I had once heard that you can take a ferry to visit Uruguay from Argentina. This sounded like a bit of an intense experience, but I’m always down for adventures and ticking off new destinations in radical ways, like when I walked to Paraguay from Brazil. I thought the best day trip would be to Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, but it turns out Montevideo is quite far from Buenos Aires. Instead, someone advised me to visit Colonia del Sacramento, which can be reached in about an hour via boat. I did it, and here are the tips I took away that will be helpful for future Uruguayan day-trippers.
How To Buy A Ticket
I was advised by someone to not wait last minute to purchase a ticket to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, as it’s a very popular day tour for those visiting Buenos Aires. While I originally planned to show up to the port and purchase one right then and there, I am very glad this friend gave me their advice. I went online only 3 days before my trip, and most tickets were already sold out. I was able to snag one, but it was not cheap. It cost around $120 roundtrip. I booked through BuqueBus which is the main carrier for bringing passengers from Buenos Aires to Uruguay.
- Pro-tip: You can sometimes find more affordable tickets through GetYourGuide, with the optional add-on of a tour.
When To Arrive To The Ferry Terminal
This isn’t a show-up-five-minutes-before-you-go type of deal. Remember, you’re crossing an international border, so treat your arrival to the ferry terminal like you would of that of an airport. While three hours in advanced, like most airlines/airports suggest for international travel, might be a bit extreme, I would highly recommend arriving at least an hour early. This is because you need to check in, and then proceed through immigration. Also, you might want to give yourself time to grab a snack. The port in Buenos Aires is actually quite nice, and I purchased an alfajores while there.
Passing Through Customs & Immigration on the Argentinian Side
Once you’re all checked in, which someone will guide you to do as soon as you enter the building, you’ll head upstairs to immigration. The line can get pretty long, so the earlier you get in line, the better. It’s a pretty simple process, similar to that of an airport. They’ll ask you how long you are going to Uruguay for, and everyone seems to be in a decent mood (at least from my experience), unlike the typical attitude of airport employees. They’ll then stamp you out of Argentina.
The Ferry Ride Itself
Now, it’s time to board the ferry! This is certainly no ordinary ferry. Instead, it is like a cargo ship that’s completely decked out. I have never been on a cruise, but I have taken ferries to Santorini, to Capri, to Sorrento, and more, so I was expecting something along those lines (a few outdated cushioned seats, and not much else). How very wrong I was! The seats were comfortable and they reclined, but best of all? There’s a freaking DUTY FREE onboard. Oh, and maybe even better, there’s a full-service cafe and bar, so for those who want some coffee, vino, beer, or a bite to eat, you’re in good hands!
The ferry left on time, and the ride only takes about an hour and change to arrive in Colonia del Sacramento. Note that the water is really nothing to brag about. It’s notoriously brown, and there’s not a whole lot of staring out into the horizon to be had unless you’re lucky enough to get a window seat.
Arriving In Uruguay
Congratulations, you’ve made it to Uruguay! Visitors need to go through security and immigration once more, and put their bags through security, similar to that of an airport. Despite the long line, this whole process took about ten minutes, and next thing I knew, I was ready to explore Colonia del Sacramento. There is luggage storage close to the station, but if you’re tight on time, I advise to save your money and just carry your bags with you. Though I originally planned to store my luggage, I opted out since it would add extra time and costs in my already short day there.
The main town is about a 15-minute walk from the port, and though taxis are available, the walk is safe and somewhat scenic.
Fashion-Tip: Wear something bright and colorful to contrast against the white walls and to match the many flowers.
What To Know About Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento is charming AF. It is essentially the opposite vibe of Buenos Aires. It’s extremely quiet and quaint. The buildings are low, the streets are cobblestone (which make for an annoying trek if your bag has wheels, like mine did), there are flowers in every direction, and it’s a photographer’s dream. Every building looks like paper mache with muted pinks and corals and whites. There are shops all over serving up ice cream, souvenirs, beer, snacks, and more. I felt no shame in setting up my tripod and snapping some quick selfies and videos. The streets weren’t nearly as busy as any other South American city I have been to, and I felt completely safe.
Camera-Tip: Traveling alone? Bring a tripod that can hold your phone.
How Much Time Is Needed To Explore
There’s really not a ton to do in Colonia del Sacramento, but it is certainly a great city escape from the madness of Buenos Aires. Therefore, it’s really up to you. Colonia del Sacramento can easily be seen in a few short hours, like how I did it. However, I wouldn’t have minded spending the night at one of the cute boutique hotels in the main part of town, because taking the ferry to and from Argentina in the same day added a hinder on enjoying the experience without worrying about time. As mentioned, there’s not a whole lot going on, so a few hours certainly will suffice. It depends on many factors, including what you like and how much time you have.
If you choose to only stay for a few hours, make sure to get a local Uruguayan meal. I ordered steak and fries with a glass of wine, and though it was good, I have to hand it to Argentina for having the best grilled meats in South America.
Staying Overnight (If You So Choose)
Staying overnight is indeed an option, and one I would have liked to consider had I not had a flight later that day to Chile (yes, it was a very long day for me). Here are the hotels I would recommend:
- Colonia Suite Apartments — located right in Centro
- Hotel Royal — located right in Centro
- Posada Manuel Lobo — upscale hotel located in Centro
- Posada Boutique Las Terrazas — upscale hotel with a pool located in Centro
- Don Antonio Posada — nice hotel in Centro at an affordable rate
Coming Back to Argentina
When your time in Colonia del Sacramento is up, it’s time to repeat the process in going back to Argentina. I knew to arrive early to the port, so I walked back, checked in, went in the immigration line once again, and eventually, got back on the boat to Argentina. I was in a rush to get out of the boat as quickly as possible because I had a flight to catch, so I sat close to the exit, and luckily, once back in Argentina, I was one of the first through immigration. If you are like me and have to make a quick exit, simply ask an employee where is the best spot to sit.
Is It Worth it?
Though my day was a tad chaotic, as I country hopped three times in just a few short hours, it was absolutely worth it. Colonia del Sacramento ended up being one of my favorite parts of my three-week South American trip. I highly recommend this day trip to enjoy visiting a new country, and taking in the peaceful scenes of a quaint Uruguayan town.
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