travelonmymind_girl

Really want to do a day trip to Colonia from BA.

Suggetions on visa requirments etc. Can we get it at the terminal.?

Help...

teadrinker51

Can't comment on the visa requiements as you do not say what passport you hold.

Take a look at Busequebus for schedules.

Was underwhelmed by Colonia, if you don't take a day trip IMO you are not missing anything.

travelonmymind_girl

We are Indian Passport holders with permanent residency in the US.

Underwhelmed han? so you are saying if we dont get the visa or whatever we should not be disappointed.

tptr

Sorry, can't agree with teadrinker. We really like Colonia, and feel it's well worth a day trip. The atmosphere is laid back.

colibri

We really enjoyed Colonia - it's quite a contrast from the traffic and millions of people in Buenos Aires. It's the only town originally settled by the Portuguese along the river and over the centuries went back/forth between Portugal and Spain. There are some lovely old buildings, good restaurants and cafes - I think it's worth the trip. The ferry gives you a nice hour to snooze, too!

travelonmymind_girl

Thank you.I do really want to go. Should we reserve out tickets and show up to see if we will get the visa? Or do we have to buy the tickets before we get there?

Any idea about Visa issues...We are Indian Passport holders with permanent residency in the US.

Susan7

They process the visa at the Port, it's not a big deal. Takes 5 minutes either end.

Take mosquito repellant that was my strongest memory of visiting Colonia, lots of mosquitoes. It's pleasant, but there's not a lot to see: a few low grade museums but nice colonial architecture.

Also make sure you have cash, change currency at BA at the dock, they didn't seem to take credit cards in many places and we didn't find an ATM, although they take Argentinian Pesos and American dollars in most of the restaurants.

I would recommend Montevideo, if you want to go to Uruguay, there's a lot more to see and do.

Elizabeth_S

We spent a day there in February and enjoyed it - had a lot of fun driving around in a golf cart.....recommend that. We drove out to Playa Ferrando which is a beach to the east of the old town.....nice beach and a fun bar/restaurant there (Beach Lounge I think),

teadrinker51

If you do not have time to get currency in Buenos Aires at the port, there is a money changer at the port in Colonia, so you can always get currency from there. Like a pervious poster said you really should have cash on hand as credit cards aren't widely accepted.

As to whether you should buy your tickets in advance, that really depends. We were in Buenos Aires over a long weekend and it was not possible to buy tickets for our prefered date. We did get tickets for the last day we were in Buenos Aires.

It sounds like your heart is set on going to Colonia, if that is the case why not process your visas at home before you leave.

crellston

We were in Colonia for 4 or 5 days and had no problems finding ATMs. We loved Colonia, it is very quaint and picturesque with some great places to eat. I second Elizabeths suggestion of hiring a golf buggy! we did this and got out to some of the beaches which made for a nice diversion. go in the late afternoon to watch the guys playing soccer. there is some amazing talent out there. I suppose everyone's tastes are different which is why teadrinker was not so impressed. The main question for me would be "Do you have the time for a side trip from BA is" there is a huge amount to see in that city which needs, IMHO, a min of 5 days.

There are a few photos of Colonia on our blog:
http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blo...7680/tpod.html

I can't help with the visa question except to say that as a British citizen, the entry and exit process was the quickest I have experienced anywhere in the world. On one desk there is the Uruguay chap who stamps us out of his country and immediately slings our passports along to his Argentine counterpart at the next desk who stamps us in. I imagine the same process applies in the opposite direction

colibri

USD was accepted everywhere in Colonia in mid-October. We did not change any money. Don't use Arg. pesos there - terrible rates.

travelonmymind_girl

Thank you everyone.

We cant get a visa here as the embassy says it will 15-20 business days and no expediting.

We get to Buesnos Aires next week. we have 9 days total of which im thinking 2.5 days Iguazu. 1 day colonia and i day Tigre.

Speaking of Tigre Delta Unplugges or Safari Delta?
.

morewierd

I did both.......in 2010.

Delta Unplugged is the way to go. You will have an incredible day with Ana and Ralph.

MarnieWDC

I second moreweird's recommendation. Happy sails !

MarnieWDC

And, as to Colonia - I strongly suggest that you wait until you are in BsAs so that you can get a weather forecast for the days ahead; and then make your plans accordingly. You would not want to be on the BueQueBus, or walking (or buggying) around in the rain.

You do seem, as Crellston implied, to have a very full itinerary - perhaps you would want to spend more time in BsAs itself ?

Graziella5b

Uruguayan Consulates have good web sites, probably you can find there or email them regarding if you need or not a visa for Uruguay. It is easy to get tickets in Buquebus on the last minute and weather is a factor to take into account.

CalypsoGirl

I might suggest going online or calling the office of SeaCat Colonia for tickets to Colonia at a fraction of the cost of Buquebus...after you have determined a good weather window. Everyone sails on the same boat, anyway. I enjoyed a tour (# 9 persons in her minivan) given by Beatrix Rivas, a knowlegeable/energetic/proud local who is multi-lengual (no Hindi, though). It will be a day well spent.
I flew to Iguazu` on a Monday morning and returned Wednesday afternoon. Spent Monday afternoon going to the Brasilian Falls and Bird Park. Had I to do it over again, I would have used my time/money differently. Live and learn. Had a good meal at "Color" restaurant near the bus terminal. Live music (3 piece band), too. The Argentinian side of the Falls is magnificent!
Check the full moon schedule against your travel timeline to the Falls. You may want to consider doing a Full Moon Walk. Unfortunately, ours was cancelled due to weather conditions. Got somewhat fouled up due to a late cancellation notification and we took an unnecessary bus ride out to the Falls ($50 ARS)on Rio Uruguay Bus Line. There is a lot of information on the National Park website.
The people of Argentina are kind, generous and friendly. I look forward to returning.

avrooster

In case anyone is curious about the outcome of this thread: http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...r-453114-2.cfm I was unfortunately UNABLE to meet CalypsoGirl. LOL!!!

However, she seems to have had a great time in our country and I look forward to her full TR.

Obviously, I'm particularly pleased with her "The people of Argentina are kind, generous and friendly."