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Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay


The city of Colonia del Sacramento was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese. Today, it is proudly recognized as a World Heritage site, and one of the primary toursit destinations in Uruguay, as well as in Latin America.

Favored by its proximity to Buenos Aires, and its recent international acclaim, partially due to the press received following Unesco’s recognition as a World Heritage Site in 1995, Colonia del Sacramento is one of the Uruguayan cities which, over the last few years, has not only displayed impressive growth as a tourist destination, but its real estate market is also booming.

 

In the year 2010, Colonia de Sacramento began a new process of urbanization. The municipality agreed to modify the current building height restriction laws, stipulating however, that future constructions must respect the historical idiosyncrasies that made Colonia the city that it is today, and an international tourist destination.

 

Excellent facilities and tax breaks offered in the department of Colonia for the construction of hotels or development of tourist-oriented projects have, in part, been the driving force behind growth in Colonia, one of Uruguay’s most historic and emblematic cities. As a result, both the local real estate market and labor market have experienced significant growth.

 

 

The Barrio Histórico (historic district):

 

Colonia del Sacramento’s historic district is and, for many, will continue to be the foremost tourist attraction in the city. Unique in style, it is characterized by colonial architecture, where one old, low-lying homes abut one another, and beautiful Bougainvilleas crown their thick, antique walls. The very air you breath takes you back in time.

 

Barrio Historico (historic district) in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

 

Year after year, Colonia attracts thousands of tourists. Along with Montevideo and, of course, Punta del Este, Colonia has become on the major tourist destinations in Uruguay. Without a doubt, over the last couple of years, it has received the most international attention, and has become emblematic of Uruguay.

 

 

The Ocean Esplanade (Rambla Costanera):

 

Seven miles in length, Colonia del Sacramento’s esplanade extends from the center of the city, starting just above the bay to the northwest of the inlet, passing through Real de San Carlos, and coming to a end at the Golf Club and the Sheraton Hotel Colonia.

 

This inlet, which gains elevation towards its center, forming steep slopes along the river, provides majestic views of the River Plate, the islands and the sunset. Colonia’s precursors once stood upon those same banks, and looked out into the openness. Inevitably, the landscape has slowly changed over time.

 

Over the last couple of years, as a result of the Municipality’s authorization to build up to 4 stories tall, various construction projects have modified the bay’s landscape. Beautiful apartment-hotels has spouted up, both for sale and for rent, ideal for vacationing or as a residence.

 

These apartment-hotels are decked out with top-line equipment, and have a whole range of modern comforts: panoramic pools, providing excellent views of the bay, and from which you can enjoy the sunset, gyms, spas, among other things. They were designed so you can enjoy Colonia as you please. At the same time, with just a short walk, you can escape modernity and explore the well-maintained, older parts of the city.

 

 

Real de San Carlos


Some refer to Real de San Carlos as Real de Vera. Over 4 centuries ago, the Spanish conquistadores sought refuge behind the islands. Today, Real de San Carlos has one of the most attractive real estate markets in the city.


Property development along Colonia’s esplanade has lead to the appreciation of property in the surrounding area, resulting in the diversification of architecture, and the improvement of infrastructure and services. Real estate development was further boosted when the sanitation network was extended from the center of the city, at the Sheraton hotel, to Real San Carlos, spanning the whole length of the ocean esplanade.

 

Nowadays, any number of impressive real estate ventures has been launched throughout the city, particularly along the esplanade and its surrounding area.

 

 

Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento:

 

Many hotel chains can be found in Colonia. The Sheraton Hotel Colonia has operated in the city of some time now, as has the Radisson. Other lesson known hotels and hotel boutiques have also sprouted up over the nears. Colonia is also home to some local classics: Hotel Plaza MayorPosada Don Antonio, among others.

 

If staying at a hotel does not suit your fancy, there are other alternatives, one of them being, temporary rentals in Colonia. A whole host of homes, apartments, ranches and old farm homes, located right in the center of the Historic Quarter, are available. For many, this is the best option for experiencing day to day life in Colonia del Sacramento.

 

Of course, there are excellent options for those who want to stay in both rural and urban settings. There are also excellent opportunities for those who want to invest in Uruguay.

 

 

Casinos of Uruguay

 

For those who like to gamble and enjoy playing games in general there are several possibilities as the network of casinos in Uruguay extends to Colonia. If you are interested, you could check out the Radisson Colonia, the Mirador Hotel and the Centro Union Cosmopolitan.

 

The positive international press that Colonia has received over the last couple of years has generated more tourism, a growth in culinary arts and a market for safe hotel ventures. Excellent benefits, great facilities and tax breaks for hotel and tourist-oriented projects have driven investment, further increasing Colonia’s exposure.

 

In 2011, the New York Times rated Colonia as one of the 41 top destinations, and a global index placed Colonia at 32 for several weeks. Visitor opinion poles, however, placed it even higher.

 

 

Rural Destinations: Fields and Farms in Colonia:


One of the most important characteristics of Colonia del Sacramento, and a source of much enjoyment for many foreigners who decide to take up root in the city, is its proximity to the countryside, which is only a short 10 minutes drive from the city.

 

Lands and farms in Uruguay

 

Over the last couple of years, a process of semi-urbanization of the rural areas closest to the city has begun. Land is being fractioned off, and rural neighborhoods have sprouted up on the outskirts of the city. From the air, one can appreciate numerous farms in the vicinity of the bullring.

 

Just beyond the farm belt, fields extend out as far as the eye can see, with varied crops predominating the landscape. The market for the sale of farms is one of the primary spheres of interest for investors in Uruguay. The diversity of crops, land and field types underpins this interest.

 

 

Colonia and the future:

 

Colonia continues to develop as a tourist, real estate and commercial destination. Having maintained a steady rhythm over the last 6 years, future growth is projected. Dozens of real estate projects are on the horizon, not only in the department of Colonia, but also throughout Uruguay.

 

Regarding Colonia del Sacramento, property development continues along the Ocean Esplanade and in the surrounding area. It is expected that it will spread out into other parts of the city. At the same time, hotel chains and well-known companies continue to install themselves in Colonia.

 

Judging by Colonia’s recent growth, one can safely assume that even more property and commercial development to take place in the future.

 

 

Important Historic Facts:

 

1680. Colonia de Sacramento was founded by the Portuguese Colonial, Manuel de Lobo.
1995. UNESCO declared Colonia del Sacramento a World Heritage Site.
2010. UNESCO place the Tango and Candombe on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, in act attended by both the municipal mayor of Montevideo and officials from the Buenos Aires city government. Said proclamation stands as a testament to Colonial del Sacramento’s continued international exposure. 
  • 1680. Colonia de Sacramento was founded by the Portuguese Colonial, Manuel de Lobo.
  • 1995. UNESCO declared Colonia del Sacramento a World Heritage Site.
  • 2010. UNESCO place the Tango and Candombe on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, in act attended by both the municipal mayor of Montevideo and officials from the Buenos Aires city government. Said proclamation stands as a testament to Colonial del Sacramento’s continued international exposure. 


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