Montevideo: Enjoy a Full Day Tour at Colonia del Sacramento

Located an hour away from Montevideo, Colonia del Sacramento is one of the most beautiful and historically rich cities in the region. Offering an array of attractions and sights to explore, a full day tour of the city is the perfect way to enjoy the best of Colonia del Sacramento. Here’s what you need to know to plan your trip.

Overview of Colonia del Sacramento

The Old Town district of Colonia del Sacramento has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This charming little city is a delightful mix of colonial Portuguese and Spanish architecture that has been standing since the 17th century. Its cobble-stone streets, old-fashioned buildings, and breathtaking views of the Rio de La Plata make it an extraordinarily photogenic destination. The citadel Los Cinco Esquinas (Five Corners) boasts a mix of museum and historical sites, including the ruin of a bullring from ages past and the Plaza de Toros.

The town itself is quite small, and its small size makes it exceedingly easy to explore. Stroll through its leafy streets, taking in its serenity, flavor, and culture. The Portugal Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the converging cultures that contribute to Colonia’s unique atmosphere. The atmospheric main square – Plaza Mayor – is home to cafes, restaurants and several key monuments from the city’s past. If you have time, take a leisurely boat ride on the river.

Adventures The City Has To Offer

The city offers much in the way of adventure. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for a chance to get out into nature, there are plenty of nearby trails and hills to explore. Cycling is a popular activity for locals and tourists alike – especially in summer. Take a guided bike tour aimed at giving visitors an intimate look at Colonia del Sacramento’s history, landscape, and culture from knowledgeable local guides.

If you’d rather stay in town, you can explore the many boutiques, craft galleries, and artisan shops that line the city’s narrow alleys. Locals craft traditional products such as clay figurines, plants pressed into paper art, and Uruguayan-style silver jewelry. Check out Plaza 25 de Mayo for a range of shops selling various handcrafts.

The town also has plenty of nightlife options. There are bars and cafes serving tapas – small plates of local delights such as empanadas and cheesy stuffing – throughout the center of Colonia del Sacramento. For something a little more sophisticated, head over to La Mano Barista Coffee Bar for great coffee accompanied by French-style petit fours or ask your server for recommendations from their many foreign labels.

Fun Activities For The Whole Family

Traveling with family? There are several activities that are suitable for families with kids of all ages. The Caralleon del Faro Lighthouse is a popular attraction thanks to its watchtower and guided tours of the enclosure that allow visitors to appreciate the stunning views of Rio de la Plata from high above the ground. At night, when the lights are spun on, the old stone tower becomes a beacon in the nightscape.

The Faro Quinto Centenario Nature Reserve is also home to plenty of wildlife and stunning views of the estuary. You can take leisurely strolls or plan your own journey off the beaten path. If you like sea activities, take a sunset boat tour or rent self-pedal boats to explore the coastal areas around Colonia del Sacramento. The rides are fun and will place you right close to dolphins, if you’re lucky! At night, wander around town or check out one of the many gastropubs to catch some live music or partake in open mic nights, perfect for nights out with friends or family.

The Best Way To Explore Colonia del Sacramento

If you want to get the most out of your visit and make sure you cover all the main attractions, we highly recommend joining an organized tour of Colonia del Sacramento. A guided full day tour of the city is one of the best ways to explore its history and cultural attractions and make sure all your questions are answered by an expert local guide. Coaches can pick up guests from downtown Montevideo and take them straight to this most beautiful port city.

On a tour like this you’ll cover all the main sites such as Los Cinco Esquinas (Five Corners) with its plaza de toros ruin and colonial admiral palaces on each side; Plaza Mayor, with its iconic architectures; Casa Nacarello, a house turned gallery located 15 minutes away from Rio de la Plata; and more. You can also visit nearby attractions such as Convento de San Francisco Javier, El Faro Lighthouse and the Faro Quinto Centenario Natural Reserve. The bonus? All tours include door-to-door transportation from Montevideo with professionally qualified guides who will give you an unbeatable travel experience around one of Uruguay’s most beautiful cities.

So what are you waiting for? Make sure you don’t miss out and join an organized full day tour of Colonia del Sacramento with GetYourGuide today! Book now to ensure you don’t miss out on your chance to explore one of South America’s most historically rich cities!