Just wanted to write and say how much I loved our day trip to Colonia. I didn't expect much and it was one of the few trips that I wish I had more time. We took the 12 p.m. high speed Buquebus and returned at 7 p.m. With the time change (arriving at 2 p.m.) and having to get there an hour early for the return trip, I would highly recommend taking more time. We could have used another couple of hours. The Buquebus terminal was a very pretty terminal. It is worth lining up early (on both ends) so you can get a seat. On the way there- we ended up in the lower level where there are no windows. You do need your passport but we didn't have to pay any additional tax in Uruguay or Argentina as we expected.

You can get a map in the terminal on the Colonia side. When you exit the terminal- make a left and it will take you straight into town via the city gate. We had a stroller for my son but it wasn't terrible navigating through the streets. Everything was walkable- a golf cart isn't really needed unless you are going outside of town. We walked around the ruins near the gate and then decided to look for lunch. We first went to The Drugstore which looked cute, had a nice menu and music, but after 10 minutes and no one came to take our order and my son kept wandering off, we decided to try somewhere else. While walking around, I noticed a beautiful secluded garden restaurant with a small menu which we had initially considered. We went back to 1717 Fine Arts (I believe on Commercial Road)- what a gem. There was no one there (which is a plus for us when traveling w/2 little ones) so we decided to give it a try as the garden was basically all enclosed. The garden was beautifully kept and we had a nice table to lounge at. Jazz music was playing and there was great photography to look at inside. It was a welcome respite. We had the meat & cheese plate that was delicious and the woman working there was very sweet. My son enjoyed the cat roaming as well. I would highly recommend coming here at least for tea or a drink. We were sad when it was time to move on.

We didn't have too much time so we just walked around the town and climbed the lighthouse. I normally never think extra time is needed in a place- but I could have used a few more hours. I would have liked to see the beaches and would have even considered doing an overnight there for a quiet night.

If you are deciding between Tigre & Colonia- my vote would be here. A charming colonial town to stroll through, great restaurants, an all around lovely day.

Great, Julie!

When should we expect you back?

How about a full trip report? LOL! Just kidding.

Great report! Thanks!

We too enjoyed our day trip to Colonia four years ago, and wished we'd had an overnight to spend there. On our recent trip we spent some time in Montevideo, a very beautiful city. Would like to return and stay for a few days. I believe the Buquebus also goes to Montevideo, but don't think it possible for a day trip. However, you could use that mode of transporation and plan to spend a few days there.

I know Avrooster - I owe a trip report! I have been trying to get it together- hopefully this week. It is very sad to be home in cold NYC- wishing we were in BA. Hopefully, we'll be back one day soon.

Giovanna- Buquebus does go to Montevideo- I don't think a day trip would be plausible w/the travel time. We'll have to go next time.

We just got home from BsAs a couple days ago, and though NYC is probably colder than here in California, it's a hard transition to make it from summer to winter in just a couple of days. We're missing that wonderful city too!

Thanks Julieod. We have just returned on the overnight bus from an awesome few days in Mendoza and the Andes and were looking at the trips to Colonia and Montevideo so your trip report is timely. Details like your are so helpful.

NYC, California....I'm not looking froward to Ottawa Canada in February.....brrrrrrrrrr...

BTW, so nice to meet you at the GTG Giovanna

Hi Ms. Lizzy. Hope you and SO are having a wonderful time. Did you visit wineries in Mendoza? Would love to hear about your adventures if you have time to e-mail: [email protected]

Was a pleasure meeting you too. Sorry we didn't have more time to get acquainted.

Sorry I missed the GTG- sounds like you all had fun. Ms Lizzy I hope to get my trip report together soon- hopefully it will be helpful before you head back to Canada. You win for coldness!

hi there...what did you do about a taxi or other transportation when you returned? did you try the subway while you were there? we are going to visit Colonia while we are there next month. shooting for the earliest high speed ferry over. thanks for the info!!

i meant the subway in BA

Sure am excited to hear someone besides our 5-person band of "oldsters" enjoyed Colonia. There are so many people who seem to diss the place.
tptr

tptr- We thought Colonia was really cute. Tigre on the other hand I thought was completely overrated! I don't get the appearl.

Mwoodrowe- we were staying in Puerto Madero - so we walked home. I have heard the taxis are bad there- if you just cross over into Puerto Madero by the red brick buildings and walk a block- there's many taxis. I got them from around there many times and had no problem. As to the subway- we use the subway in NYC all the time and it is usually our main form of transportation when we travel. It wasn't convenient for us in BA- and it was really hot and crowded (even at 2 in the afternoon). Since taxis were so cheap we felt it was well worth the money!

thanks...i am in the city too. ditto on the subways since usually the taxis are expensive.