Colonia & Montevideo River Crossing
Cross the river from Buenos Aires to spend three days exploring the Portuguese colonial town of Colonia and the old town of Montevideo.
This is the most popular short route to Uruguay starting from Buenos Aires. Spend the first night in Colonia del Sacramento to experience the quiet charm of the historic quarter after the day-trippers leave. Take a bus to Montevideo the next day, and spend the third day exploring the old town and the port market before flying out or taking the ferry back. No car rental is needed, and the eastern beaches are excluded, making it perfect for first-time visitors with limited time.
Ferry tickets are highly sought after from mid-December to February; book well in advance.
Day by day
Day 1 · Cross the river and stroll through Colonia's historic quarter
Colonia del Sacramento（Portón de Campo、Calle de los Suspiros、Barrio Histórico、Lighthouse & Convent of San Francisco Ruins）
Take a morning ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes), then walk or take a taxi to the historic quarter.
The two ferry companies use different terminals; specify which one you need when taking a taxi, and remember to bring your passport.
Stay: Historic Quarter
Day 2 · Bus east to Montevideo
Colonia del Sacramento（Plaza Mayor 25 de Mayo、Museo Portugués） → Montevideo（Plaza Independencia、Palacio Salvo、La Rambla & Pocitos Beach）
Explore Colonia in the morning, then take a COT bus to Montevideo in the afternoon (approx. 2 hours 50 minutes). Explore Montevideo on foot or by taxi.
Stay: City Center
Day 3 · Old town, Port Market, and departure
Montevideo（Ciudad Vieja、Museo Andes 1972、Mercado del Puerto）
Walk from the city center to the old town (approx. 20 minutes). In the afternoon, take a taxi to Carrasco International Airport or walk to the port for your ferry.
The Museo Andes 1972 is closed on Sundays and open only until the afternoon on Saturdays.