Several kilometers of white sandy beaches along the Uruguay River, hot springs, natural areas and cultural attractions define Colón. When planning your trip, you can weigh up the different options: time by the river, pools and slides, or insights into the history of the city and the colony.
Riverbanks, Beaches and Nature
The “Río de los Pájaros” Reserva Natural de Usos Múltiples (Multiple-Use Nature Reserve) lies where the Arroyo Artalaz meets the Uruguay River. The area covers about 65 hectares. The Reserva Sur has a different type of protected status: in 2000, it was designated a nature park and protected landscape.
If you’d like to include the river as a place to swim and relax, Colón has several kilometers of white sandy beaches. An accessible beach is located in the northern zone. Its facilities include showers, a path with umbrellas alongside the rest areas, amphibious wheelchairs, an accessible restroom and reserved parking spaces for people with disabilities.
A range of activities are also available on the Uruguay River in Colón: kayaking, rowing, windsurfing, sailing, water skiing and swimming. This lets you plan for time either on the shore or on the water, with activities that aren’t limited to a single format.
Hot Springs and Water Attractions
Termas Colón has thirteen swimming pools, including nine outdoor and three indoor pools. The water park has seven slides; there is also an exclusive relaxation area with eight single beds. The complex’s park offers views of the Uruguay River and its beaches. You can focus on different aspects of the same complex in your day’s plans: the pools, slides, relaxation area, or views of the river and beach.
Museums, Rural History and Culture
The Museo Histórico Regional de Colón (Colón Regional History Museum) tells the story of the city’s origins and development through objects donated by the community. The museum also hosts visual arts exhibitions and concerts. A visit therefore combines the city’s history with a changing cultural program.
Granja La Administración offers another perspective on the history of the colony. Its museum exhibition covers the colony’s history and family life and is visited as part of a local guided tour. The rural tourism offerings also include horseback riding. During a visit, country-style snacks made with regional products, craft-brewed beer and homemade bread are offered.
Since 1990, Colón has held the Fiesta Nacional de la Artesanía every year in February. Within the municipality of Colón, Molino Forclaz is also designated a National Historic Monument and a provincial museum. National Route RN 14 leads from Colón to the entrance portal of Parque Nacional El Palmar.
More Destinations in the Colón Department
The wider destination of the Colón Department also offers other themes to consider when planning your trip. Balneario San José has 1.5 kilometers of white sandy beach along the Río Uruguay. Activities listed there include expeditions, excursions, outings, wildlife watching, tours and hikes.
For comparison with hot spring complexes in the Colón Department, Termas Villa Elisa offers a different point of reference: the site covers 41 hectares and has ten pools for different uses and temperatures. The history of the Colón Department also extends beyond Colón. The ruins of the Falansterio are a historical and cultural attraction in Colonia Hughes; Museo Histórico La Clarita is housed in a former railway station. The former Fábrica Colón was a large slaughterhouse that led to the founding of Pueblo Liebig and operated for about 70 years.
To help decide on your trip, start by choosing your preferred focus: river beach and water sports, hot springs, city history or rural experiences. The destinations mentioned in the Colón Department add other distinct themes to the picture of Colón.
Discover more destinations: Colonia Hocker, Villa San José, Liebig, Villa Elisa
Go to the main travel overview: Colón Department.
