Colonia in Uruguay sits across the mouth of the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires. A small portion of this small city preserves the remains of a colonial Portugese and Spanish settlement from the 16th and 17th centuries but it has been contaminated by tourist shops. One can see remnants of the old walls and fortifications, some original homes turned into shops or small museums, and the tower from which one can overlook the town.Some cautions are warranted.1. Travel from Buenos Aires requires a ferry trip of about 1 1/2 hours, pleasant and quiet if you don not mind lots of kids running around. The major issues is that one must arrive at the ferry terminal at least 1 and 1/2 hours before departure to get through customs, immigration and security, just like at an airport. There is only one trip there and back within a day so your visit time and duration is predetermined.2. We booked a guide to meet us and show us around. Our guide was a total dud, spending a lot of time showing us the Sheraton Hotel and golf course, some failed businesses and the empty plots of "beautiful homes" that had been knocked down. When finally we arrived at the old settlement, we were given a brief tour and then invited to purchase tickets to enter the several small museums. Be warned that you will need 180 pesos of local currency to buy tickets to do so because they do not accept any other forms of payments. I would suggest that you clarify your tour before booking to ensure that the guide will have your tickets and take you into the museums.3. There are several restaurants in town. I would suggest that you do not allow your tour company to include your lunch. If you do that, you will end up with another 50 tourists and with a menu limited in choice and quality. Buy your own lunch, it is not that expensive, and get what you prefer to eat. There is an ice cream shop in the old city, as well.4. Climbing the small tower is not difficult but the stairs are narrow and the capacity is limited. You will need to pay a small fee and they do accept dollars but the view is pleasant.Overall, the place is worth about an hour or two so consider the cost and time involved in getting there before you book this trip.
Best views of the area at a very reasonable price. If you are a big guy you may find it difficult to climb through the narrow stairs.
It can get pretty crowded in this small space, but the view from the top is lovely. A steep and narrow climb
if the weather is nice, you should visit the lighthouse. there is an incredible view from up there! pay attention, it is not open during lunchtime, like many other museums of Colonia
Views are great! I can imagine what they would be for sunset!Be prepared to wait if there is a queue. Space upstairs is limited so they allow only small groups upstairs. Stairs are not that bad to climb. My 65 year old parents did just fine. Children under 8 are note allowed.Payment in local currency only.
A fantastc view of the Rio de La Plata and a good overview of the city, more than 110 steps.The sunset is special
The Faro (lighthouse) is the highlight of Colonia del Sacramento located about 3 hours west of Montevideo by bus. Very inexpensive to enter for 20 Uruguayan pesos (U$1) and there are two viewing levels we you can see the Rio Plata or the town square. The staircase is a bit narrow and one should be careful when ascending or descending inside the lighthouse. There is not much to see inside of the lighthouse but it is a historical landmark of Uruguayan colonial history that is worth going to see and just enjoying a day in the atmosphere of Colonia del Sacramento. Happy Travels!!!!
You can easily miss it and look it just from outside, possibly to make a picture (but its location is not perfect for photographers).
Nice view of Colonia and the river...Note: Childrens under 8 are not allow to enter.fee: 20 pesos uruguayos
If you never been in to a lighthouse before, that's a nice oportunity. Like a small museum, they keep the big lightbulbs previously installed in the lighthouse, right in the enter room downstairs, so you can check it on if you a curious guy.