Things To Do
in Mercedes
Mercedes is a charming city located in the department of Soriano in Uruguay. It is known for its picturesque landscape with green spaces, rivers, and colonial architecture. The city offers a peaceful ambiance for visitors to explore its historic sites, museums, and cultural events.
Mercedes is also a great destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, birdwatching, and horseback riding.
- "¿Qué tal?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Dónde está?" - Where is?
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day soaking up the sun on the pristine beaches of Playa de la Aguada. Take a refreshing swim in the calm waters to start your day off right.
Enjoy a delicious beachside lunch at a local restaurant, then rent a kayak to explore the coastline. The scenic views from the water will make your afternoon unforgettable.
Wind down with a beachside sunset, capturing the beautiful colors in the sky. Have dinner at a local eatery, enjoying fresh seafood while listening to the sound of the waves.
Visit a nearby vineyard for a guided tour and wine tasting. Learn about the wine-making process while sampling some of the region's finest wines.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at the vineyard, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Spend the afternoon relaxing and chatting with friends or family over exquisite local wines.
Return to the town and dine at a local restaurant that specializes in Uruguayan dishes. Savor the flavors of the region while reflecting on your wine tasting experience.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history.
- Beautiful natural landscapes, including rivers and green areas.
- Laid-back lifestyle and friendly community.
- Accessibility to Argentina across the river.
- Growing tourism sector with various attractions.
- Limited job opportunities compared to larger cities.
- Infrastructure challenges, particularly in rural areas.
- Higher cost of living compared to other Uruguayan towns.
- Limited public transportation options.
- Possible language barrier for non-Spanish speakers.
Best Activities in Mercedes
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a peaceful day of fishing at Rio Negro, known for its abundant fish population and beautiful natural surroundings.
Embark on a hike through the stunning landscapes of Quebrada de los Cuervos, featuring lush greenery, waterfalls, and unique rock formations.
Explore the diverse birdlife at Esteros de Farrapos National Park, offering birdwatching opportunities amid wetlands and riverine forests.
Tours
Uncover the best of Mercedes with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Mercedes
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a beautiful view of the historic plaza and surrounding architecture.
Provides scenic views of the river and opportunities for capturing picturesque sunsets.
A popular spot for experiencing panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
Food in Mercedes
Mercedes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Uruguayan dish, asado features a variety of meats such as beef, lamb, and sausage, slow-cooked over a wood-fired grill. For an authentic experience, head to local parrillas like La Pulpería or El Rincón del Tannat.
Must-Try!
Chivito is a hearty sandwich filled with tender slices of steak, ham, cheese, and a fried egg. Try this iconic dish at El Drugstore, known for its exceptional chivitos.
This savory pie features a creamy corn filling combined with beef, onions, and spices, topped with a layer of golden cornbread crust. Enjoy an excellent rendition at Restaurant Los Tanitos.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Mercedes better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore Plaza Artigas Market for a vibrant array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and local delicacies. For street food delights, don't miss the empanadas and choripan stalls nestled within the bustling market.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Mercedes, Uruguay, it is important to respect personal space, especially when interacting with locals. Maintaining a comfortable distance during conversations and interactions is considered polite and respectful.
When greeting people in Mercedes, Uruguay, it is customary to use a warm handshake or a kiss on the cheek, especially among friends and acquaintances. It is important to be attentive to local customs regarding greetings to show respect and cultural sensitivity.
Mercedes, Uruguay, has rich cultural traditions, including music, dance, and festivals. It is important to show respect for these traditions and participate in local customs with an open mind and appreciation for the local culture.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Mercedes with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Mercedes
Ensure a smooth experience
In Mercedes, Uruguay, tipping is not necessarily expected or common. However, in some upscale restaurants or hotels, a service charge may be included in the bill. It is appreciated to leave a small amount of extra tip if you received exceptional service.
Payment in Mercedes, Uruguay is predominantly done in cash. Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but it is always advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases or in more remote areas.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Mercedes.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and fewer tourists
Warm weather, beach activities, and lively local festivals
Pleasant temperatures, colorful foliage, and wine harvest events
Cooler weather, indoor cultural activities, and whale watching opportunities
Mercedes at Night
Hiking in Mercedes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hill offering moderate hiking trails with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Ideal for nature walks and photography.
A national park featuring rugged landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and numerous trails that are perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
Although a bit further away, this spot offers a beautiful hiking experience with stunning vistas and is popular among locals.
A nature reserve with various hiking trails that allow you to explore the unique ecosystems and wildlife of the area.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Mercedes through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Mercedes by plane.
Located in Montevideo, approximately 250 km from Mercedes, Carrasco International is the largest airport in Uruguay, serving both domestic and international flights.
Situated in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, about 450 km from Mercedes, this airport is a major gateway for travelers visiting the famous Iguazu Falls and offers international flights.
While primarily serving domestic flights, Salto Airport is about 125 km from Mercedes and caters to regional traffic and some international connections.
Located in Asunción, Paraguay, around 500 km from Mercedes, this airport is a key hub for international flights in the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group, consisting of descendants of Spanish immigrants.
A significant portion of the population, with Italian ancestry from late 19th and early 20th-century immigration.
Comprising smaller communities, primarily from the Charrúa and Guaraní groups.
A community with Afro-Uruguayan heritage, historically part of the population since colonial times.
Includes immigrants and descendants from various countries, contributing to the multicultural fabric of the city.
The Soul of Mercedes
Discover the essence of Mercedes through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Mercedes, with numerous local teams and a strong community following.
A widely played sport, enjoyed both recreationally and competitively, with various clubs in the area.
Gaining popularity in Uruguay, rugby is played at several local clubs and schools in Mercedes.
Both recreational and competitive cycling are common, with local events and scenic routes.
Track and field events are popular, with local schools and clubs encouraging youth participation.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mercedes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Uruguayan cuisine leans heavily on meat, many restaurants in Mercedes now offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including delectable salads, grilled vegetables, and plant-based empanadas.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can savor gluten-free versions of classic dishes, such as empanadas made with corn flour and regional stews thickened with corn or cassava.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Mercedes with these cultural adventures.
