Colonia Day Trip from Buenos Aires

From$115

9 hours – 11 hours

Buenos Aires, Argentina

About this activity

Experience the historic charm of Colonia del Sacramento on a guided day trip from Buenos Aires, exploring its UNESCO World Heritage sites and picturesque streets.

Highlights

Explore Colonia del Sacramento's UNESCO World Heritage sites
Stroll through the charming Barrio Histórico
Visit the iconic Lighthouse and Plaza Mayor
Discover the rich history of the Portuguese and Spanish settlements
Enjoy panoramic views of the Río de la Plata

Full description

Step back in time with a guided day trip from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. Wander through the Barrio Histórico, visit the iconic Lighthouse and Plaza Mayor, and delve into the rich history of the Portuguese and Spanish settlements. Enjoy free time to explore local shops, cafes, and art galleries, and take in panoramic views of the Río de la Plata. This excursion offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and leisure, making it an unforgettable addition to your Argentine adventure.

Included / Excluded

Round-trip transportation from Buenos Aires
Guided tour of Colonia del Sacramento
Free time to explore Colonia's historic sites

Meals and beverages

Itinerary

Pass by: Our Day Trip to Colonia from Buenos Aires by Ferry begins at the ferry port (details above) at 7:15am or at your hotel from 6 am if you selected the option.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Embark on our trip to Colonia at 8:15am. The ferry takes about 2 hours to cross to Uruguay.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES

Head inside the ferry station and get directions of where to go for a 1-hour sightseeing city tour inside the historic neighborhood. Full of old cobblestone streets, rustic buildings and famous landmarks, this historic town has a captivating atmosphere and charm. Then, walk around the city while absorbing the history of Colonia. Admire the beautiful architecture that gives this city its rustic charm – in fact, both Colonia's old and modern architecture are now protected as UNESCO World Heritage sites. You will be on your own to have lunch. Head to the restaurant of your choice and enjoy a delicious Uruguayan meal (own expense). After lunch, enjoy free time to explore the city at your leisure. Walk through the streets, visit the local museums, browse the pottery and jewelry shops, or take a stroll along the coast to admire the town’s remarkable beauty.

Duration: 4 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

At around 15:30 pm we’ll be taken back to the port to board our boat, which leaves at 16:30 pm. After 2 hours on the water we’ll be back in Buenos Aires, where our tour will come to a close at the ferry pier or at your hotel if you selected the option.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

Passport is required for entry into Uruguay
Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for weather conditions
Optional private transfers are available at an additional cost

Know before you go

Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring cobblestone streets
Bring a valid passport for border crossing into Uruguay
Carry local currency (Uruguayan pesos) for purchases in Colonia

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Accessibility

Easy Public Transport

Good to know

Ferry ride is approximately 2 hours
Please note: a current valid passport is required to enter Uruguay
Possession of proper government issued documentation is the responsibility of the passenger. You may require additional documentation to enter Uruguay. A Uruguayan visa may be required for some nationalities; check your home country requirements for entering Uruguay.
Passport name, number, date of birth, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
Note: The city tour may include an English-speaking guide, subject to availability. Please contact the local tour operator upon booking so they can arrange this service for you

Traveler reviews

3.0

46 reviews

Trip was fine. Ferry ride...

Trip was fine. Ferry ride was great. Did have a great experience with the personal driver. Once in Uruguay we would have rather just done our own site seeing.

Heidie_CMar 26, 2026VIATOR

A great change of pace from Buenos Aires

The travel to and from was wonderful. Colonia is a cute little town with a much slower pace from Buenos Aires. I would have liked a longer walking tour with more historical details. I would go again.

Chip_SNov 27, 2025VIATOR

Colonia express to Uruguay

Pretty expensive for the experience. The English tour guide is a joke. Also the company who ever reserved or organized my trip mixed up with timing of return ferry and wasted lots of our time. I would recommend just buy the ferry ticket and go on your own than booking through these companies.

VidyasagarReddy_VDec 28, 2024VIATOR

Nice places

Good place for 1 whole day tour! Bucolic location with interesting attractions from the Portuguese colonization.

c_cerol303Feb 9, 2020TRIPADVISOR

Great Day Trip To Another Country

My wife an I booked this ferry trip to Colonia, Uraguay online, prior to our tour of Brazil & Argentina. We had a free day, so we chose to add another country, as a day trip from Buenos Aires. Colonia is an old walled city and there are many shops and restaurants in an area which is an easy walk from the ferry terminal. A relaxing treat!

Ronald POct 4, 2019TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Ferry ride is approximately 2 hours Please note: a current valid passport is required to enter Uruguay Possession of proper government issued documentation is the responsibility of the passenger. You may require additional documentation to enter Uruguay. A Uruguayan visa may be required for some nationalities; check your home country requirements for entering Uruguay. Passport name, number, date of birth, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants Note: The city tour may include an English-speaking guide, subject to availability. Please contact the local tour operator upon booking so they can arrange this service for you

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