After reading the trip report recommended by AV Rooster,I am wondering how how many days ahead one needs to book the Colonia ferry to be quaranteed a ticket. We don't want to be disappointed but also don't like to be too scheduled.We have five full days in BA.

I was able to book with one days notice but I guess it depends on the day. Probably if you get here and check the weather reports you could get tickets for a good day. You can do it on line at Buquebus.com Check it out and you can see there are multiple times to choose.

I would think it possible to book your Buquebus tickets the day before the trip, save for weekends. In the event you want to go to Colonia on the wknd, perhaps 2-3 days out.

All that being said, I realize it is late summer in BsAs, so that might make a difference. (we made the trip in October)

We booked our tickets in person at the Buquebus office in Microcentro (Av Cordoba rings a bell) They have two other offices as well. Try the one in Recoleta, then traipse to El Sanjuanino for empenadas. Or better yet, have lunch at the Alvear, if you have access to a "sugar daddy"

At any rate, have a nice trip. Hope you like Colonia. All of us Old F's loved the place.
tptr

I would go to the Buquebus office on Posadas in Recoleta and buy your tickets in advance. I waited too long and the boats were sold out.

Thanks for all of your advice. We'll be there in March and are planning a day in Colonia.

If at all possible try to schedule your visit for mid week. We were in Colonia for 6 days in November and it was very peaceful during the week. At weekends it is a completely differnt place when Portenos come across the river to spend the weekend.

Folks,

Please help me (us) on this.

Everything I read says that going to Uruguay, even for a day trip, will cost US$ 131 pp for a visa fee.

Although I've looked at Colonia as a great day trip from BsAs, the cost of the visa alone outweighs the day trip experience.

Please advise if someone has empirical evidence to the contrary.

I presume that the $131 you refer to applies to US nationals as we (UK nationals) were charged nothing upon entering Uruguay. Seems a lot ot countries are now deciding to charge US citizens visa fees in reciprocation for the US charging foreign nationals (I believe Argentina have or are about to introduce a fee). Perhaps you guys should start canvassing your state department to reduce or remove US fees?

I'll try to find some "empirical evidence".

crellston,

My apologies for being U.S.-centric.

We have built up such a huge bureaucratic empire in the States, that it would take a revolution just to get the State Department to even acknowledge that we are charging fees.

It's a modern day version of Gilbert & Sullivan..."he polished up the handle so carefully, now he is the ruler of the Queen's Navy"

How could we possibly take a job away from a person who polishes the handle so carefully, to do the right thing?

Avrooster has said that the will find the Empire-ical evidence.

Unfortunately, it starts with American bureaucracy; with other countries just trying their version of keeping the playing field level, or at least as level as they decide it should be.

I said I would TRY.

Avrooster,

I would never pick on you.

It's just my comments on the immovable object in its purest form; government bureaucracy.

This is the first time I have heard of a charge (for US citizens) to enter Uruguay. We might not go there if this the case.

Av et al,

I must retract my previous statement of a visa requirement or entrance fee.

After an hour's additional searching, I cannot find a definitive answer whether or not that there is a reciprocity fee to enter Uruguay.

Attached is a link which has entrance requirements for most ever country from the U.S.

http://www.us.cibt.com/visa_quickcheck.aspx

However, this link does not show, for example, the reciprocity fee to enter Chile. Go figure.

I think this guy Rasta is doing SOOO much research that he confuses himself.

Just kidding. LOL!!!

I have asked a well-informed source to post an answer to the question of a reciprocity fee, when you are returning to Argentina from Uruguay, after doing just a day trip to Colonia.

My hunch is that there is no such fee, but this guy Rasta asked for "empirical evidence". LOL!!!

Avrooster,

There are two types of research for me, the research I do before a trip, and the research I do during a trip.

How can I eat with a Fervor (Fervour?) unless I talk to and listen to various people, even insolent Portenos? (heh heh heh).

I don't remember asking for empirical evidence, some Porteno "volunteered" to provide the empirical evidence about reciprocity fees.

BTW - have you heard any more about the potential Argentina reciprocity fee?

Here is a link for the trip.

http://www.allaboutar.com/ard_colo.htm

I found this using some of my SOOO much research!

Rastaguytoday:

About your "I don't remember asking for empirical evidence", the answer is:

You asked for it in this same thread. Date: 02/14/2009, 06:54 pm

I'm good at this kind of research. LOL!!!

Said today by drdawggy, the world-famous TOP Internet authority on travel to Argentina in the TA forum:

"According to published reports (always subject to change)...you will pay an entry fee to Argentina that is good for the life of your passport. You should be able to cross over in Brazil (Do you have a Brazilian Visa?) and back into Argentina without paying an entry fee a second time."

Obviously this would also apply to a visit to Colonia.

Av,

I think I'm going through male mental pause!