Colonia del Sacramento, a world heritage site, is the oldest town in Uruguay and has a population of about 23,000 people, adding to the peacefulness and quiantness of the town. Besides wandering down its small, narrow, cobblestone streets, enjoying the delicious cuisine, or taking picture perfect photos, there are a few worthy sites to see in Colonia:

· Porton de Campo – the City Gate and wooden drawbridge
· Basilica del Sanctisimo Sacramento – a beautiful stone basilica, built by the Portugese in 1808.
· Lighthouse and convent ruins
· Iglesia Matriz – Uruguay’s oldest church
· Downtown – Tourist shops and restaurants
· Beaches – Colonia’s beaches are perfect for the summer sun

Colonia is very small from one end to the other allowing visitors to discover it by foot, bicycle, or moped. The town’s people are very accommodating to visitors, accustomed to their presence, and service is good and very friendly, and affordable.

Colonia can be reached by boat from Buenos Aires, in either one hour (fast ferry) or three hours (slow ferry). Colonia can also be a convenient place to visit for those volunteering in Buenos Aires and needing to renew their visa (every 90 days) as the cross over to Uruguay in back, even same day, will renew a visa for another term. (Check your specific country requirements beforehand.)

Interested in visiting Colonia?

If you are looking to get away one of these weekends, get out of the big and busy city of Buenos Aires and head somewhere a little more tranquil, the small town of Colonia is a great getaway.

Colonia is located in Uruguay, only a short trip from Buenos Aires. You can head to the BuqueBus ferry station in Puerto Madero and buy a ticket, either on the fast ferry (one hour) or the slow ferry (3 hours).

When you arrive in beautiful Colonia, exit the ferry and head downtown, only a ten minute walk straight ahead. Downtown Colonia features a major shopping road and plenty of small roads leading to the residential areas of town. Downtown lines the water side, where a sidewalk runs around the beachside area, with small but beautiful beaches down below. Colonia has the more modern area of town, featuring newer construction, and the old part of town, featuring cobblestone roads, antique buildings, houses, and plazas, and is one of the most beautiful areas of the city. Head here to wonder down narrow streets, discover shops and boutiques, eat the local cuisine, and take picture perfect photos. You can also rent bicycles or mopeds in Colonia or sign up for a local tour with a local tour company.

Colonia is a day or weekend trip to take when wanting to leave the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires, and spend time in a quiet laidback town.

Volunteers in Buenos Aires can book their Colonia excursion here!