Colonia Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
City in Uruguay, departmental capital of Colonia
About Colonia
Colonia del Sacramento (Nova Colonia do Santissimo Sacramento) was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese (Manuel Lobo), sandwiched in between the Portuguese colony of Brazil and the Spanish Vice Royalty of the River Plate (later Argentina, Uruguay and Southern Brazil). Its strategic position and use as a smuggling port meant that its sovereignty was hotly contested and the city changed hands several times between Spain and Portugal and was for a while also part of Brazil before the independence of Uruguay. The city now has 25,000 inhabitants. Its old buildings and cobblestone streets preserved from the colonial days make it a popular destination for people fromBuenos Aireson the opposite side of Rio de la Plata. It's especially popular as a weekend getaway for couples or as an attractive stop
Top Attractions in Colonia
Explore the best things to see and do in Colonia:
- ★Armando Calcaterra Paleontological Museum
- ★Basilica del Santísimo Sacramento
- ★Calle de los Suspiros
- ★Cantera de Ferrando
- ★Cantera de Riachuelo
- ★Cantera el Calabrés
- ★Casa Nacarello
- ★"Colonia" sign
Where to Eat in Colonia
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Bocadesanto
- 🍴Buena Moza
- 🍴Candela
- 🍴Charco
- 🍴El Abuelo
- 🍴El Drugstore
Where to Stay in Colonia
- 🏨Celestino Hostel
- 🏨Costa Colonia
- 🏨Hostel Colonial
- 🏨Hostel El Español
- 🏨Hotel La Misión
- 🏨Posada De la Ciudadela
Colonia Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 13 sections including: