamine in liquid or chewable format at pharmacies in Buenos Aires (ask for Reliveran or Zenelis Mareos).
Select your departure time (and guided tour)
Most guided tours in Colonia are two tofive hours long. Include additional time for lunch or an early dinner (you need to be back at the ferry terminal by 7:30pm latest).
If you’re not an early riser (5AM) and don’t want to feel rushed, select the 12:15pm (BuqueBus) or 12:50 (Colonia Express) departure and 8:30pm return trip.
Or, you can make a full day of it (leave at 8:30am and return by 9:45pm, only with BuqueBus). This will allow you more time for longer tours or freedom to explore the city on your own.
Buying tickets
Can I purchase same-day tickets?
Yes, but you will need to purchase the ticket a minimum of two hours before your departure time. Prices will be cheaper if you purchase them one to two weeks in advance. Don’t bring any luggage or you will need to wait in line once you arrive to scan it.
BuqueBus
BuqueBus allows you to purchase either just the ferry ticket or a tour package. If you’re looking for the best price, tour packages end up being more economical. Go online or purchase in-person at convenient locations across the city.
The website doesn’t have an English translation and sometimes times out before you can complete your purchase – which is extremely annoying.
Which tour should you choose?
- The Medio Dia tour (~$60 USD) is available every day and includes a historic walking tour. For just $5 USD more, you can choose the Circuito Historico tour and stay the full day from 8:30am to 9:45pm. If you have restricted mobility, you can choose the Golf Cart package (~$80 USD) to explore the city on your own. These tours do not include lunch (BuqueBus always takes you to the same two touristy restaurants) and the guided element of the tour only last 60 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to explore the city under your own steam.
ColoniaExpress
Colonia Express only sells tour packages to visit Colonia for a day trip. You can purchase tickets online or at major shopping malls. On the website, click on “Day Tours” (the only option that allows you to travel there and back in the same day).
Their website includes a handy English translation button.
The best-priced tickets are only valid for travel from Monday to Thursday. If you have a flexible schedule, choose either the Half Day Tour (~$50 USD/person, with historic walking tour) or the Unmissable Tour (~$65 USD/person, with historic walking tour). Then you can choose a better restaurant versus the tourist traps included for lunch.
If you’re traveling with a toddler under the age of 2 years, you must call (+54 11 5167 7700) to book your ticket.
Arriving at the ferry terminal
You must arrive at the ferry terminal between 1.5 and two hours before your ticket’s departure time to check-in. There will be long lines and you’ll need to fill out customs forms. Take an Uber to the ferry terminal so you won’t be late.
BuqueBus
The BuqueBus terminal is located at the north end of Puerto Madero (see on map).
The fastest BuqueBus ferry takes an hour and a half to arrive in Colonia. Early risers can choose the morning ferry, which departs at 8:30am; you should arrive no later than 7:30am to check-in.
Alternatively, time your departure to arrive for a late lunch (arrive at 11:00am to check-in and leave at 12:15pm).
Colonia Express
The Colonia Express terminal is located at the opposite end of Puerto Madero (see map here).
Their ferry boats are smaller, but faster, arriving in 1 hour 10 minutes. If you choose the half day ticket, you’ll depart at 12:50pm (arrive by 11:45am to check-in). You should eat a hearty breakfast to tide you over until you arrive in Colonia at 2pm.
How to spend a day in Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia is a historical treasure, and Uruguay’s oldest town. Built in 1680 by Portuguese imperial forces, the town was constructed as a military outpost. For the next 90 years, the Spanish and Portuguese fought to claim Colonia as their own.
Located along the Rio de la Plata, the town was frequented by pirates trafficking stolen goods. You can visit the ruins of fortress walls and appreciate the 300 year old colonial buildings that survived to this day.
The top seven things to do with a day in Colonia del Sacramento
There’s plenty to do with a day in Colonia del Sacramento.
