Plizio Visual Lab

Lighthouse of Colonia

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

The Lighthouse of Colonia del Sacramento, which became operational in 1857, is an iconic landmark of the city's historic quarter. The tower was built upon the ruins of the former San Francisco Xavier convent, which was destroyed by a fire in the 18th century. This unique foundation means the base of the lighthouse is formed by the original stone walls of the old convent, giving it a distinct historical depth. The cylindrical tower, painted white with two red bands, reaches a height of 34 meters (112 feet) above the ground. Its light, which emits a white flash every nine seconds, has a range of 12.4 nautical miles, guiding vessels safely on the Río de la Plata. Visitors can climb the interior spiral staircase to enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck of Colonia's cobblestone streets, the bay, and the distant skyline of Buenos Aires on clear days. The lighthouse is not only a vital navigational aid but also a symbol of the city's endurance and rich history.

Location: Uruguay
Nearby: Tarariras (29 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Nov, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	24	22	19	15	12	11	13	14	17	21	23
Rain mm	105	122	123	98	74	54	72	71	83	109	101	94

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Lighthouse of Colonia stands on the ruins of an old convent and can be visited from the outside. It is possible to climb the tower for an excellent view over the city and the Río de la Plata.

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Typical hours

The lighthouse is typically open during daytime, usually from 10 AM to 6 PM. It's advisable to check current hours at the local tourist office before visiting.

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Photography

Photography is allowed on the grounds and from the tower. For pictures inside the tower, you may need to pay a small fee; this applies to tripod use as well.

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Time needed

Allow about 30 to 45 minutes for climbing and viewing the tower. Combined with a walk through the historic quarter of Colonia del Sacramento, plan for half a day.

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Combine with

Combine the lighthouse with a walk through the old town of Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The nearby beaches along the Río de la Plata are also worth a visit.

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Getting there

The lighthouse is located in the historic center of Colonia del Sacramento, easily reachable on foot. From the bus station or ferry terminal, it's just a few minutes' walk along cobblestone streets.

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Insider tip

Visit the lighthouse in the late afternoon for the best light for photos. The climb is steep, but the sunset view over the river is unforgettable.

Geography

Coordinates

-34.47310, -57.85440

Facts

Built and inaugurated in 1857.
The tower's height is 34 meters (112 feet).
It was built on the ruins of the 17th-century San Francisco convent.
Its light has a range of 12.4 nautical miles (approx. 23 km).
Its light characteristic is one white flash every 9 seconds.
It is an active lighthouse operated by the Uruguayan Navy Hydrographic Service.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse<1 km · NExplore →

San Carlos Bullring2 km · SEExplore →

Colonia del Sacramento2 km · NExplore →

Anchorena Park15 km · SEExplore →

YPF La Plata Refinery26 km · WExplore →

La Plata29 km · SWExplore →

Tarariras29 km · NEExplore →

Montes del Plata Pulp Mill29 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Lighthouse of Colonia (1)

Faro de Isla de Farallón📍 landmark

Positioned on a rocky island in the Río de la Plata, this historic lighthouse guides maritime traffic near Colonia del Sacramento.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you climb the lighthouse?

Yes, climbing it is possible for a small fee.

What is the view like?

You have a fantastic view of the historic quarter and the Río de la Plata.

Is the climb suitable for children?

Only for older children, as the stairs are steep and narrow.

When is the best time for photos?

At sunset, the tower features the most spectacular motifs.

What should I keep in mind?

The lighthouse may be closed temporarily in case of strong winds.

Lighthouse of Colonia: where is it located?

Lighthouse of Colonia is located in Uruguay.

Lighthouse of Colonia: when is the best time to visit?