The little port of Colonia lies on the River Plate estuary and is easily accessible from Montevideo and Buenos Aires. A visit to the historic centre of Colonia del Sacramento is like a walk back in time. Founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, this old colonial town is renowned for its cobbled, windy streets and colourful houses reminiscent of old Lisbon and is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Due to its colonial origins, the city's layout is different from the majority of Uruguayan cities. Its cobbled streets and houses alternate with small bars, restaurants, art and craft shops, museums and a large yacht harbour. It has some particularly lovely plazas and small flower-filled parks and is a wonderful place to spend a few days relaxing. A stay in Colonia is easily to combine with a trip to Argentina - regular hydrofoil and ferries run from Buenos Aires to Colonia. We thoroughly recommend it.
