Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and a chimney from that period still
stands. Today it operates as a cultural
centre, with a theatre, gallery and a small
museum dedicated to its history.
Ì TREAT YOURSELF
If you are tired of tackling Colonia's
cobbles on foot, several companies offer
motor-scooters (UR$160/hr), two-person
buggies or even four-person golf carts
(both UR$300/hr) to rampage around the
streets. Motorent (Manuel Lobo 505 &
Virrey Cevallos 223, T 45229665,
W motorent.com.uy) have the best prices.
Relevant driving licence needed.
Real de San Carlos
Outside of Colonia's touristic centre,
the only attraction in town is the Real de
San Carlos. Originally the brainchild of
millionaire Nicolas Mihanovic, who
conceived the idea of an exclusive tourist
complex for rich Argentines, it now lies
largely deserted. Between 1903 and 1912,
he constructed a magnificent bullring,
which was used only eight times in
two years, a frontón (Basque pelota)
court which now lies decaying, and
a racecourse, which is the only part of
the resort still operational.
Regular horse races take place, and the
horses can frequently be seen exercising
along the nearby beach. If you fancy
a ride yourself, the Hostel Colonial
organizes horseriding trips for up to four
hours (UR$1000) to forests and wineries
outside town. To get there either walk
the 5km north along the rambla , or catch
a bus (10min) from the bottom end of
Avenida General Flores.
10
11.15am-4.30pm, each closed one day
a week on different days; joint ticket
UR$50; W museoscolonia.blogspot.com).
he Museo Municipal (closed Thurs) on
the west side of Plaza Mayor, is the only
place you can buy the joint ticket. It
houses town treasures and a small natural
history museum and is worth a peek
around. A few of the other museums
deserve a look if you have time, especially
the restored Casa Nacarello (closed Tues),
next to the Museo Municipal, whose tiny
rooms, with period furnishings, give you
a taste of colonial life. The Museo del
Período Histórico Portugés (between
De Solís and De los Suspiros on the
Plaza; closed Fri) is also worth a visit;
you'll find some fine azulejos here, and
the internal walls are constructed in
rectangular and diagonal brick patterns,
dating back to around 1720.
The similarly named Museo del Período
Histórico Español (De España, at De San
José; closed Wed), at the north end of the
Barrio Histórico, also exhibits colonial
items, but, most interestingly, has seven
evocative oil paintings by Uruguay's most
famous contemporary painter, Carlos
Páez Vilaro, creator of Casapueblo (see
p.850), depicting important moments in
Colonia's history.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
By bus and ferry The terminal and port are located next
to each other three blocks to the south of Av General Flores
(the main street). The town centre is a 10min walk to the
west along Manuel Lobo.
Destinations by bus Carmelo (every 2hr Mon-Sat, 3 daily
Sun; 45min-1hr 30min); Montevideo (every 1-2hr; 2hr
45min).
INFORMATION
Tourist information Colonia has no shortage of tourist
information centres. Head to BIT first (see p.843), then to
the branch in the historical centre on Manuel Lobo by the
Portón de Campo, run by the Intendencia (daily 9am-6pm;
T 45228506, W coloniaturismo.com), if you still need
information. There are smaller o ces in both the bus and
ferry terminals.
Tour operators Local operator Minitur (van often parked
outside tourist information o ce on Lobo; T 093724893,
W coloniaescondida.com) can take you on city tours, as
well as to vineyards and to Parque Anchorena - the historic
country home of the president which has its own nature
reserve - for around US$25/person. City walks with
professional guides start at the tourist information o ce on
Bastión del Carmen
Wandering along the piers on the
northern edge of the Barrio Histórico,
you'll notice the striking red-brick
Bastión del Carmen (Rivadavia 223; daily
10am-8pm; free; T 45227201), with
walls dating from the time of Governor
Vasconcellos (1722-49). Once a fortress,
it was converted into a factory producing
soap and gelatine products in the 1880s,
 
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