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Argentina/Uruguay
Colonia

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Uruguay, Colonia

Uruguay's Colonia, a popular day trip from Buenos Aires by fast ferry across the River Plate.

Click the image for photos of Argentina's Iguazu Falls and Patagonia.

Just an hour by Buquebus catamaran from Buenos Aires, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Colonia de Sacramento [Uruguay] is a delightful, calm and cobbled retreat from the chaos of BA. Walking is easy and there are various minor sights, good restaurants and a beach, but as a day trip this is a bit hurried. The fast catamaran inexplicably leaves BA in the late morning and returns late afternoon, so by the time the average visitor has had a relaxed lunch and a couple of hour's walk it's about time to return. Throw in the fact that pre-boarding requires an hour or so of poorly organised check-in and immigration, plus the ticket is hardly a bargain, Bugbog gives Colonia the thumbs down as a day trip.
However, for staying overnight in Colonia or in transit to Montevideo and beyond, this is way better and cheaper than getting a flight.
For fine beaches Uruguay's Punta del Este is sometimes known as the country's St Tropez, a holiday hub for splendid beaches and affluent glitterati - many skipping across from Argentina on short trips - to bronze in style.
Arguably the best beach in the area is Playa Montoya, with its white sand, moderate surf on the side and plenty to keep the eyeballs popping out on stalks.
When that loses it's power to stimulate take a walk along adjacent beaches - Playa de los Ingleses for more serious surf, Playa Mansa for more beautiful people and boardwalks, then on to bohemian Jose Ignacio beach town for a chill-down evening.
The ferries are comfortable but generally full, even during the week, so book beforehand. And don't expect the River Plate to be interesting or attractive...it's very big, very muddy and very dull.

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