Colonia del Sacramento

Travel Guide

Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento showing signage
Colonia del Sacramento showing street scenes
Street of Sighs which includes street scenes, a small town or village and a house

Cobblestone streets, colourful houses, museums and beaches make this one of the most popular towns on Uruguay’s west coast.

Take a step back in time at Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay’s oldest settlement and a town blessed with picturesque colonial architecture lining sleepy cobblestone streets. Visit museums and an aquarium, climb to the top of a lighthouse or enjoy spectacular sunsets from the waterfront.

Founded in 1680, Colonia del Sacramento changed hands between the Portuguese and Spanish, while fighting off British raids, before eventually becoming part of independent Uruguay in 1828.

You’ll find most of what you’ll want to see in the Barrio Histórico (Historic Centre), a walled district awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995. Start at the Portón de Campo, the town gate built by the Portuguese in 1745, which opens onto the tree-shaded Plaza Mayor. From here, cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored Portuguese and Spanish houses lead in all directions. A prime example is Calle de los Suspiros, an extremely photogenic street that stands largely untouched since the 1700s.

Climb the stairs to the top of the 89-feet (27-metre) tall Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse for uninterrupted views of the town and coastline. On a clear day you can see across the river to Buenos Aires. Follow the old town wall along the waterfront, which passes the ruins of 18th-century fortifications. Continue to the marina, a great place to watch the sunset and enjoy a picnic.

Find displays about Portuguese colonisation at the Museo Portugués or visit the Museo Español to see artefacts relating to the Spanish colonial era. One ticket covers admission to all of the town’s museums, and is available from the Museo Municipal. Kids will enjoy the interactive marine life exhibits at the Acuarió.

Colonia del Sacramento is a 2.5-hour drive from Montevideo or a 1-hour boat ride from Buenos Aires. Rent a golf buggy or bike to explore areas outside of the historic centre and a car to go further afield. Just north of town you can relax on river beaches and see the Plaza de Toros bullring.

Where to stay in Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento which includes religious aspects, a church or cathedral and interior views

Barrio Histórico

If you're spending some time in Barrio Histórico, Colonia del Sacramento Plaza de Armas and Rio de la Plata are top sights worth seeing.

Barrio Histórico
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Real de San Carlos

While visiting Real de San Carlos, you might make a stop by sights like San Benito Chapel and Paleontological Museum.

Real de San Carlos
Radisson Hotel Colonia del Sacramento

Radisson Hotel Colonia del Sacramento

4 out of 5
Washington Barbot 283. Colonia Del Sacra, Colonia del Sacramento, Colonia
The price is €103 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
€103
28 Aug - 29 Aug
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Colonia del Sacramento. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (897 reviews)
"Great location - nice to have a pool"

Reviewed on 9 Apr 2025

Radisson Hotel Colonia del Sacramento
Posada Boutique Las Terrazas

Posada Boutique Las Terrazas

3 out of 5
Manuel Lobo 281, Colonia del Sacramento, Colonia
The price is €94 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
€94
26 Aug - 27 Aug
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Colonia del Sacramento. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (394 reviews)
"Very friendly and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Posada Boutique Las Terrazas
Sheraton Colonia Golf & Spa Resort

Sheraton Colonia Golf & Spa Resort

5 out of 5
Continuacion Rambla de las Americas s/n, Colonia del Sacramento, Colonia
The price is €161 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
€161
22 Aug - 23 Aug
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Colonia del Sacramento. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Paleontological Museum and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (333 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel, gorgeous facilities and great staff. It was a perfect stay."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Sheraton Colonia Golf & Spa Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lomas del Real Resort

Lomas del Real Resort

3 out of 5
Dr. Carlos Martinez Moreno 174, Colonia del Sacramento
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Colonia del Sacramento. Enjoy free parking, private pools, and bicycle rentals on site. Popular attractions Paleontological ...
"Estuvo muy bien, es un lugar para pasar muy tranquilos, en familia. Tal vez faltan algunos cubiertos, maderas o utensilios básicos para usar el parrillero. El placar es muy pequeño, suficiente si vas 2 días . Pero se pasa muy bien si el clima acompaña, muy lindo jardín con piscina, muy ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jan 2024

Lomas del Real Resort
Captive House Colonia

Captive House Colonia

Colonia del Sacramento
Stay at this vacation home in Colonia del Sacramento. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Granja Colonia and Capilla Jesuítica ...
The best places for rest
"I don’t have words to describe how this people make me feel , just I love this place and persons"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Captive House Colonia
APARTMENT IN COLONIA ONE BLOCK FROM THE BULLRING

APARTMENT IN COLONIA ONE BLOCK FROM THE BULLRING

Colonia del Sacramento
Stay at this apartment in Colonia del Sacramento. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Capilla Jesuítica and San Benito Chapel are located nearby.
APARTMENT IN COLONIA ONE BLOCK FROM THE BULLRING
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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