The 4 Best Uruguay Day Trips from Buenos Aires

1.Colonia Premium Day Tour From Buenos Aires

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 137 reviews · 11 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $195Our pick

Spend 11 to 12 hours crossing from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento by fast ferry. A bilingual guide such as Lourdes or Fernando leads a short walk through the UNESCO-listed old town, then you have time for lunch, shops, the lighthouse, and independent wandering. Hotel-port transfers are included.

“Other reviewers say you can do this trip on your own and they are correct but Viator was very efficient in delivering us and picking us up at the port. Providing us with a valid ticket as well as a guide at Colonia. Unless you are serious about this trip take note that you spend a lot of time clearing customs on both sides because you are leaving and entering two countries. Personally I really like the atmosphere of Colonia and like anyplace the more time spent exploring the more you discover. For example we spent some time finding a restaurant the guide recommended called Charco and got to see…”

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2.Premium Day Tour to Colonia del Sacramento

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 86 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $118Best value

Cross the Río de la Plata from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento on a round-trip ferry, then explore Uruguay with an English and Spanish walking tour. See the lighthouse, Portuguese Museum, and historic church, followed by lunch at Mesón de la Plaza.

“I paid for the trip but was turned away. What a terrible experience this was. My ticket received from Viator told me to arrive for 8am. I got there for 7.30am but nobody was there. I tried calling Colonia Express from my ticket but there was no answer, I also tried Viator customer service and also no response. A lady finally appeared at the front desk at 8.15am informing me that I have missed the boat and if I want to attend the later meet, I would have to pay again. I tried to make a complaint but due to my lack of Spanish I really struggled so was told…”

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3.Colonia del Sacramento: Small-Group Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 48 reviews · 12 hours · from $315

Travel by ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento for a guided walk through its UNESCO-listed Old Town. Alejandra has led several highly praised outings, explaining the city’s Portuguese roots, Calle de los Suspiros, lighthouse, basilica, and city gate before you explore independently.

“The guide was great - very knowledgeable - she was entertaining, fun and relaxed. The tour was about 2 hours in total. The price of the whole experience was quite high. It included ferry tickets, transport to and from the hotel. It would be better to just purchase the tickets separately at £30 each and pay for Ubers to and from the hotel. The cost of the guide your guide tour was £260 … essentially this means I paid £200 for the 2 hour tour.”

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4.Premium Day Trip to Colonia del Sacramento

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $248Top rated

Cross the Río de la Plata by fast ferry, then explore Colonia del Sacramento with a local guide such as Alejandra or Lily. Expect hotel pickup, a guided walk through the Portuguese-era old town, free time for lunch and shopping, and help with both ferry crossings.

“Booked last minute and the accommodated us really well. Very knowledgeable and friendly guide, exceptional experience!”

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