Tours › Uruguay: Colonia del Sacramento

Uruguay: Colonia del Sacramento

Buenos Aires -> Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay -> Buenos Aires · 11 hours · From USD 165

A day trip to Colonia del Sacramento crossing the Río de la Plata by ferry. Guided visit of the UNESCO World Heritage historic quarter, free time to stroll and take photos, and a snack box on board. Ideal for an international cultural getaway, with a 1 h 15 min crossing each way.

Discover Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay's most charming town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just an hour from Buenos Aires, this experience combines history, colonial architecture and unique landscapes on the shores of the Río de la Plata.

During the day you'll walk its famous cobblestone streets, see the Historic Quarter, the iconic Street of Sighs (Calle de los Suspiros) and the Citadel Gate, and enjoy free time to have lunch, grab a coffee or browse its shops and most picturesque corners.

The excursion includes a Hop On – Hop Off city tour and a guided walking tour of the historic quarter, so you can discover the town at your own pace.

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📋 INSTRUCTIONS – URUGUAY EXCURSION

Operated by Buquebus / Colonia Day Tours

📍 BEFORE BOARDING

Transfer to the Buquebus terminal (Av. Antártida Argentina 821, Buenos Aires) is NOT included.

You must get there on your own by Uber, Cabify, Didi or taxi.

⚠️ Arrive 1 hour and 20 minutes before departure to go through immigration and boarding with enough time. Arrive at 7:00 for the 8:30 departure, or at 11:00 for the 12:15 departure.

The ferry works like an international flight: it leaves exactly on time and does not wait under any circumstances.

Not showing up means losing the entire service.

Tickets cannot be changed to another date or time and are non-refundable.

📍 Buquebus Terminal location:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ikSd8ZYcq1zEXsNaA

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🛳️ DURING THE TRIP

You can request the included snack box (brunch), to be eaten only on board the ferry.

It can be picked up on the way there or back by showing the corresponding ticket at the refreshments area.

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🇺🇾 ON ARRIVAL IN COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO

After immigration, go to the Colonia Day Tours stand inside the terminal.

There you'll receive instructions to:

✅ Board the Hop On – Hop Off tourist bus.

✅ Join the walking tour of the historic quarter with a local guide.

Main highlights of the tour:

• Historic Quarter

• Citadel Gate

• Street of Sighs

• Basilica of the Holy Sacrament

• Plaza Mayor

• Coastal promenade (Rambla)

• Colonia Port

You'll also have free time for lunch, to explore the town or go shopping.

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⛴️ RETURN TO BUENOS AIRES

Arrive at the Colonia port terminal 1 hour and 20 minutes before your return time to go through immigration to Argentina.

⚠️ The ferry leaves on time and does not wait for late passengers.

We recommend checking your assigned time and heading to the port well in advance.

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📎 WHAT TO BRING

• The original ID document used to issue the ticket (ID card or passport).

• VIARG Turismo voucher (digital or printed).

• Comfortable clothes and shoes.

• Sunscreen.

• Water and personal items.

Itinerary

  1. Check-in and boarding: Arrive at the ferry terminal with your documents. We recommend arriving well in advance to complete immigration and boarding.
  2. Ferry Buenos Aires – Colonia del Sacramento: Departure from Buenos Aires to Uruguay on a fast ferry across the Río de la Plata.
  3. Arrival in Colonia: On arrival, go to the Buquebus stand, where you'll receive instructions to board the tourist bus or start the walking tour.
  4. Exploring Colonia: Discover the town's main attractions, including the Historic Quarter, the Citadel Gate, the Street of Sighs, the Basilica of the Holy Sacrament, Plaza Mayor and the coastal promenade.
  5. Free time: You'll have free time for lunch, to explore the historic center, go shopping or enjoy the local food.
  6. Return to Buenos Aires: Check in at the port for boarding and the ferry back to Buenos Aires.
  7. Important information: * Valid travel documents are required to enter Uruguay. * We recommend arriving early to complete immigration. * Our team will be available to help you throughout the experience if anything comes up.

What's included

Not included

Frequently asked questions

How long is Uruguay: Colonia del Sacramento?

The experience lasts about 11 hours.

What's included?

Ticket issuing. Snack box: sandwiches, soft drink and dessert (can be requested on the way there or back, on board the ferry). Bus city tour with a local Uruguayan guide. Walking tour with a local guide.

What's not included?

Transfer from the hotel to the port. Transfer from the port to the hotel. The Bullring (Plaza de Toros) is not included on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Citizens of the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Saint Lucia need a visa or US visa to enter Uruguay. Minors traveling with separated parents need a travel permit.

Can I cancel my booking?

Ferry tickets and entries are issued by the provider and cannot be refunded or changed once issued. If you contact us in advance, we can request a change from the provider, subject to their approval.

How do I book?

Choose the date and number of travelers on this page and pay online by card, in US dollars, through Stripe. If you prefer, message us on WhatsApp at +54 9 11 3871-2196.