The town designated as a world heritage which reminds you of the 18th century

This historic town is located in the southwestern part of Uruguay, about 180 km upstream along The River Plate from Montevideo, the capital.

It is a small port town developed as a trade port with Portugal in 1680. The town has a unique history that the rulers were replaced 9 times during 100 years until it was placed under control of Spain in 1777. The history created a beautiful cityscape where the architectural styles of both countries are blended.
This old town with its enduring buildings was registered as a World Heritage Site of UNESCO in 1995.
In the old city spreading at the apical region of a cape, many historical buildings are still well preserved. Classical cars parking on the stone pavement may give you an illusion as if time halts. People are still leading a leisurely life in the district of world heritage, and you may enjoy hanging around restaurants, souvenir shops and cafes.

Main Attractions

The center of this town is Major Square (la Plaza Mayor).Around the square, there are various colonial museums, though small, exhibiting historical and interesting items. It is worth visiting. For your convenience, there is a common ticket which allows you to visit the Museum of the Portuguese Era (el Museo del Periodo Portugues), the Spanish Museum (el Museo Espanol), the Tile Museum (el Museo del Azulejo), and more.

At sunset and night to be followed, the town of Colonia del Sacrament gives an artistic flavor. The cityscape lit with yellow streetlights, recreation of the candle color in the 18th century, evokes the atmosphere similar to that 200 years ago.

Crossing national border by ferry

Ferries are in service 1 to 3 times a day between Colonia del Sacrament and Buenos Aires on the opposite shore of The River Plate. After completing in Buenos Aires the embarkation procedure from Argentine and immigration to Uruguay, you will be able to cross the border in mere some 45 minutes by a high-speed ferryboat, or in about 3 hours even by a slow boat. The service is also available from Buenos Aires to Montevideo. It takes about 3 hours by a high-speed ferry. Many tourists from Argentine visit Uruguay exploiting the ferry in this route.

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