If you visit Buenos Aires, you may as well visit Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay and get that extra passport stamp as it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump across the river. You can even see Uruguay from tall buildings in Buenos Aires.

It’s also a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires, as Colonia is a small town in a small country. In fact, there have been talks about building a bridge from Buenos Aires to Colonia, but Colonia is afraid it will get overrun by Argentinian tourism and lose its small-town charm. It’s a beautiful town you will not want to miss! Even though Uruguay is considered Argentina’s little brother, it is a country with its own charm and distinct history reflected in its architecture and food culture. 

Talking about visits to Uruguay to an English-speaking audience means it’s a must to talk about visa runs. You might be looking at this article precisely for that reason. Many people use Uruguay to extend their tourist visas beyond the usual six-month maximum. It isn’t without its risks, but the risk an agent will deny you entry is extremely low at the time of this blog. If that is your goal, you will want to take advantage of the opportunity to do some tourism. So here’s a guide on getting there and some things to do. 

Getting there:

You will want to take a ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia. It’s only about an hour long, but make sure you bring your camera as you’ll see beautiful views while out on the water. Buquebus and Colonia Express are the two main companies that run these ferry trips. Get your tickets at least a few days early as Uruguay is a very popular destination for Argentinians and tourists alike. When there’s a long weekend involved, you’ll want to plan even earlier. Look up Argentinian holidays if you’re not familiar with them. If you want exact dates, give yourself some extra time. 

What to do while there: 

From the boat it’s only about a ten minute walk to the town, it’s probably easiest just to follow the crowd or take a taxi. Once you arrive, you will need your camera ready to explore this beautiful colonial town. 

The historic district is a popular destination as it’s known for its buildings from its time as a Portuguese settlement. You can visit the remnants of the old city walls and also climb the lighthouse for a beautiful view of the river. Check this view out at sunset and prepare to be amazed! This is particularly unique for Argentinians or anyone who stays there long-term as we’re accustomed to the sun rising over the river, whereas in Uruguay the sun is going to be setting over the river. The historic district is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage site the street of sighs, which has kept a lot of its Portuguese character. I’ll let you find out why it’s called the street of sighs!

Half the point of a good vacation is eating different foods. As it’s riverside you will want to try its fresh seafood. Assuming you’ve spent time in Argentina you’ll want to try some of its more distinctive dishes. Look for its Portuguese influenced cuisine and the chivito, its famous sandwich. Like Argentina, Uruguay has an asado (grilled beef) and wine culture. Both have their own unique characteristics. I tried the wine and it was excellent. If you love a good wine you absolutely want to check out Uruguayan wine.  Of course, you will probably also want to check out its sweet treats.

As for how much time is needed? You can likely see all the main attractions in one day. However, if you want to take your time, absorb the atmosphere, relax at the beach, sample more of the food, and explore the details of the city and all its attractions you could easily fill three days. The sunsets at the beach are incredible. You may easily want to spend your late afternoons at the beach, watching the beautiful sunset, or eat at a riverside restaurant with a spectacular view. If you love the beach and/or beautiful sunsets you will want to plan some extra time.

While you’re here in Argentina, let’s make some beautiful memories before you head off to Uruguay!  See you soon!

As someone who’s always been captivated by nature’s wonders, I recently had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in an unforgettable experience on the picturesque shores of Puerto Madryn and the Valdes Peninsula. It’s a journey that draws numerous travelers every year, all eager to witness something truly magical – the arrival of southern right whales.

The southern right whale is a cetacean that inhabits the seas of the southern hemisphere. Males can reach lengths of up to 15 meters, while females can grow to be 16 to 17 meters long. An adult specimen can weigh up to 40 tons. These whales spend a significant part of the year in the Antarctic waters, where they feed, and then migrate to warmer northern waters, such as Puerto Madryn, for reproduction. Whales have callosities on their skin, mainly on their heads, where some types of crustaceans reside. The name “right whale” was given by ancient sailors and whalers because it was an easy species to hunt. Nowadays, southern right whales are endangered, and in Argentina, they are protected by law and have been declared a Natural Heritage.

One of the key factors that make Puerto Madryn and the Valdes Peninsula a prime destination for whale watching is the tranquility of the surrounding bays. The waters here are calm, like a serene oasis, allowing mother whales to care for their precious calves without disturbance. The lack of lurking predators ensures the safety of these gentle giants.

