Colonia del Sacramento Buenos Aires Ferry

Colonia del Sacramento Guide

In south west Uruguay is the small city of Colonia del Sacramento. The small settlement lies on the tip of a peninsula that points to the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires on the opposite bank of the River Plate. There are daily services to the Argentinian capital operated by both Buquebus and Colonia Express

What is there to do in the town?
It’s a settlement with a rich and varied history. Founded in the 17th Century by Portuguese colonists, Colonia del Sacramento can boast to be one of the oldest cities in the entire country with the curving lanes and Old Town Walls of the historic quarter clashing brilliantly with the downtown grid of modern streets. There is a plethora of fantastic architecture to sample, from the rustic Church Maritz to the abandoned Plaza de Toros Real de San Carlos bull ring. The area also contains plenty of wineries for visitors to tour and taste the local tipple.

What transport links are available?
Travelling to and from the port is easy due to Colonia del Sacramento’s prime location in the densely populated south-western region of Uruguay. The Route 1 highway, found just a few minutes from the entrance to the port, covers over a hundred miles of the coast en route to the capital of Montevideo. The bus terminal by the harbour is ideal for those looking to travel more locally, with routes heading into the city centre and along the beach-lined promenades.

What services run from the port?
There are currently two operators offering services to one destination, Buenos Aires. Buquebus offer four daily sailings, taking one hour fifteen, while Colonia Express run three crossings. There are also four weekly sailings by Buquebus that take just over three hours to reach the Argentinian capital.