Overview
Take a trip to Colonia on your Uruguay Vacation
Colonia, located in southwestern Uruguay, facing Buenos Aires, is the country’s oldest city. It serves as the capital of the Colonia Department and is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Listed historic quarter which should be visited on Uruguay vacations.
The city was originally established as Colônia de Sacramento by the Portuguese in 1680. Its strategic location in the Rio de la Plata region allowed the settlement to become a successful smuggling port resulting in control of Colonia being contested at various times between Spain and Portugal. The area was given the designation “Villa” (village) in 1809 before achieving the status of “Cuidad” (city). Between 1822-1828, Colonia was subject to Brazilian control before Uruguay gained independence. After independence, Colonia continued to expand in the north and the east but maintained its original historic centre, Barrio Histórico, as built by the Portuguese.
Today Colonia retains its status as a port city and is also a trading centre. The Barrio Histórico is popular amongst tourists on Uruguay vacations as the architecture found there are a unique blend of Portuguese, Spanish and postcolonial influences. The area has been very well preserved and the variety of buildings and styles is remarkable. UNESCO celebrated the rich historical heritage of Colonia’s central quarter, naming it a World Heritage Site in 1995.
At a Glance
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Highlights of Uruguay: Beach & Culture
Montevideo and ColoniaSavour Uruguay’s quiet charm on this private-guided journey, from vineyard-dotted countryside to the stylish shores of the Atlantic coast.
9 days
From US$3,958/p.p.
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Uruguay Escape: River Plate Triangle
Montevideo and ColoniaDiscover Uruguay’s rich heritage and coastal charm, from Colonia’s historic streets to Montevideo’s vibrant culture and waterfront views.
6 days
From US$1,492/p.p.
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perfect trip idea?
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Highlights of Uruguay: Beach & Culture
Montevideo and ColoniaSavour Uruguay’s quiet charm on this private-guided journey, from vineyard-dotted countryside to the stylish shores of the Atlantic coast.
9 days
From US$3,958/p.p.
Request a Quote
Uruguay Escape: River Plate Triangle
Montevideo and ColoniaDiscover Uruguay’s rich heritage and coastal charm, from Colonia’s historic streets to Montevideo’s vibrant culture and waterfront views.
6 days
From US$1,492/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
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Relax on the Colonia del Sacramento coast durin...
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As Uruguay's oldest city, Colonia provides many...
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ColoniaMostly Sunny
25°C / 77°F
11mm / 0.4"
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ExcellentBased on 5,245 ReviewsAthul Ajay was our travel agent and he was excellent from the beginning to the end of planning our trip. Great at communicating and replying back too. Sabrina GaffoglioIsabella Luu made the arrangements for our trip to Scotland and all aspects of the trip and stay were excellent. Our assistance at the airports were very good as all were alerted to our needs. Our ride services were excellent. Isabella was always available to answer any questions that we had in a knowledgable and prompt manner, which is always very important to me.Audrey HenryHad an excellent tour of Australia, thanks to our travel specialist Katie Stephenson. She was patient as we kept modifying our plans. Got support from Goway and Katie when there was a need to rebook a tour midway through, all handled easily by Goway.Ron PrestonWe went on a highly customized comprehensive (though quick tour) of England and a bit of Scotland through Goway. Ingrid Aird did an amazing job of planning and arranging every detail with her deep experience, insight, thoughtfulness and creativity, tuning into the needs of each traveler; and she did so even though our decision to travel was rather spontaneous and last minute! Our family had the best time! We look forward to working with Ingrid and Goway again!Vilja BreilingWe used Goway to put together an itinerary for East Africa , and Zanzibar . Everything was great and went smoothly DawnI can't tell you enough how much I love to work with Callie. She is a life saver and I love how attentive she is. Every time I give her an itinerary for a client- she really knocks it out of the park with the proposal. If there are any issues- she is on it right away. Her work ethic is outstanding.Michelle LabarcaI had the pleasure of working with Amelia on a booking for a family of 4 to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. She executed everything perfectly, was attentive to needs and the family was over the top happy with their vacation. She was quick to answer questions and provide helpful feedback. Highly recommended!Jessie WilliamsWe were trying to navigate Swiss Travel Center to book a 10 day train trip through Switzerland. It was exactly what we wanted but navigating their site was extremely difficult for us. Goway Travel picked up on our plight and put us in contact with Jacqueline Fagooli, one of their agents. From there on everything was so smooth. Their efficiency, communication, and thoroughness were beyond our expectations. The trip was fabulous and kudos to Jacqueline and Goway for their help in making it so.Carolyn McCormackThe destination specialist I've worked with (Kim Rawlings) has provided exceptional service. She is very knowledgeable of her region and everything they have to offer. She is very prompt in her communication and follow-up. She listens and is very attentive to my client's needs and wants. Kim's personality makes one feel like they've known each other for years.
If GoWay had a customer service model, Kim is it.T. Jackson, Tribe Trek TravelWe had a wonderful and amazing two weeks in North-West Scotland. Shoutout to Jacqueline at Goway Toronto and the driver/guides with Rabbie's minibus tours (Stefan and Willie). Well-chosen hotels and no worries with dietary requirements; every detail was taken care of. Thank you!
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