Colonia, Uruguay

Colonia del Sacramento

Approaching Colonia Del Sacramento

Since it was only 30 miles (1 hour by ferry) from Buenos Aires, I decided to spend a day in Colonia del Sacramento. I went on a walking tour through “old town” Colonia and learned about its history; made some new friends, and had an amazing lunch of Chivito and red wine at a very colorful place called “The Drug Store” – please don’t ask me why.

The Drug Store, the chefs, and Chivito: eggs, ham, steak, potatoes, salad, and more. 

Some fun facts:

• Colonia is the oldest city in Uruguay
• “Ownership” changed several times between Spain, Portugal, Brazil and Uruguay
• With roughly 22,000 residents, the city has approximately 3 million visitors a year (Uruguay, as a country, has approximately 3.5 million residents)

Overall, it was a great visit. I think one full day is all you really need in Colonia but it was a good change of pace from the big city life of Sao Paulo.

Inside an Old Church in the City

Deciding where to go for a souvenir, one or my tour guides, new friends on a walking tour, and an old store

An old pedestrian road with original stones, the old city gate, and a view that, on a clear day, reaches all the way to Buenos Aires.

An old car and the boat that would take me back to Buenos Aires

Leaving Colonia