On Location: Uruguay Day Trip
An Escape Across the Silver Sea
By Gray Shealy
The Rio Plata, or Silver River, that fronts Buenos Aires' Northeastern edge, reads more like a vast, chocolatey sea than a river. You can't really see across it--across it to Uruguay--which happens to be an easy 75 minute ferry ride away.
You can also go to Montevideo, the capital, by ferry, which is a roughshod city a good bit smaller than the BA metropolis; or you can go to Colonia del Sacramento, a historical village popular with tourists. For my first visit to Uruguay, I chose Colonia, and even though it was some years ago, I still remember strolling the cobbled streets lined with Linden trees that produced a calming komorebi effect for the entirety of the day.
For me, the additional passport stamp was the ultimate reason for dedicating a day of my Argentine vacation to Colonia. In my mind, it was a sojourn away from the frenetic pace of the big city. People grazed in sidewalk cafes, and watched soldiers clad in Georgian-era outfits change the guard. There were artisans and tiny museums, and an eerie, abandoned bullfighting arena that hearkened to Rome, somehow distantly. Artists found walls and cars to sketch upon. Workers laid new bricked sidewalks, and scantly dressed women performed for tourists.
There was once a Four Seasons resort here, but it has since closed. And the posh, glimmery Uruguayan resorts like the Vik brand have remained on the Atlantic Coast, forgoing this small town for shimmering sand dunes instead. But for my taste, Colonia is ideal. It is boutique in scale and in feel. It's just the sort of place you'll want to go when you need a day of repose, away from the freneticness of BA, just a stone's throw away.
Transit: Colonia Express (Ferry from Puerto Madero Terminal)
5 round trips daily, 75 minutes. From $92 usd.
Extend Your Stay: Casa Lahusen, Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
12 rooms from $150 per night (singles from $85)
Photo Credit: Syllogi
Syllogi’s ‘On Location’ is a series of trip reports reflecting on our personal travels, as we research and experience the bounty the world has on offer.
