Town in Colonia, Uruguay
Colonia del Sacramento
Picture-perfect UNESCO old town of cobbled lanes, river sunsets and quiet cafés, an hour by ferry from Buenos Aires. Ideal for a day, a weekend or a slow solo base; small, with few late-night options.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,610–2,480Comfortable, one person · $U65,000–100,000Details
- Value for money54/100Better value than 53% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–Apr, Oct–NovWarmest: Jan, 28°CDetails
- Internet208 MbpsFixed broadband, Uruguay medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water from OSE is treated and safe to drink; it can taste of chlorine.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$37–87Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundWalkingVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere; keep a little cash for small kiosks and some taxis.Details
Where to stay in Colonia del Sacramento
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Barrio Histórico | UNESCO old town: cobbles, cafés, small hotels, walkable |
| Rambla and Real de San Carlos | River promenade, sunsets and the old bullring |
| Centro (outside the old town) | Cheaper stays, supermarkets, buses |
Apps that work in Colonia del Sacramento
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| PedidosYa | Limited coverage in the center |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Few ride apps work reliably here. Local taxis are metered, or arrange pickups through your hotel.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Uruguay.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; keep a little cash for small kiosks and some taxis.
- Currency: Peso (UYU). US$1 ≈ $U40.29 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Banred and RedBROU ATMs dispense pesos and often US dollars; foreign cards pay a fee per withdrawal.
- Tipping: About 10% in restaurants. Some add a 'cubierto' cover charge per person, which is not a tip.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy can't be brought in; all bags are X-rayed on arrival.
- The passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
- Ferries from Buenos Aires clear Argentine and Uruguayan immigration together at the departure terminal.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type C, F, I, L · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Antel, Claro and Tigo shops sell prepaid SIMs with a passport; Antel has the widest coverage and Tigo sells prepaid eSIMs. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Uruguay
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.