Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

I checked Uruguay bus schedules on sites like URUBUS, which provide information for multiple bus companies. However, I bought tickets at the bus terminal since it was low season. For the same reason, I did not pre-book hostel, but walked in. In this case, I got extra discount below booking.com discount price, since the hostel operator didn’t need to pay booking.com commissions which usually cost 10% to 25% of the gross booking amount, with the global average often around 15%. 

 I woke up early to catch 8:30 am bus to Colonia del Sacramento filled with old colonial buildings and cobbled streets, and is inscribed on the UNESCO list. Its attractions include wandering the charming Barrio Histórico, historic museums, the oldest church in Uruguay (Iglesia Matriz), and the lighthouse (Faro de Colonia) for city views. The Barrio Histórico has cobblestone streets and well-preserved architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage site, which showcases the fusion of Portuguese, Spanish, and post-colonial styles, including La Calle de los Suspiros, a picturesque, historic street perfect for photos and experiencing the city's unique charm. 

After a late lunch, I walked 4 km one-way on the Rambla waterfront to see the ancient Puerta de la Ciudadela, and the abandoned Plaza de toros Real de San Carlos. The Plaza de toros Real de San Carlos is a historic Neo-Mudéjar-style bullring in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, inaugurated in 1910 but only used for bullfighting for a brief period before the activity was banned in 1912. After a century of disuse, it was restored between 2019 and 2021 and now functions as a multi-purpose cultural and sports venue, hosting concerts, events, and other activities.  I walked back to town and watching sunset for 45 minutes.