551mar_ai
This little city is special for its art and architecture! You will find very old houses with lots of souvenirs. Food is expensive! But you can find some cheaper places to try "chivito" :)
NorbW
Colonia is located about 2 hours from Montevideo, Uruguay. The drive is beautiful with very nice large green farms. Soy, sorghum and wheat are the main products, for expert. You will pass through little farm communities which still reflect the time of the Portuguese, Spanish and German immigrants. Driving into the city shows the earlier architecture and as you progress the modern trend starts to show. In the city are modern buildings and condos overlooking the river and river park. On the outskirts of town in the old bull fighting ring. It had a history of only 8 bullfights. Why only 8 bul fights? The most famous and popular bull fighter in the area was killed by a bull during the eighth fight. The people were so upset they did not want anything to do with the bull ring. The mayor signed a declaration that there would be no more bull fights or any events held in the ring. They closed it off with a high chain link fence, and have done nothing to preserve ever since. It is a beautiful structure with the Moorish architecture but it is slowly crumbling down to the ground.Back along the river is a beautiful river park with lots of trees, park benches and a very nice beach. You would think you were at a nice coastal beach. The river is approximately 24 miles wide in this location. A ferry runs between Colonia and Buenos Aires and takes about an hour to cross. On a clear day you can see the skyline of Buenos Aires. The old town, Barrio Historico is also located on the river, and is in a very pretty location surrounded by lots of tall trees. If you go to Colonia you have to stop in old town, it is beautiful.
norbafreund
A fantastc view of the Rio de La Plata and a good overview of the city, more than 110 steps.The sunset is special
Easylivingtravel
The Faro (lighthouse) is the highlight of Colonia del Sacramento located about 3 hours west of Montevideo by bus. Very inexpensive to enter for 20 Uruguayan pesos (U$1) and there are two viewing levels we you can see the Rio Plata or the town square. The staircase is a bit narrow and one should be careful when ascending or descending inside the lighthouse. There is not much to see inside of the lighthouse but it is a historical landmark of Uruguayan colonial history that is worth going to see and just enjoying a day in the atmosphere of Colonia del Sacramento. Happy Travels!!!!
LeoCabral80
If you never been in to a lighthouse before, that's a nice oportunity. Like a small museum, they keep the big lightbulbs previously installed in the lighthouse, right in the enter room downstairs, so you can check it on if you a curious guy.
AdrienneM807
On a clear day, it is worth climbing up to the top of this lighthouse to get a great 360 degree view of Colonia and the Rio. That said, note that the fee is a bit high to enter, the staircase is very narrow and unlit. If you are claustrophobic, afraid of the dark or heights, take a pass on this place. But, if you don't mind some climbing up a narrow, twisted, dark stairwell, the view is well worth it.
Hef3609
if the weather is nice, you should visit the lighthouse. there is an incredible view from up there! pay attention, it is not open during lunchtime, like many other museums of Colonia
Rafaelfeldmann
A little difficult to get there (lots of steps, no lights, etc), but it is worth it. An amazing view up there. It is a good place to start your walking tour in Colonia.
AlexanderA805
Colonia in Uruguay sits across the mouth of the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires. A small portion of this small city preserves the remains of a colonial Portugese and Spanish settlement from the 16th and 17th centuries but it has been contaminated by tourist shops. One can see remnants of the old walls and fortifications, some original homes turned into shops or small museums, and the tower from which one can overlook the town.Some cautions are warranted.1. Travel from Buenos Aires requires a ferry trip of about 1 1/2 hours, pleasant and quiet if you don not mind lots of kids running around. The major issues is that one must arrive at the ferry terminal at least 1 and 1/2 hours before departure to get through customs, immigration and security, just like at an airport. There is only one trip there and back within a day so your visit time and duration is predetermined.2. We booked a guide to meet us and show us around. Our guide was a total dud, spending a lot of time showing us the Sheraton Hotel and golf course, some failed businesses and the empty plots of "beautiful homes" that had been knocked down. When finally we arrived at the old settlement, we were given a brief tour and then invited to purchase tickets to enter the several small museums. Be warned that you will need 180 pesos of local currency to buy tickets to do so because they do not accept any other forms of payments. I would suggest that you clarify your tour before booking to ensure that the guide will have your tickets and take you into the museums.3. There are several restaurants in town. I would suggest that you do not allow your tour company to include your lunch. If you do that, you will end up with another 50 tourists and with a menu limited in choice and quality. Buy your own lunch, it is not that expensive, and get what you prefer to eat. There is an ice cream shop in the old city, as well.4. Climbing the small tower is not difficult but the stairs are narrow and the capacity is limited. You will need to pay a small fee and they do accept dollars but the view is pleasant.Overall, the place is worth about an hour or two so consider the cost and time involved in getting there before you book this trip.
jorgea289
Nice view of Colonia and the river...Note: Childrens under 8 are not allow to enter.fee: 20 pesos uruguayos
cookpias
It can get pretty crowded in this small space, but the view from the top is lovely. A steep and narrow climb
tangointahiti
Colonia is not about activities, it's about sleeping in and strolling down cobblestone streets after enjoying an expresso. The Faro has only become an activity because people need to say they've done something in Colonia. There's not much of a view from it, and it can be surprisingly crowded at peak times. Have a pot of tea at the Charco restaurant instead.
Javier_19731202
Best views of the area at a very reasonable price. If you are a big guy you may find it difficult to climb through the narrow stairs.
TomasBB
You can easily miss it and look it just from outside, possibly to make a picture (but its location is not perfect for photographers).
VilleK827
Views are great! I can imagine what they would be for sunset!Be prepared to wait if there is a queue. Space upstairs is limited so they allow only small groups upstairs. Stairs are not that bad to climb. My 65 year old parents did just fine. Children under 8 are note allowed.Payment in local currency only.