South America
Uruguay
Colonia Department
Colonia del Sacramento
Things to Do in Colonia del Sacramento
Faro de Colonia del Sacramento
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Faro de Colonia del Sacramento

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Faro de Colonia del Sacramento
4.5
4,952 reviews
#8 of 59 things to do in Colonia del Sacramento
Lighthouses
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10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
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About
Ascend to the top of this still-operating 1857 lighthouse for a lovely view of the city.
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
134 within 3 miles
DOS 22 Restaurante
1,612
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
SIO Sushi & Cocina
100
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Peruvian • Sushi
NAPO
1,041
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Pizza • Fast Food • Neapolitan
Colonia Sandwich Coffee Shop
326
0.2 mi$ • Fast Food • International • Vegetarian Friendly
Lentas Maravillas
678
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • International • Contemporary
Casa Viera
107
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Healthy • Vegetarian Friendly
Charco Bistro
2,885
210 ft$$$$ • Steakhouse • Latin • Wine Bar
La Choperia Colonia
553
478 ft$$ - $$$ • Brew Pub • Bar • Fast Food
Queriendote casa de Te y Bistro
520
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe • Deli
La Florida
449
0.3 mi$$$$ • Fusion
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Attractions
50 within 6 miles
Museo Naval
23
98 ftHistory Museums
Museo Casa de Nacarello
169
138 ftSpeciality Museums
Convento de San Francisco
204
187 ftAncient Ruins
Barrio Historico
8,617
337 ftNeighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas
Galeria de los Suspiros
533
360 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
La Calle de los Suspiros
4,095
424 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Paseo de San Gabriel
334
459 ftPiers & Boardwalks
Puerta de la Ciudadela
2,403
0.1 miBridges
Plaza Mayor
442
336 ftNeighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas
Museo Portugués de Colonia del Sacramento
468
402 ftHistory Museums
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,952 reviews
Excellent
2,095
Very good
2,143
Average
663
Poor
39
Terrible
13
GoGo2SlowGo
Denton, TX1,535 contributions
Great view in the historic district of Colonia del Sacramento
Jan 2020
Since Argentina is close to Uruguay, the lighthouse is in a strategic location in the Rio de la Plata. Uruguay was occupied by so many countries before becoming independent. Both the Portuguese and Spanish regularly took the short ship ride to Uruguay. After paying $1 USD admission, we climbed 111 steps up a winding, narrow staircase to the very top, and get to soak in the city’s best views. On the way to the top is a larger circle around the lighthouse and we could take better pictures from the intermediate level.
At the top, it is quite crowded and to get to the top you need to take a very small ladder. We saw people with backpacks that had to spend a bit of time navigating the tiny entry area. It was quite windy at the top and very little space to take pictures.
It's a very popular place to visit.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
midwaytoheaven
Midway, UT3,013 contributions
Beautifully Restored Lighthouse. RECOMMENDED SEEING
Feb 2020
You can't miss visiting this historic lighthouse when visiting Colonia del Sacramento. It is located closer to the ocean part of the fort complex. Yes, you can hike up to the top of the lighthouse and take in the views from a mid-platform and then at the very top.

BOTTOM LINE: If you are up to the challenge, in good shape and don't mind tight walkways, then you'll get rewarded with some great views around the del Sacramento historical sight. The price is cheap at just $30 Uruguayan Pesos or about $1 USD! What a deal! The former barracks at the base are just un-restored ruins today but worth a quick look. Loved seeing this historic lighthouse. Well worth seeing. MY RATING: 10/10
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WImom
Fond du Lac, WI2,339 contributions
Nice view from top
Jan 2020
In my opinion, this is probably the best attraction in Colonia besides the ambiance of the historical area. It is open from 10-6:30, but closes for lunch from 1-2:30. Cost was 40 Uruguayan pesos but they do take Argentina pesos. They only let a limited amount of people go in the lighthouse at a time and the line seems to run slow. It is about 100 steps in a winding staircase with a tier midway and a lookout point at the top. Nice views at the top. Had read that you may be able to see Buenos Aries from the top on a clear day. Even though it was clear, we were unable to see BA.
Written April 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jonahNJ
Pennington, NJ11,435 contributions
Colonia del Sacramento’s iconic lighthouse
Feb 2020
During our journey around Colonia del Sacramento, my wife and I were impressed by the iconic lighthouse which can be seen from many points throughout the Barrio Historico. This 19th century edifice is well maintained, still functions and provides excellent views of Colonia del Sacramento as well as the Río de la Plata. The walk up is a bit tighter than other lighthouses I have visited throughout the world, but this is certainly a must see when visiting Colonia del Sacramento.
Written July 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
martinmolloy72
Manchester, UK796 contributions
With Binoculars you can see Buenos Aires
Jan 2020 • Friends
This quirky attraction is possibly the "Eiffel Tower" of Colonia. Located in the historic centre of the town its a great way to pass some time.

The Faro (or lighthouse if you prefare) stands next to the 17th century ruins of the Content of San Francisco. To climb the lighthouse this is usually done in two stages and marshalled by dedicated staff communicating with one another via walkie-talkie.

The first stage takes you half w ay up the structure which still affords you great views of the town and the River Plate estury. Then once the flow of people has been managed you continue to the top.

Just be aware that there are a lot of stairs, low headroom in some parts and absolutely no wheelchair access but nonetheless it's a good place to kill half an hour or so.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ben F
Bloomington, IN1,331 contributions
A Highlight of Colonia
Mar 2022
Although I didn’t ascend the lighthouse (my legs can’t do that much walking!), I admired it from ground level during my stroll through old town. I recognize its importance for navigation back in the day, and even still to this day. It blends with the surrounding architecture and history so well. It’s a worthwhile spot to relax for an hour or so, people watching or picnicking or just contemplating life. I recommend checking it out!
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Derek H
Edgewood, KY179 contributions
Tight Squeeze to Get to the top
Dec 2019
My son and I made the trip up the narrow steps on a sunny windy day. The interior is narrow but clean. It is difficult to go up when others are coming down. At the top the view is nice. To get outside it is also another tight squeeze. don't go if you are claustrophobic.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shan C
Toronto, Canada1,824 contributions
Tight but Great Views
May 2019 • Couples
Very tight going up the stairs but worth the climb as the views are outstanding. If you are not comfortable in tight spaces or have issues climbing stairs I would skip this, if you are good go up.
Written May 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Say Hueque
Buenos Aires, Argentina945 contributions
See Argentina on a clear day!
Jun 2016 • Couples
Colonia's lighthouse is an inexpensive way to get a great view of the Rio de la Plata River, even the coast of Argentina on a clear day! The day we went was chilly but all beautiful, blue skies, and the attendant gave us some tips about looking for landmarks on the Argentine side of the river. Definitely worthwhile if the weather is good, but if you happen to be in Colonia on an overcast day, you might skip this stop since the view of Colonia itself isn't that exciting.
Written October 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TylerNH
Charlotte, NC6 contributions
Probably the Best Sight in Colonia
Apr 2011
I think all of Colonia is very pretty, but there's really not much that you *have* to see. The lighthouse is the only thing that I would strongly recommend. And yes, it is nice at sunset.
Written April 17, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Faro de Colonia del Sacramento - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Faro de Colonia del Sacramento
Faro de Colonia del Sacramento is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
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