Colonia is one of Uruguay’s key regions, as an outcome of its history, its people and its production.
Colonia’s history is not just the capital’s Historic District. It is rather a process and developement of production and population that has marked every step of Uruguayan history.
Colonia is home of a great deal of European settlements which reflect the present composition of the Uruguayan population. We find Swiss, English, Piedmontese, Basque, Waldensian, German, Austrian…and of course, the foundational Spanish and Portuguese.
Each one has left its identity hallmark on this region’s rich soils production, making Colonia the Dairy Country it has been for decades, with the Colonia Cheese (Designation of Origin), the Dulce de Leche and the whole diversity of the dairy production. To visit the dairy counties and original settlements is a journey into the past, with the added value of actually savoring this history by way of tasting the exceptional products. All the while, the vineyards and cellars in Carmelo and Cerros de San Juan compete for visiting preference, starring the Tannat wines, the grape variety that puts Uruguay at the top on the Wine Fairs worldwide.
Official site: colonia.gub.uy/turismo

The jewel of the crown is undoubtedly Colonia del Sacramento’s Historic District, declared by UNESCO as World Heritage Site.

The Historic District and the Plaza de Toros (Bullring) will be all dolled up for the occasion, historic characters, street musicians… all the charm of the common history with multiple origins shared on every corner, every café, beer house and restaurant, one big party through all the authentic vintage houses and cobblestone streets, zealously kept to preserve the past time’s beauty that can only be relived by direct experience, stepping on its centuries-old stones and breathing its air of legend.

Colonia’s Yacht Marina is the best place to book fishing or sightseeing tours, or yacht/sailing rentals. The fishing fans should not miss the chance to catch sábalos, dorados and bogas on some of Uruguay’s most popular fishing spots.

The museum system is present all over the Historic District.

www.museoscolonia.com.uy

A must: the Plaza de Toros, only authentic and original bullring still standing on the region, a witness and quite visible evidence of the epic Spanish-Portuguese rivalry towards this strategic port.
Centro BIT: all the touristic info just a few steps from the Expo Bike! The Centro BIT is the utmost, up-to-date and specialized spot to get touristic guidance, both of the town and the county of Colonia, and it’s located right in front of the Expo Bike location, on the Port of Colonia.

Land of settlers with vast culinary traditions, their descendants have treasured and adapted into local and unique versions the very best of the ancient recipes from the homelands. Fertile country for natural cattle breeding, to produce the world’s top quality beef.
The cheese fondue from Nueva Helvecia competes with a traditional “asado con cuero” (barbecue beef grilled with the leather) at noon, with the wide range of gourmet pairing with local vineyards and craft beers.
Colonia del Sacramento of course leads the way on sophistication when it comes to gourmet dining, with special attention to parrilla (grilled meats) and river fish dishes, craft beer houses, local delicacies and the classic late afternoon break café.

Just one hour away by ferry, this great World Capital offers, by contrast, all the cultural sophistication and urban charm at first-world level. This closeness has undoubtedly influenced the development and particular refinement of Colonia del Sacramento’s hotel & restaurant industry and overall well-being atmosphere. And for the Colonia visitor, Buenos Aires is too close to resist the temptation of crossing over and diving into the mythical River Plate cultural universe in the most pure, unadulterated form. It’s a sure shot!