Top 9 Things To Do In Colonia Department, Uruguay

1. Marvel over Granja Arenas' expansive collection of pencils

If you love all things quirky, head to Granja Arenas. This farm is known for its museum of various items. Emilio Arenas, the owner, is the current Guinness record holder for having the most bountiful pencil collection. Kids will be in awe while wandering through the colorful key rings of all shapes and sizes adorning the walls.

Don’t miss out on its signature collection of pencils displayed on shelves. At first glance, they look like artistic book spines. This place swears to delight collectors of all kinds. After touring the museum, you may also want to sample local delicacies from the farm’s artisanal offerings, such as preserves, chocolates, fruit pulps, and more.

Granja Arenas

Address: Ruta 1, Kmto. 167, 70000 Departamento de Colonia, Uruguay

Website: Granja Arenas

Opening hours: 9:30am - 6pm (daily)

2. Take a guided tour of Parque Nacional Anchorena

Parque Nacional Anchorena is best for tourists looking for a nature experience. You can also bring the kids because the flora and fauna here will surely cater to their curiosity. This 1,369-hectare (3,383-acre) property offers a guided tour via the park’s vehicles. The rich flora of evergreen plants, cypress trees, and Japanese maples, as well as the fauna of the park, are a refreshing experience. Majestic axis deers, which are considered the most beautiful deer in the world, roam freely here.

Within the park, a high tower in memory of navigator Sebastian Gaboto offers panoramic views of the lush area. At the base of the tower lies the tomb of Aarón de Anchorena, a pioneer aviator. From a distance, you can witness the Tudor and Norman facades of the Presidential Rest Residence. This is where the country’s officials hold meetings.

Parque Nacional Anchorena

Address: P2CJ+V9P, 70000 San Pedro, Departamento de Colonia, Uruguay

Website: Parque Nacional Anchorena

Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed Mon - Wed)

3. Visit Museo Cars for a drive to the past

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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At Museo Cars, vehicles are stationary. But this 2,000-sq-m (21,528-sq.-ft.) art space promises a trip to the past. Numerous cuckoo clocks hanging from the walls, ancient weapons, and bicycles reinforce the old vibe of the entire room. In today’s contemporary world, this vintage atmosphere is a nostalgic sight.

Car enthusiasts and collectors will be astounded by the assembly of classic vehicles. This museum is also ideal for people who love sentimentality. Head over to the pharmacy, barbershop, and service station sections to experience time-worn versions of these spaces.

Museo Cars

Address: Ruta21 km 194,500, 70000, San Pedro, Departamento de Colonia, Uruguay

Website: Museo Cars

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 2pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 6pm

4. Spend dusk at Colonia Del Sacramento Rambla

Colonia Del Sacramento Rambla is a waterfront promenade that offers stunning views. You can walk around the area when the sun is still out, but it is also a great spot for sunset viewing. Afterward, you can spend the night over a picnic while watching the lights outlining the horizon glisten across from Buenos Aires.

This site also an ideal place for couples, as the lights at night provide a romantic ambiance. Families and groups are also welcome to hang out here.

Colonia Del Sacramento Rambla

Address: G5Q4+6PP, 70000 Col Del Sacramento, Departamento de Colonia, Uruguay

Website: Colonia Del Sacramento Rambla

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Climb up Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse and get a 360-degree view of the historic city

Since the 1800s, this lighthouse has been guiding boats navigating Rio de la Plata. From here, you can see Colonia’s beautiful beaches. You might get goosebumps looking at the river that has witnessed countless shipwrecks and battles between Spain and Portugal.

While the view from above is a highlight, you also have the chance to see up close the ruins of the Convent of San Francisco Javier. The ruins, once part of the convent’s tower, were used to construct the lighthouse. Visitors can still see the remaining convent walls.

Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse

Address: De San Francisco, 70000 Col Del Sacramento, Departamento de Colonia, Uruguay

Website: Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse

Opening hours: 10am - 12:30pm, 2:30pm - 6:30pm (daily)

6. Engage with the art spaces offered in Centro Cultural Bastión del Carmen

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This space has had different functions throughout history. Originally used as an artillery platform, it turned into a soap and glue factory. It was also used as barracks until the Ministry of Education and Culture bought it and transformed it into a cultural center.

Today, Centro Cultural Bastión del Carmen offers various art exhibitions, photo exhibits, and live music. Theater shows also occur here. Nothing can be more exciting than being acquainted with Colonia’s history through the arts. Artists, historians, and the general public will enjoy this place.

Centro Cultural Bastión del Carmen

Address: Rivadavia 223, 70000 Col Del Sacramento, Departamento de Colonia, Uruguay

Website: Centro Cultural Bastión del Carmen

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 1pm - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 2pm - 6pm

7. Learn more about Uruguay's history by touring Espacio Portugués, Museo de Colonia

This small 18th-century museum, with its signature adobe and stone wall, is home to Portuguese artifacts. Apart from its facade, its original floors are still intact. If you are the type of person who loves history and ancient architecture, Espacio Portugués, Museo de Colonia, would suit you. It offers insight into Portuguese heritage, and you can take a closer look at colonial furniture, uniforms, naval documents, and weapons.

You have to see the original stone shield of Portón de Campo, an 18th-century city gate and drawbridge built by the Portuguese. This stone shield forms part of the walls preventing the capital city of Colonia from intruders.

Espacio Portugués, Museo de Colonia

Address: Enriquez de la Peña 180, entre calle De Solís (frente a la Plaza Mayor, 25 de mayo)entre, Calle de los Suspiros, 70000 Col Del Sacramento, Uruguay

Website: Espacio Portugués, Museo de Colonia

Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 11:15am - 2pm, 2:30pm - 4:15pm (closed Mon - Thu)

8. See the collection of tiles and ceramics at Museo del Azulejo

Azulejo translates to tile. Inside this 18th-century stone house, three small rooms hold significant artifacts. This museum of tiles and ceramics of French and Catalan origins contains remnants used in the construction of Rio de la Plata. The blue-and-white tiles have distinct and intricate patterns, which are eye-catching. Looking at them is an experience in itself because the patterns of various shapes and lines seem to tell a story.

There are also colorful bricks on display behind glasses. Artists and art enthusiasts can get inspiration from the various tilework here. If you are looking for a new experience, this museum might just convince you to get a new hobby.

Museo Del Azulejo

Address: Misiones de los Tapes 104, 70000 Col Del Sacramento, Departamento de Colonia, Uruguay

Website: Museo Del Azulejo

Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 11:30am - 2pm, 2:30pm - 4:15pm (closed Mon - Thu)

9. Dine at Charco Bistro

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Charco Bistro, Charco Hotel’s restaurant, is well loved for its calming ambiance overlooking Rio de la Plata. This place serves local cuisine made from fresh ingredients. The interiors, consisting of white and earthy colors, also add comfort to the dining experience. You have the option to sit inside or outside. Inside, free WiFi is available. You can also watch the sunset as you dine.

Try out their version of Uruguay’s national dish, chivito — a sandwich stuffed with tender beef steak, tomatoes, mozzarella, mayonnaise, and potato — and Tannat, their local wine.

Charco Bistro

Address: San Pedro 116, Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

Website: Charco Bistro

Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)

In Colonia, the past goes hand in hand with everything

The department of Colonia guarantees that you won’t go home with just experiences and trinkets. History goes hand in hand with everything in this destination. This knowledge of the past might just be the best souvenir.