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Snapshots of Uruguay

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Recently I've been doing a lot of reminiscing about South America. Of the many places I'd love to revisit, I can't stop thinking about Uruguay. One of the most memorable places we visited on our trip was Colonia del Sacramento - a picture perfect Uruguayan town just across the river from Argentina.

We decided to take an impromptu day trip to Uruguay during one of our slower days in Buenos Aires, so we spontaneously hopped a ferry and traveled across the Río Plata to spend the day exploring picturesque Colonia. Everything about this well preserved colonial town emanates charm. The quaint cobblestone streets are scattered with candy colored houses, adorned with lush vines of ivy twisting up iron gates. The rustic paths are spotted with enamored tourists admiring vintage cars, colorful flowers and abandoned bicycles. An antiquated lighthouse keeps watch over the small town, brimming with history and charisma.


We wandered aimlessly through the town, indulged on savory ice cream, and followed our cameras through the labyrinth of colorful alleys. The atmosphere was relaxed and slow, an appreciated contrast from our fast-paced trek through Argentina and Peru. We leisurely soaked up the warm sun, strolled through the plazas, watched boats lazily pass by at the marina, and enjoyed every peaceful moment that Colonia offered us. 


Our relaxing day in Uruguay turned into a memorable highlight of our trip. While we didn't realize how badly we needed a day to slow down and simply wander, Colonia unexpectedly rejuvenated us. We left the town feeling reenergized and ready to return to the beautiful chaos of Buenos Aires.


Have you ever taken a day trip that completely surprised you?
Where is the most picturesque place you've visited?

26 comments on "Snapshots of Uruguay"
  1. Oh these photos are just stunning! All of those bright colors are making me crave summer time!!

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  2. Wow, these are gorgeous photos! This looks like a cute place to visit and I agree that you always need to have some time to slow down when you are travelling. I'm sad I missed this while I was travelling in South America! Happy Travel Tuesday!!

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  3. I love all the bright colours! And I love the picture of the old car with the plants and flowers especially! Looks like a relaxing way to spend the day :)

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  4. Thanks Marcella! It was definitely one of the most darling towns I've visited. Happy Travel Tuesday to you as well :)

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  5. It was definitely a much-needed day of wandering and relaxation. I want to visit again so badly!!

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  6. Thanks so much, Courtney! And hey, whatever I'm doing to you with Germany, you're doing exactly the same to me with South America!! These photos are amazing... It's calling my name so bad ;) I'm sad I didn't find your blog before I went to Madrid last year—would've had some great laughs!

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  7. You're so welcome! Who knows, maybe our paths will cross in South America one day! :)

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  8. You're a wonderful photographer! I love all those shots of buildings, I've never been to South America, but those pictures sort of remind me of Mexico. I love neighborhoods that embrace color!

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  9. What a cute little town! I think sometimes going somewhere completely different (or in a different country) rejuvenates your trip and you feel ready to go back to where you were before. South America is still just a big blank spot in my travels but through posts like yours I'm feeling more and more inspired to get over there. Also... savory ice cream?! Do tell :)

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  10. Thank you Andrea! I'm obsessed with colorful little towns too :) If only more places in the States embraced it!

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  11. Exactly! I really couldn't recommend South America enough - although it requires a lot more planning, flexibility and problems solving than traveling around Europe does. You would handle it like a pro though! There are so many hidden gems... including the insanely delicious ice cream in Argentina and Uruguay :) I'm not going to go as far as saying it's as good as Italian gelato, but it's definitely a close second.

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  12. KaleenasKaleidoscopeDecember 2, 2014 at 4:01 PM

    Yes, I LOVED Uruguay! We went there for a two day trip and wound up staying for two weeks! I actually wound up loving the smaller villages further up the coast. The farther north you go the more rural it becomes, it was one of my favorite places in South America. But did you find Uruguayan spanish hard to understand? To me their accent sounded more like they were speaking German! haha

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  13. It looks like "picturesque" is precisely the right word for this place. You got some great shots!

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  14. Uruguay looks beautiful!! I haven't researched too much on the country, but I would love to visit South America one day (hopefully soon!) Your photos are inspiring my wanderlust! Thanks for sharing, Courtney! :)

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  15. This photos are gorgeous & Uruguay looks stunning!

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  16. Colonia del Sacramento is such a charming little town, frozen in time and full of color and nostalgia. I got to visit Uruguay 2 years ago and I loved it. We are planning on visiting Colonia soon. If you make back, make sure to visit Piriapolis and Cabo Polonio!

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  17. Wow, beautiful! I love all of your shots of the old cars! South America has been next up on my list for a long time ... hoping I can find a way to get there in the near future!!
    I took a day trip in Germany to Lubeck and absolutely fell in love. Not only is it one of the most picturesque places I've visited but so quaint with a traditional German feel! Great post as always! :D

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  18. Fun!! I'd love to explore more of the country! One day wasn't enough :) But you're right, their Spanish was really difficult to understand. It was just as bad as the Argentinian accent!!

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  19. Thanks Gina! Uruguay is definitely worth a visit when you make it down to South America!!

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  20. Thanks! It was certainly one of the most adorable places I've ever visited!

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  21. Frozen in time is the perfect way to describe it! I will definitely keep your recommendations in mind for if/when I make it back to South America :) Which will hopefully be sooner rather than later...

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  22. Gracias chica! I'm sure you'll get to South America soon! (And take me with you when you go!)

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  23. Absolutely beautiful photos, Courtney! I just love the vibrant colours! South America has such a hold on my heart and I also dream of going back! I have never been to Uruguay though but now I really want to :)

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  24. Beautiful! My husband was born in Uruguay and I can't wait to see it through his eyes. Thank you for the preview. :-)

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  25. Wow what stunning photographs! I agree that sometimes you really need a change of pace or scene to appreciate where you are - this looks like the perfect reset :)

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