On my second day in Buenos Aires in April, I'd like to do a day tour to Colonia. As a single traveler this time, I ask if I should join a tour to do this, or would it suffice if I went on my own? I know it would be cheaper without my going on a tour, but since this is my first visit to this country and historical town, I desire much more guidance, structure, and organization; i do not feel like trying to follow maps and doing it completely on my own.

I think it might make for a more interesting time, too, if I am amongst others! (If I do a day tour-- what company would you suggest that I use to make all of the arrangements and to book the trip?)

www.bsas4u.com/trip-colonia-uruguay-p-211.html

Nice trip to do with a group on the fast boats

at a good price...

I thank you qwovadis! Any more suggestions re: tour under $100.00 per person?

The historical centre is a fairly small area. There is a tourist information counter at the terminal and they give out maps indicating where the historical sites and museums are. Aside from the museums there are lots of touristy shops and cafes, it's very easy to navigate.

Our experience last month was that when we looked at the prices of Buquebus on line they were more expensive than if we went through a tour agent. We opted for the slow ferry and took the tour that included the lunch. We are usually independent travelers but were glad we took the tour because it took us throughout the whole area which you couldn't easily do on foot. The tour guide then walked us through the oldest part of the town and if you just stayed on the main streets you have missed the most interesting part of the charming town. I think when I read a few of the posts that people have missed this. Also the guide having grown up there,was great in sharing the history of the Portuguese and Spanish settlers. If you are interested I will try to dig up the name of the tour agent.

I agree with msLizzy. We took the fast ferry and wandered around on our own, but I think it would have been great to have been on a tour and heard so much more of the history. If I were to do it again, I'd take the tour.

Yes it's easy to do on your own, but I think you'll miss alot, as MsLizzy says.

MsLizzy, How much was your tour of Colonia, and how long was it?

MsLizzy, I would most appreciate your giving us the name of the agent. One tour that I can take calls for a sum of $98.00; I think that is rather steep. I'll await your or someone else's word regarding a tour that is less in price but great in quality. Thanks!

Sorry I have taken so long to reply. I finally found my receipt which says the for the Buquebus agent was Enalar Travel on Ayacucho near Las Hera in Recoleta. It is not mentioned on line as A Buquebus office. We had walked by and saw the poster in the agents storefront. I believe there is a similar poster at the train station's Buquebus location. The amount was $133AR for the Buquebus and it was another $99AR for the tour. Both of these together are still a good price as it included the lunch in Colonia. I had the spinach ravioli and it was fantastic.

Here is the link I found online just now for the tours and prices. Scroll down to the last of the Colonia tours.

http://www.buquebus.com/BQBWeb/servl...es?parBase=ENG

It's so wonderful not to come to this site daily. I've been away for almost three days and come here today to find the answer to my query. Thank you very much, MsLizzy. Now I have to make a decision as to which one to do, but this helps greatly.

I definitely plan to go to Colonia on my second day in BsAs.

Colonia is a beautiful town, especially the very oldest part when you come to understand the history of the Spanish and Portuguese architecture. A tour helps you understand this which I would not have known otherwise.

I don't know how long you plan to be in B A alone but we met fellow travelers by taking tango lessons and through GTGs I organized for dates while we were there. One was in B A and one a great day into the Andes from Mendoza. These were a lot of fun and a great way to feel connected and meet new friends while away from home. I will do this again wherever I travel from now on if I can.

Enjoy your time there.