The city

Colonia

Colonia del Sacramento is a small city in southwestern Uruguay, by the Río de la Plata, facing Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is one of the oldest towns in Uruguay and capital of the Colonia Department. It has a population of around 27,000.
Its historic quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Modern Colonia del Sacramento produces textiles and has a free trade zone, in addition to a polytechnic centre and various government buildings.

Transportation

Colonia del Sacramento is served by three ferry boat lines from Buenos Aires, Argentina (“Buquebus”, “Seacat Colonia” and “Colonia Express”).

Two principal highways end in Colonia: Route 1 connects Colonia to Montevideo and points east; Route 21 connects to points north.

Points of interest

The Barrio Histórico (historic quarter) section of Colonia del Sacramento is designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It has some cobblestone streets built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and is within walking distance of the town's ferry terminal. Among the tourist attractions around the tree-lined Plaza Mayor (main square) are:

-Portón de Campo – the City Gate and wooden drawbridge

-Lighthouse and convent ruins of the 17th-century Convent of San Francisco

-Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento – the Basilica of the Holy Sacrament, built of stone by the Portuguese in 1808

-Portuguese Museum – constructed in the 18th century, it exhibits Portuguese furnishings, jewelry, uniforms and old maps of Portuguese naval expeditions.

-Viceroy's House – the Casa del Virrey, reconstructed from the original ruins.

-Plaza de toros Real de San Carlos, a Bullring included in an old tourist complex recently restored.


Transportation

Colonia del Sacramento is served by three ferry boat lines from Buenos Aires, Argentina ("Buquebus", "Seacat Colonia" and "Colonia Express").

Two principal highways end in Colonia: Route 1 connects Colonia to Montevideo and points east; Route 21 connects to points north.

Climate

Colonia del Sacramento has a mild humid subtropical climate. Summers are warm and winters are cool, with relatively frequent frosts and fog. The precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average of 1,039 mm (40.91 in), and the annual average temperature is 17 °C (63 °F).
During spring season (September-November), Colonia can have an average temperatures of 15°C (59 F) – 22° C (75 F), and minimum temperatures (early mornings or late evenings) could be around 5° C (40° F). November presents an average of 7 raining days.

Venue

The IUFRO Conference Working Group 2.08.03, will be developed at the Sheraton Hotel in Colonia (By Marriotts). The Sheraton Hotel es located at the west border of the city, in a very peaceful place, surrounded by the river, beaches and open and safe areas. Distance from the Sheraton Hotel and the city town is 5 kilometers (30 to 40 minutes walking), with non public transportation available other than private taxi.

Accommodations

Accommodations

With the incorporation of the new ventures that have recently joined the Colonia offer, the department today some 2,500 hotel beds. We suggest: