Colonia

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

A recent BBC story asks if Uruguay is Latin America's Best-kept Secret? The country's population is already largely European. According to BBC, many North Americans are joining them. Uruguay has a stable government, healthy economy, and good infrastructure. It is one of the few Latin American countries to escape effects of the economic crisis.

Dating from 1680, Colonia del Sacramento is the oldest settlement in Uruguay. We reach Colonia aboard Eladia Isabel. a very comfortable ferry from Buenos Aires. The ship contains cocktail lounges, a duty-free gift shop and live entertainment.

Colonia's historic quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ruins of the 17th century convent of San Francisco form the foundation of Colonia's lighthouse.

Stones of the Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs) date from the 17th century. Compared to chilly Buenos Aires, the climate here is quite mild. Uruguay is a very pretty country, just right for a visit.