1. Admire Colonia’s fortress gate
As you enter the city, stop to take pictures underneath the massive porton de campo, the stone gate built in 1745 that once guarded the city of Colonia del Sacramento from invasion. From here, you can continue on foot into the historic city center.
2. Walk down a 300-year old cobblestone street
Built in the Portuguese colonial style, the homes lining the 300-year-old cobblestone street, the Calle de los Suspiros feature original construction and roof tiles from the 1700s. What makes this tourist attraction world famous then, apart from the architecture? A scandalous but true history. Take one of the walking tours to learn the meaning behind its name, “street of sighs (or moans)”.
3. Visit the city’s lighthouse for a panoramic view of the town
Colonia’s faro (lighthouse) was built to illuminate the dangerous coastline and avoid shipwrecks. Built into the convent’s walls, the lighthouse has a unique half-square, half-round shape and you can climb up to the top of great views of the city and the Río de la Plata.
It’s only open Thursday to Sunday (10am-1pm, 2-5pm) but it’s cheap and worth the visit; the entrance fee costs less than ~U$1 dollar.
4. Take pictures with the oldest ruins in Uruguay
Built in 1694, the stone walls surrounding the lighthouse originally housed the convent of San Francisco Xavier. The convent was besieged by the Portuguese, and rebuilt using stones imported from Brazil.
5. Jump in a taxi to visit the Plaza de los Toros
This now abandoned bull fighting arena displays the Spanish heritage of Colonia. The architecture is inspired by the Moorish influence in southern Spain. It once seated 10,000 spectators, with Argentines crossing the river just to witness a bull fight.
Today, art shows and opera take center stage, with the plaza open Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-6:30pm and 8-9pm on Fridays in summer. It’s located about 10 minutes by car north of the ferry terminal (see map here).
6. Stroll along the Rambla
Walk north along the riverside rambla, a paved promenade that within 30 minutes brings you to Colonia’s beach, the Playa Real de San Carlos, where you can enjoy this natural sandy beach under the shade of a palm tree.
7. Ride off into the sunset with horseback rides along the beach
Cabalgatas Ikebana offers daily outings and transport from the historic center to a nearby beach, where you can enjoy the views along the coastline. A leisurely 1.5-hour ride (~U$30) is perfect for beginners and the whole family. Message Gimena on WhatsApp (+5989873369) to organize an outing.
Where to eat in Colonia del Sacramento
Life in Uruguay is slower-paced than Buenos Aires. Instead of packing your day with tours, a good option is to visit a few restaurants and cafes to linger over your coffee and people-watch.
The cuisine in Uruguay is a blend of Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian traditions. You’ll find plenty of seafood and fresh fish, due to the Portuguese influence.
Travel tip: Most businesses close during the hours of 2:00-4:00pm for siesta, a break to enjoy a nap at home in the afternoon heat. Lunch is generally served between 12-2pm, with some restaurants open until 3pm.
Queriendote Cafe
If you arrive for a half-day tour, and are looking to grab a bite, I recommend Queriendote cafe. A 15 minute walk from the ferry terminal, they’re open every day from 12-9pm (except Tuesdays and Wednesdays).
They serve afternoon tea, gluten-free lunch options (12-3pm), and brunch on weekends. Enjoy waterfront views or take a seat in the charming garden. A coffee is ~$5 USD and salads are ~$15 USD.
Albertine
If you’re serious about your coffee, make sure to visit Albertine. Centrally located, they’re open from 9:30am-7pm, Wednesday through Saturday. They make great oat milk lattes, and source their specialty beans from Kenya.
The cafe is housed in a building that dates from the mid-1800s, featuring a charming patio full of greenery. Owned by a Brazilian-French couple, you can get everything from baguettes to pão de queijo. A coffee is ~$5 USD.
Bohemia Bistro
Enjoy a leisurely waterfront meal at Bohemia Bistro (lunch: 12-3pm, dinner Thu-Sat 8-11pm). Make sure to request a table on the terrace to have the best views. The best dishes to order are lamb, ribeye steak and fresh fish (~$20-30 USD). Complete your meal with an aperitif cocktail.
