Colonia del Sacramento Day Trip & Walking Tour with Ferry

Summary

Old Town strolls, lighthouse views and riverside legends in Colonia

You’ll wander Colonia del Sacramento’s legendary streets with a local guide, climb its historic lighthouse for sweeping river views, and linger in flower-filled plazas with time for your own discoveries. Expect stories of pirates, Portuguese quirks, and unexpected quiet moments—plus hotel pickup and ferry rides that make it all easy.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the uneven clack of my shoes on those old cobblestones—Calle de los Suspiros really does feel like it’s holding secrets. Our guide, Lucía, waved us over to a doorway where the stone was worn smooth from centuries of hands. She told us about pirates (actual pirates!) and how the street used to slope right down to the river. The air smelled faintly of river mud and jasmine from someone’s garden. I tried to picture what it looked like in 1680 but got distracted by a cat sunbathing on a red windowsill.

We’d come over on the morning ferry from Buenos Aires—quick ride, surprisingly calm—and after the city noise, Colonia del Sacramento felt almost hushed. Even the breeze off the Río de la Plata seemed softer here. Lucía pointed out how Portuguese houses lean into Spanish ones, roofs almost touching above narrow lanes. At Plaza Mayor, there were kids kicking a ball and an old man sipping mate under a tree. I didn’t expect to feel so at home so quickly.

I climbed the lighthouse (26 meters up, legs burning) because apparently you can’t do a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento without seeing that view. The wind up top nearly took my hat but wow—the rooftops, water stretching out forever, Uruguay just sort of drifting by below. Down at street level again, I wandered into a café for milanesa and watched locals arguing gently about football scores. It’s funny how easy it is to slip into their rhythm for an afternoon.

There was time after the walking tour to just sit in a park with purple flowers everywhere and let it all sink in. I still think about that quiet—how different it felt from anywhere else I’ve been near Buenos Aires. The ferry back felt too soon; I kept looking back at those pastel walls fading into dusk.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day tour of Colonia del Sacramento

• Hotel pickup in Buenos Aires
• Drive to ferry station
• Ferry ride to Colonia del Sacramento
• 2-hour guided walking tour of Old Town
• Visit Calle de los Suspiros street
• See the historic city gate
• Visit Basilica del Santísimo Sacramento
• Climb Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse
• Explore ruins of Convent of San Francisco
• Free time for lunch and shopping
• Return ferry to Buenos Aires
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

How long is the ferry ride from Buenos Aires to Colonia?

The ferry ride takes about one hour each way between Buenos Aires and Colonia del Sacramento.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Buenos Aires are included in your booking.

How much free time will I have in Colonia?

You’ll have about three hours of free time after the guided tour to explore or relax on your own.

Is this day trip suitable for children?

Yes, this is a kid-friendly tour suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Do I need my passport for this tour?

Yes, you must bring a valid passport as you’ll be crossing into Uruguay by ferry.

What main attractions are visited during the tour?

You’ll visit Calle de los Suspiros, Plaza Mayor, the lighthouse, Basilica del Santísimo Sacramento, and Convent of San Francisco ruins.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No set lunch is included; you’ll have free time to choose where you’d like to eat in Colonia.

Will there be a professional guide during the tour?

Yes, a professional local guide leads your walking tour through Colonia’s historic center.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Buenos Aires, round-trip ferry tickets across the Río de la Plata, a guided walking tour through Colonia del Sacramento’s UNESCO-listed old town with stops at key sites like Plaza Mayor and the lighthouse—and plenty of free time for lunch or wandering before heading back by ferry.