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vivaBarca · Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 11:21 pm Post subject: Another place to renew your visa

A friend just told me about this town in Uruguay called Carmelo, where you can go for a day trip, just like Colonia, and renew your visa. But, the trip isn�t as expensive as the Buquebus to Colonia, and I don�t think it�s as long either. Apparently it�s actually a bit scenic too...anyway, I�m planning on doing this one of these days so I�ll keep everyone posted as to how it all works out. Here�s the website of the ferry company:

http://www.cacciolaviajes.com/

ATTORNEY · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 5:52 pm Post subject:

Havent been to CARMELO but heard its beautiful. If you already know Colonia I think it is worth it to visit another place.

Smidge · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 22 Location: Buenos Aires

vivaBarca - did you end up going to Carmelo? Was there any difference in the immigration process compared to Colonia? How was the town itself? Any information you could provide would be appreciated.

I'm looking to do another trip soon and have also heard the same things you had about Carmelo.

I also found another option at this site: http://www.altawebs.com.ar/navegacionartesanal/cruceros_a_uruguay.htm
with trips to San Juan and Conchillas in Uruguay but I don't know anything else other than what is listed on their website.

Smidge · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 22 Location: Buenos Aires

As I went this past weekend I can provide a little more information for those interested. Carmelo is a nice option for those who have want to go somewhere a little quieter, or just different from Colonia. I can imagine it being quite different in the summertime as the girl at the hotel we stayed at said that they're always full during the summer months. This is in contrast to the fact that I only saw 3 other guests in all my time there. Two of which were other foreigners who were also renewing their visas for Argentina.

The town itself is pretty small - it doesn't take too long to walk from one end of the town to the other. There aren't that many restaurants but the two we ended up trying both had really good food at reasonable prices. The beaches were also really nice and it would be good if it were possible to hire some boats to go out on the river a bit (perhaps in summer).

Getting there is really easy. When I went there were two ferries leaving for Carmelo on Saturday and one returning to BsAs on Sunday evening around 17:30. I paid AR$67 for a return ticket. Check vivaBarca's link for up-to-date times and prices. I just showed up and bought my ticket but I keep in mind this is during the low season, now that we're heading into winter. The ferry company also offers a bus service free of charge which will take you to and return you from the city which can also save some time and hassle.

As for accomodation, one of the first places I found when I looked online was the Rambla Hotel . They are located close to the ferry terminal which was handy for me as I arrived when it was raining. They have standard rooms available for US$15, and the economical room for US$10, the only difference for the $5 is the T.V. in the room. Definitely not luxurious but it was fine for my needs. Their website is
http://www.ciudadcarmelo.com/ramblahotel/ . Perhaps someone else that has been can provide other options.

vivaBarca · Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 8:22 pm Post subject:

I just made my trip up there on Wednesday and I can second everything you said. The boat leaves Tigre (during the week at least) at 8:30. If you want to take the bus direct from downtown BA to Tigre there�s one that leaves, free of charge, from C�rdoba and Pelligrini at 6:30. Though I saved an hour of sleep just taking the train up from Belgrano...The first trip back leaves Carmelo at 2:30 and gets in around 5. Right now Argentina and Uruguay are on the same time schedule but eventually Uruguay is an hour ahead so watch out for that. Also, I was told you can rent scooters in Carmelo too but after walking around the beach and the town for a half an hour I couldn�t find it - maybe they only rent them during the summer?

gigisehr · Joined: 24 Feb 2006 Posts: 17

This is definately the best option for crossing the border. You guys have pretty much summed everything up, but I'll mention a couple of things:
1) You can just show up and wander around to find a hotel (good to know the addresses I guess), unless it's vacations (and even then you'll probably be fine). there's a huge four star hotel by the beach, but it's probably not worth the price just for a night.
2) You can get a map in the tourist office. I'm not sure if they speak much English, but mapa and hotel are close enough to the English.
3) There's a place to camp out right next to the beach (with parrillas of course) if you have a tent.
4) I took Cacciola (or however you spell it) and it was fine, except we were very late getting back Monday morning. I spoke to a woman who lives in BA but has family in Carmelo, and she said this is pretty common. So keep that in mind.
3) Try the famous Uruguayan chivito! It's awesome. I had it at some place at the corner of the plaza. Down the street there is a place with really good ice cream.
Have fun!