To guarantee the best view, reserve your table in advance online. Special dinners are regularly hosted by guest chefs, like famous Argentine chef, Francis Mallmann.
Bohemia is located six blocks from the ferry terminal, in case you’re heading there after dinner.
Charco Bistró
For another waterfront experience, dine at Charco Bistró, located inside a boutique hotel in the historic district and a good spot to enjoy lunch after visiting the lighthouse.
Although prices are ranked as $$$$ on Google, the average menu item is a reasonable ~$25 USD. See the full menu with prices here – although I recommend you try the risotto or ribeye steak. They also serve a great brunch.
Reservations aren’t required, but you can request a table on the patio or in the garden by sending a message on WhatsApp.
Casa Viera is located next to a panoramic lookout point where you can take great pictures of the town. Open for lunch (12:30-3pm) and dinner (7:30-11pm), they offer a small menu of hearty dishes. I recommend the empanadas, osobucco ravioles, pumpkin risotto, and shrimp.
Entrees run ~$20-25 USD. Pick a table on the street for people watching and a view of the beach.
Extending your stay in Colonia del Sacramento
If you’re not a daytripper, book a hotel to stay the night in Colonia. There are charming boutique hotels as well as more affordable options, all close to the town center.
- Charco Hotel is a high-end option located in the historic district (10 blocks from the ferry terminal). Rooms go from $300 USD for a double.
- Casa Lahusen offers upscale, but mid-priced rooms for from $130 USD for a double. It’s located one block from the waterfront (see map here).
- If you’re open to staying at a hostel for the night, Hostel del Rio has shared rooms from $15 USD and private suites from $70 USD. It’s got a great location, one block from the waterfront and 10 blocks from the ferry terminal.
Hotel rooms tend to book up two weeks in advance during the summer season, so plan your weekend stay with plenty of time.
Going further afield: visiting Montevideo from Buenos Aires
Montevideo feels like a long-lost sister city to Buenos Aires. The two cities share a lot of similarities: located along the Rio de la Plata, shaped by European immigration in the 1800s, and suffered under military dictatorships in the 1900s.
However, there’s plenty of unique sights to see in Montevideo that make it worth a two or three-day trip.
How to get to Montevideo from Buenos Aires
Don’t make the same mistake I did. I wanted to visit Montevideo on a student budget, but ended up regretting booking Colonia Express for the trip. You first hop on a ferry to Colonia, then board a tiny bus to spend the next five hours crossing sleepy towns and fields of sheep, before reaching Montevideo.
I definitely recommend the pricier BuqueBus ferry (from $200 USD for a weekend trip) that arrives in Montevideo in 2.5 hours. You’ll have room to stretch your legs and have a snack aboard the ferry.
You can book a direct ferry most days at 7:30am and 4:00pm from the Puerto Madero terminal. On the return trip, direct ferries leave at 11:00am or 7:30pm from the terminal located in the Ciudad Vieja neighborhood of Montevideo (see map here).
What to see and do in Monteverde
- Eat like Anthony Bourdain at Montevideo’s most famous chivito sandwich shop, Bar Arocena.
- Visit the 1972 Andes Crash Memorial to view relics from the 16 Uruguayan rugby players that survived the crash (featured in the acclaimed movie, Society of the Snow).
- Take a guided tour of the art deco gem, Palacio Salvo (twin to the Palacio Barolo in Buenos Aires).
- Walk around Ciudad Vieja and visit the Teatro Solis and Joaquin Torres Garcia museum.
- Spend the afternoon in Parque Rodo and appreciate all the reasons why Montevideo was ranked in the 2023 top 100 cities for quality of life.
Looking for further Buenos Aires inspiration? Start here with the Perfect Three and Five-Day Buenos Aires Itineraries. Discover the 25 Best Things to do in Buenos Aires here, or venture further afield and explore the 25 Best Places to Visit in Argentina here.