A Day Trip from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Quick disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book or make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
When I realized I was only a ferry ride and 75 minutes away from visiting another country, my immediate reaction was, “I’m game.” And yes, the possibility of adding another passport stamp completely influenced my decision.
I booked an 8:00 a.m. ticket on the Buquebus ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento. Since I had no idea what to expect, I arrived at the terminal approximately 90 minutes early. The terminal was modern, clean and, most importantly at that hour, had a fantastic coffee shop in the lobby.
Things to know when Taking the Ferry from Buenos Aires to Uruguay
The entire process was surprisingly easy:
When you arrive, bring your passport and ferry ticket to the check-in counter.
Next, head upstairs and go through security. Bottled water was allowed, but I had to carry it in my hand while walking through the scanner.
After security, you officially “leave” Argentina at Argentine immigration.
Approximately two steps to my left later, I entered Uruguay immigration at the next counter.
The process was almost comically seamless. I’m pretty sure it has taken me longer to find a parking spot at Trader Joe’s on a Sunday afternoon.
After clearing immigration, you wait in the terminal until boarding begins. The ferry ride takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes, making Colonia an easy day trip from Buenos Aires.
Exploring Colonia del Sacramento
Once you step off the ferry, you’re just a seven-minute walk from Colonia’s historic quarter. Or maybe 11 minutes if you’re like me and continuously stop to take pictures and videos.
The UNESCO-listed neighborhood is filled with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, waterfront views, cafés and restaurants.
It’s the perfect town for wandering without much of a plan. You can walk through the historic streets of Colonia, stop for coffee, sit down for lunch and make your way toward the waterfront.
However, if walking all day sounds exhausting, you can also rent a golf cart from one of the vendors near the ferry terminal. I seriously considered it because any chance to drive a golf cart is right up my alley, and exploring Uruguay by golf cart felt completely on brand for me.
Unfortunately, it was freezing outside, with temperatures hovering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Instead, I found a cute bakery, ordered a warm coffee and a dulce de leche dessert, and finalized a contract review for my client’s 2027 conference.
Because apparently I travel internationally just to find new and interesting places to open my laptop.
And yes, before you say it, I know. San Diego has made me weak when it comes to weather. I’m spoiled by my 75-degree-and-sunny weather year-round.
If you’re planning a meeting or event in Buenos Aires, Colonia could also be a fun free-day option for attendees who want to explore another country during their trip to Argentina. It’s close enough for a day trip, easy to navigate independently and offers a completely different atmosphere from Buenos Aires.
Just make sure attendees understand that they’ll need their passports and should allow enough time for ferry check-in and immigration in both directions.
Anywhoooo…would I go again?
Yes, definitely. Preferably when it’s warmer so I can finally rent a golf cart and spend the afternoon ridin’ dirty through Uruguay.
Prefer to Have the Details Handled for You?
I booked my ferry ticket directly through Buquebus and explored Colonia on my own. It’s easy to navigate independently, but Viator also offers guided day trips from Buenos Aires if you’d prefer to have the ferry and sightseeing organized for you. A walking tour is also a great way to learn the history behind those beautiful streets and buildings instead of just taking 700 pictures of them like I did.
Sidenote: The following areas contain affiliate links. If you book or make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Where to Stay Before Your Colonia Day Trip
Colonia is an easy day trip when you’re staying in Buenos Aires. Browse hotels near Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires and the Buquebus ferry terminal to make that early-morning departure a little less painful.
Planning for a group?
Online booking links are intended for individual reservations. If you are hosting a meeting or event that needs 10 or more rooms per night, contact me directly to explore group rates, concessions and availability.
