Going from Buenos Aires Argentina to Montevideo Uruguay the easiest way is to take the ferry one hour from BA to the city of Colonia in Uruguay, then the bus that takes approx. three hours from Colonia to Montevideo. But… make sure you add a few hours to see the historic city of Colonia before you move on!
As you leave the ferry port, walk a few minutes towards the bus terminal, and store your luggage for a few hours. There are several options. Then get a map, and walk all the old streets, houses, have a drink, stress down, enjoy the sea and the fortress and the lighthouse and the slow pace that is the signature of Colonia. Check the UNESCO listing of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. This is in short what UNESCO is saying, and why it is considered part of the world heritage:
“Founded by the Portuguese in 1680 on the Río de la Plata, the city was of strategic importance in resisting the Spanish. After being disputed for a century, it was finally lost by its founders. The well-preserved urban landscape illustrates the successful fusion of the Portuguese, Spanish and post-colonial styles.”
Today you find small cafes, water holes, eating places under trees and under protection from the sun. This might have been a tourist trap, but some way they have avoided the numerous souvenir sellers. Colonia is basically an old fortress city, preserved with old streets and houses, having the sea as the backdrop, and you can walk in easily in a couple of hours. If you have more time than me, spend the day, and you will notice your heart beat will go down, as you stress down at the little cafes with a nice meal and a cerveza.
