Did you know you can visit two countries at once without taking a single flight?
Buenos Aires and Uruguay are separated by the Río de la Plata, but united by one of the most charming routes in the region: a ferry boat crossing of approximately one hour. If you’re planning your trip to the Argentine capital, know that Colonia del Sacramento, in Uruguay, can (and should) be part of your itinerary.
In this article, you’ll understand how this crossing works, what to do in each destination, and how to combine the two without missing out on either.
Why Combine Buenos Aires and Uruguay on the Same Trip?
The simplest answer is: because the two complement each other in a way that’s hard to find in other itineraries.
Buenos Aires is intense, cosmopolitan, full of neighborhoods with their own personality, high-level gastronomy, nightlife, and vibrant culture. Colonia del Sacramento, on the other side of the river, is the opposite of that, in a good way. Cobblestone streets, colorful houses, slow pace, history preserved for centuries, and a sunset by the Río de la Plata that seems frozen in time.
Combining the two destinations is logistically feasible and offers a complete experience that mixes the buzz of a metropolis with the tranquility of a UNESCO World Heritage city. And the best part: the crossing itself is already part of the experience.
Colonia del Sacramento
How to Get from Buenos Aires to Uruguay: Everything About the Ferry
The ferry boat is the most used and most practical means of transportation to cross the Río de la Plata. Departures happen from Puerto Madero, in Buenos Aires, and the most popular destination for tourists is Colonia del Sacramento, in southwestern Uruguay.
The two companies operating the route are Buquebus and Colonia Express. Both offer daily departures, with schedules throughout the day. The crossing takes around one hour, but there are even faster options depending on the time of year and type of vessel.
Some important points before boarding:
- Documentation: Valid ID or passport are mandatory. And pay attention: the document must be the same one you used to enter Argentina. Very old IDs or those with worn photos may be refused, so check before traveling.
- Arrive early: You need to go through the check-in and immigration process for both countries before boarding. It’s recommended to arrive at least an hour and a half early at the terminal.
- Currency: In Colonia, the official currency is the Uruguayan peso. Brazilian reais and dollars in cash are widely accepted and can be exchanged at currency exchange houses in the city, including on the boat itself, on the outbound trip.
- High season: Between December and March, demand for tickets increases significantly. If you plan to travel during this period, buy in advance.
Colonia del Sacramento: What to Expect from the City
Founded by the Portuguese in 1680, Colonia del Sacramento is one of the best-preserved cities in South America.
Its history is marked by decades of dispute between Portugal and Spain, and this turbulent past is inscribed in every stone of its streets. In 1995, the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting the historic quarter is literally walking through centuries of history.
When you disembark, you’re already practically in the heart of the city. Everything is within a short walking distance, which makes exploring very easy and pleasant.
The must-see spots on the itinerary are:
- Calle de los Suspiros, where Portuguese and Spanish architecture intertwine on one of the city’s most photogenic streets;
- Colonia Lighthouse, from where you have a panoramic view of the entire region;
- Plaza Mayor, the historic center surrounded by restaurants;
- Ruins of the San Francisco Convent, dating from 1690;
- Real de San Carlos Complex, which includes the Plaza de Toros and other historic sites, is also well worth the visit.
A practical tip: on Tuesdays, museums and some restaurants are closed. If possible, avoid this day for the excursion. And if you want to see the city more lively, go on the first departure (at 8 AM). Those who love sunsets will fall in love with the 8 PM return; the sunset over the Río de la Plata is breathtaking.
To get around the city, the most fun option is the golf cart, very popular because of the narrow streets and cobblestone sidewalks. You can rent by the hour or by the day. Bicycles and motorcycles are also available for those who prefer to pedal or explore more distant surroundings.
Where to Eat in Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia’s gastronomy is another reason not to rush through the city. Between charming restaurants set in historic mansions and bistros with a European countryside feel, the options are better than many people expect.
We have our favorites; here are some of them:
- Charco Bistró — San Pedro, 116
- Restaurante Pasaje las Flores — Gral. Flores, 85
- Bohemia Bistro — De San Pedro, 142
- El Buen Suspiro — Calle de los Suspiros, 90
Remember that many restaurants close during the famous “siesta” after lunch; therefore, plan your day taking this into account.
Day Trip or Overnight Stay: Which Makes More Sense?
The answer depends on your travel style and how much time you have in Buenos Aires.
The day trip is the most popular option and fits very well into any itinerary. You leave Buenos Aires in the morning, spend the whole day exploring Colonia, and return in the early evening, still in time for dinner in the Argentine capital. It’s the ideal format for those with a tighter schedule or who prefer to keep their base in Buenos Aires.
The overnight stay, on the other hand, has a special charm. When the tour groups leave, Colonia transforms. The city becomes even quieter, the restaurants become more intimate, and you can feel the true rhythm of a city that lives in another time.
For those who want to go beyond Colonia, it’s possible to combine the ferry crossing with a continuation by bus to Montevideo or Punta del Este, a good option for longer trips.
The Colonia Day Tour with Ondas Buenas
If you want to make the most of your day in Colonia without having to worry about anything, Ondas Buenas offers a complete day tour with everything organized: round-trip ferry, guided tour of the historic quarter (conducted by the Colonia Express team, in Spanish, lasting between 45 and 80 minutes), lunch included, and an exclusive guide with the best spots in the city for you to explore in your free time.
Some important details: round-trip transfer to the boarding terminal is not included, so arrange your transportation in advance. And, as always, bring your motion sickness medication as a precaution; the crossing is calm most of the time, but the Río de la Plata can have some waves.
Follow Ondas Buenas on Instagram
Want more tips like these before you travel? On our Instagram you’ll find itineraries, restaurant recommendations, behind-the-scenes from trips, and everything you need to enjoy Buenos Aires the right way.
Follow us at @ondasbuenas and check out more tips!
