A day trip to Colonia del Sacramento offers families a different view of the area's history and it provides a break from the bustle of Buenos Aires and the sun-drenched Uruguayan beaches. Founded by the Portuguese in 1680, Colonia lies on the eastern shore of the Rio de la Plata. The town's historic quarter, declared a World Heritage Site in 1995, is a fusion of Portuguese, Spanish and post-colonial architecture and is home to small shops as well as charming hotels and restaurants.