Uruguay may be a small country in South America, but it is also a unique and special place to see as it is a bit of an outlier in the region for several reasons. This post will tell you 17 cool facts about Uruguay and why you should visit the charming town of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.
If you’re here, you may be considering visiting Uruguay as a day trip from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Let me tell you that I whole heartedly recommend it! Visiting Colonia, Uruguay is worth the relatively low cost because it is a totally different experience than what you find in most of Buenos Aires.
Good to Know for Uruguay
Currency: Peso
Capital City: Montevideo
Primary Language: Spanish
Bordering Countries: Brazil, Argentina
What is Colonia del Sacramento known for?
Colonia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming historic plazas. Founded by the Portuguese in 1680, this town was shaped by Portuguese, Spanish, and post-colonial influences.
Unlike buzzing urban centers, Colonia has a laid-back vibe, making it an ideal destination for leisurely strolls, romantic getaways, and relaxing escapes. Visitors can wander through its quaint streets, stop at sidewalk cafes, and enjoy the peace and quiet. One of the best things to do in Colonia del Sacramento is to climb the lighthouse for a great view of the area.
Where is Colonia located?
Colonia, Uruguay is situated on the banks of the Río de la Plata, offering lovely waterfront views. The harbor, lined with sailboats and fishing vessels, adds to the city’s charm and appeal. It is in the southwest of the country.
Colonia also serves as a gateway to Uruguay for many international visitors, thanks to its proximity to Buenos Aires, Argentina. More often than not, its easier to fly into Buenos Aires and then ferry over to Colonia to begin further exploration of Uruguay.
It’s easily accessible via the short 1.5-hour ferry ride across the Río de la Plata. This makes it a popular day trip or weekend getaway destination for travelers.
Related: Free Things to do in Buenos Aires
Fun Facts about Uruguay
Here are 17 interesting facts about Uruguay to inform and motivate your visit to the country.
- The largest city is also its capital, Montevideo. It is on the coast.
- About 3.5 million people live in Uruguay.
- A coup in 1973 established a military dictatorship that persecuted left wing socialists and political opponents.
- Civilian government was reestablished in 1985, establishing a constitutional presidential system.
- Uruguay has the most stable democracy in Latin America today.
- Uruguay is considered the most socially progressive countries in South America. It is known for its progressive policies, including legalized marijuana and same-sex marriage, making it a socially inclusive and forward-thinking destination.
- Meat is one of its major exports. If you like steak, Uruguay will keep you fed and happy.
- Uruguay may be lesser-known compared to its South American neighbors, but it produces excellent wines, particularly Tannat, its flagship grape variety.
- The country hosts a multi-week carnival beginning in mid-January.
- Uruguay boasts about 250 miles (400 kilometers) of beautiful coastline, offering picturesque beaches perfect for relaxation and water sports.
- Uruguay was the first country in South America to establish a welfare state, introducing free primary education in 1877 and establishing a comprehensive social security system in 1896.
- Punta del Este, a popular beach resort town in Uruguay, is home to the iconic sculpture “La Mano en la Arena” (The Hand in the Sand) by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal, which has become a symbol of the city.
- Uruguay is one of the world’s top contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions relative to its population size. In other words, the country sends the greatest number of troops to the UN per capita.
- Uruguay has a rich literary tradition and has produced several notable writers, including Juan Carlos Onetti, Mario Benedetti, and Delmira Agustini, whose works have earned international acclaim.
- Like many South American countries, Uruguay has a deep passion for football (soccer). It has won the FIFA World Cup twice (in 1930 and 1950) and produced legendary players like Diego Forlán and Luis Suárez.
- Uruguay has a fair degree of German influence, particularly in its culture and architecture, due to the influx of German immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. Most of the expats and those of German descent live in the Montevideo area.
- The country is home to many great musicians. Oscar winning Jorge Drexler (one of my favorites) is one of the most famous contemporary artists.
Is Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay worth visiting?
Yes: the calm ambiance of Colonia del Sacramento provides an ideal escape from urban hustle and bustle. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a delightful and peaceful day trip.
A trip to Colonia from Buenos Aires is highly recommended for history and architecture enthusiasts. You can fill your day strolling through its historic center, climbing the lighthouse steps for great vistas, and perusing its museums.
The ferry trip from Buenos Aires to Colonia is brief, approximately an hour and a half, making it convenient for a day trip. Given the distance for many, the opportunity to traverse a river and explore a new country and town is hard to pass up.
For those planning a visit to Buenos Aires, allocating time for a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento is a must. It remains one of the highlights of my month-long exploration in the southern Brazil–northern Argentina region.
Related: How to Visit Brazil-Argentina Iguazu Falls
In sum, if you have a spare day in Buenos Aires, 100% go to Colonia del Sacramento!
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