Meet your guide at Plaza Mayor, where a white umbrella will make them easy to find. Born and raised in Colonia, your guide will introduce you not only to the city, but also to Uruguay’s history, traditions, lifestyle, and identity throughout the walk.
Begin from one of the highest points of the Historic Quarter, where the storey of Colonia starts with the arrival of the Portuguese and the long rivalry between Portugal and Spain that shaped the city for more than a century.
Continue to the historic City Gate and walk along the old defensive wall while discovering the strategic importance of the Río de la Plata. From there, explore Calle de los Suspiros and learn how Portuguese and Spanish influences can still be recognised through Colonia’s architecture.
Step inside a Portuguese house dating from around 1720, today home to a local wine and cheese restaurant, and use the setting to discover another part of Uruguayan culture and the country’s relationship with wine.
The walk continues to Colonia’s Lighthouse and the ruins of the former Convent of San Francisco, where you will hear one of the city’s best-known local legends: the Legend of the Nun.
Then comes the most relaxed and distinctive part of the experience. Head down to the shores of the Río de la Plata and slow things down for around 30 minutes. Share mate, try your hand at simple riverside fishing using a few shared rods, chat with your guide and fellow travellers, ask questions, and enjoy a more relaxed taste of local life.
This is not a fishing excursion, and catching a fish is never guaranteed. It is a shared moment by the river inspired by something locals genuinely enjoy doing: spending time on the coast, preparing mate, fishing, talking, and enjoying the peaceful rhythm of Colonia.
After the break, continue towards the Basilica del Santísimo Sacramento, where the tour comes to an end. The church provides the perfect setting to talk not only about its history, but also about religion and its place in modern Uruguayan society.
By the end of the tour, you will leave with more than photos and landmarks. Take with you recommendations for eating, drinking and exploring Colonia, along with curious facts about Uruguay and a deeper understanding of our culture, traditions and way of life. Hopefully, you will leave feeling a little less like a visitor and a little more like a Uruguayan.