During my stay, I discovered that some whales choose to linger in the soothing embrace of Golfo Nuevo, just off the city of Puerto Madryn. It’s a breathtaking sight to behold as you stand on the beach or stroll along the coastal promenade. Yet, if you’re yearning for an even more immersive experience, Playa El Doradillo and La Cantera are the places to be. 

Then, where is the best place to see the whales? For me, each experience is unique, and if you haven’t done whale watching on a boat, I’d suggest you go for it.

Punta Tombo, a wildlife reserve nestled along the Atlantic coast of Chubut province, is a destination that beckons travelers of all backgrounds, and I was fortunate enough to explore it. It is home to the largest colony of Magellanic penguins in the world.

The Perfect Timing

Timing is everything at Punta Tombo. The prime months to plan your visit are from late August to March. During this period, a remarkable event unfolds – the arrival of the penguins & the mating season, an attraction that draws visitors from around the world with numbers of penguins expected to be around 1 million. 

Understanding the Penguins

The penguins spend their winter in cold waters; they are birds, but they don’t fly; they swim. They spend six months at sea, even resting without leaving the cold water. They float and sleep in the ocean, constantly feasting on anchovies, silversides, squid, and hake. Penguins have an incredible memory; even 200 kilometers offshore, they swim precisely to the point where they must come ashore to find the nest they left behind.15 days after the arrival of the males, the females begin to arrive. The males honk to call them, and from the sea, the females identify this call. After mating, in October, the female lays two eggs. For 42 days, the male and female incubate the two eggs, which must be maintained at 36ºC and, above all, protect them from dangers. Usually, only one of the two eggs survives. At some point, the parents stop feeding the chicks in order for them to learn to fend for themselves and leave the nest. Thus, the cycle of life repeats for 30 years, and by mid-September, they return to the nest where everything began.

Respecting Nature’s Rhythms

Respect for nature knows no language barriers. When you visit Punta Tombo, it’s imperative to adhere to the rules and guidelines of the reserve. The penguins are the stars of this show, and their well-being should be our top priority.

The Full-Day Journey

To truly appreciate the beauty of Punta Tombo, set aside a full day for your visit. Rushing through is not an option; instead, savor each moment. As a photography enthusiast, I couldn’t resist capturing the breathtaking scenes subtly, allowing the beauty to speak for itself. Capturing the penguins against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean or amongst a herd of Guanacos is an incredible scene.

Take cash

One practical tip to keep in mind is bringing Argentine pesos for the entrance fee. For foreign visitors, the cost typically ranges from USD $8 to $10. Having local currency on hand ensures a smoother visit, enabling you to fully immerse yourself in the natural wonders surrounding you.

Punta Tombo’s unique charm lies in its tranquil environment, with rocky yet sediment-rich shores providing the perfect nesting grounds for penguins. 

So, if you ever find yourself in Argentina and share a love for nature, don’t miss the opportunity to witness the extraordinary natural spectacle at Punta Tombo. It’s an experience that leaves a mark on your heart.

La primera semana de noviembre de cada año se celebra en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires la “Marcha del orgullo LGBTIQ+”. Nuestra ciudad obtuvo el primer lugar como el mejor destino LGBTIQ+ de América Latina en agosto del 2022, así que si vas a estar en la ciudad para esas fechas, no te puedes perder la semana del orgullo BA y todos los eventos que tiene preparados cada año.

• El Festival Internacional de Tango Queer.
• La celebración previa a la marcha en Palermo Soho
• La Marcha oficial del Orgullo LGBTIQ+ , desde Plaza de Mayo (Av. de mayo y Av. Defensa) hasta el Congreso de la nación argentina.

Un poco de contexto: Esta importante lucha social es reconocida como movimiento LGBTIQ+, cuyas siglas representan a las distintas identidades sexuales involucradas: transexuales, bisexuales, gays y lesbianas. La mayor trascendencia del movimiento llegó en las últimas décadas. Pero los inicios de la lucha por la reivindicación de los derechos de los homosexuales fueron entre finales del siglo XIX y la Segunda Guerra Mundial. En esos tiempos en muchos países la homosexualidad era considerada un delito. Cierto es que han pasado muchos años desde entonces y, gracias a políticas internas, en muchos países la situación de los derechos humanos fue tomando un cauce más empático y natural.