I know I have found the right man, when instead of buying me jewelry or flowers, he takes me on a trip! Lucas wanted to do something special for me while I was in Argentina, so he decided to whisk me away to Uruguay for a couple of days. We needed a break from wedding planning and Colonia was the perfect respite. It had been many years since I had been in Uruguay and for both of us city dwellers it was a breath of much needed fresh air. There are two ways to get to Colonia from Buenos Aires: the “fast boat” (Buquebus) or the “slow boat” (Colonia Express). We decided to try the latter and were quite impressed. Even though I have a soft spot for Buquebus (it really does live up to its glamorous reputation), in the future I think I will still continue to use Colonia Express, as it was comfortable, efficient, and inexpensive.
In one hour’s time we were in another country, surrounded by a town whose crumbling beauty oozed romance from every crack and crevice of its narrow, winding cobblestone streets. Colonia is a quaint city with lots of character. It is very small and can easily be seen in less than five hours, making it the perfect day trip from Buenos Aires.
Before we set off on our walk, however, we needed to nourish our stomachs. And this colorful place called out to us as we strolled by:
After an overdose of gnocchi, we set off to explore. You know you have encountered a special place when everywhere you look is a photo opportunity. Colonia is definitely a photographer’s paradise.
It is typically a sleepy place, although you will find tourists here and there. The unpretentious port town is a picture of gently rocking battered fishing boats, sun bleached pastel colored homes, and church bells ringing in the distance so that you will never forget the time. The shopping is limited, but there are a few stores worth checking out.
The best way to see the town is to put down your map and simply get lost. Trust me on this! Then we heard the church bells chime twice, signaling that it was time to check into our bed and breakfast. . .
Agreed, sometimes it’s fun to tuck the map away and just wander. You tend to get the best stories, food, pictures and memories that way! Thanks for the tour of Colonia Andi:)
That’s where I am right now!!! Great place!
Been there – it’s such a cute town !!
Great post. Colonia del Sacremento (and Uruguay) caught us totally by surprise. We expected nothing and really loved it here. You are totally right about putting down the map and getting lost. The town certainly has a special charm.
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There is actually a 3rd way to get there- called Seacat. You might want to check it out. It is owned by Buquebus so you actually end up on the same fancy boats most of the time. However, they only have a few ships a day making it a much cheaper option.
I’m not a huge fan of Colonia, I get bored after a few hours. It is pretty, though. I also ate at that colourful place- The Drug Store I think it is called. It was good but from what the locals told me, the priciest place in town.
Looks like a lovely place!
Beautiful photos! That restaurant really IS colorful and I like the photo of you with the pink building behind. And I agree, I LOVE being in places where you just can’t stop taking photos!
Gorgeous. Another place I’ve put on my list to visit. 😀 I absolutely love your photos.
Colonia is such a lovely little place!
Love these photos!! Oh you are so good at posing…I’m still working on it. Great spots and LOVE the colors in the restaurants and that car.
Oooh, beautiful! I HAVE to go to Colonia the next time I’m in BsAs. My family is headed there tonight for a cousin’s wedding… This is the first time I’ve ever passed up a trip. Sad!
Thanks for sharing the wonderful photos and words about Colonia. It looks amazing. Can’t wait to see it for myself!
Went to Colonia on New Years on a day trip from BA. Was great to get away from the chaos that is Buenos Aires, if even for a few hours…
A man after my own heart…a trip! Can’t ask for a better present!
What BEAUTIFUL pictures & a lovely story!
I love the photo of the old european-looking car. 🙂 It seems like a beautiful place; definitely going to add it to my travel list!
I don’t know anything about Uruguay so it’s nice to read something about a unique place! Love the photos! Seems like an interesting town to stroll through 🙂
Nice post, I’m just starting to learn about what Uruguay has to offer.
Love the photos. What kind of camera do you use? Uruguay looks beautiful, I hadn’t seen many photos or anything about the country til now.
When I went to Uruguay, I went to Montevideo. I didn’t know about Colonia at that time. Later, everybody told I should have visted Colonia or Punta de Este. Well, next time. Good excuse to go back.
Aww he’s so sweet. He know you like travel more then flowers. lol. Looks like you guys had a great time.
Again, congratulation on your engagement! You look cute in that dress, and that black car is so charming 😀
Ahhh…Colonia is really high on my list of places I’m most looking forward to checking out in SA!!!
What a romantic getaway!
What a good fiance! I saw your tweet about the tux though – doesn’t he know women are in charge of quality control?! Geesh.
Gorgeous photos, Andi! You guys look so classy! 😀
Love the photos in this post Andi – look like you had a good time taking a break from the stressful wedding planning.
Wow, love those old cars!
I’ve always had this weird desire to visit Uruguay. I’d really like to go to Punta del Este!
So beautiful. Your descriptions reminds me vaguely of Catalina Island off of the CA coast. 1 hr long boat ride takes you to a gorgeous island with clear waters and quaint restaurants. Love the old cars!!!!
A work of art!
I think this is one of my favorite posts of yours. Excellent photos and great descriptive writing. You really made it come alive!!
He is most definitely the perfect man for you to know how much you would love this. 🙂 What wonderful pictures, Andi. I could happily wander for hours here.
Wow, I didn’t realize that you could get to Colonia so easily from Buenos Aires. I haven’t been to BA yet, but i always like to know what day trips are easy — big fan of day trips.
What a quaint little restaurant, and I loved that cobble stoned street, so picturesque!
I seriously relish in your beautiful adventures.
Absolute perfection in this post! 🙂
What a gorgeous day! I went to Colonia for a day in 2005 with friends while we were visiting Buenos Aires, and the word that just sums it up for me is quaint.
Stunning post!
Loved this post! 🙂
I am constantly impressed with your travels.
Beautiful town and I’m so glad you’re finally posting photos of Lucas! 🙂
This blog is superior and totally filled with wisdom!
Very interesting post!
Gorgeous post!
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http://www.ColoniaExpress.com
De nada por nada! Me encanta Colonia Express y Colonia tambien!!!