The Port of Mercedes lies on the banks of the Río Negro. A listed catamaran route runs from Mercedes to Isla Barrientos and includes going ashore and hiking. If you want to combine a boat trip with time on land, this route is a specific option; check current departure times before planning.

Castillo Mauá and Museums

Castillo Mauá is considered one of the city’s main attractions and one of the most important testaments to the entrepreneurial activity of the Baron and Viscount of Mauá in Uruguay. The Museo Paleontológico Alejandro Berro is located on the ground floor. Two distinct perspectives come together here: Mauá’s entrepreneurial achievements and paleontology.

The Centro Histórico y Geográfico de Soriano displays antique weapons and musical instruments, as well as national numismatic objects and items relating to gaucho culture. It also features an extensive collection of gold and silver stirrups, lithic materials of Indigenous origin, and original documents belonging to President Idiarte Borda. The building is housed in a former convent and is an example of eclectic architecture. Its former use as a convent and its eclectic design also give the building itself a distinct historical dimension alongside the exhibits.

The Museo de la Música en Miniatura tells the history of Western music through 36 three-dimensional scenes. This format differs from the objects and documents at the Centro Histórico y Geográfico de Soriano: there, the focus is on a collection; here, a single subject is presented in three dimensions.

Casa Puerta displays a wide variety of objects, including items made of wool, leather, wood, and ceramics. All the items on display are for sale. Check in advance whether these items are still available; the selection may change.

A modern sculpture ensemble commemorating Juan Antonio Lavalleja stands in Plaza Lavalleja. The Mural del Bicentenario is also located along the Rambla in the capital of Soriano.

Green Spaces and Places of Remembrance

Parque Guernica is one of Mercedes’ most important green spaces. At the Soriano destination level, Espacio Memoria Soriano offers a different focus: the park has various tree species, benches, and bicycle racks. Its paths are named after the ten people who disappeared in Soriano during the dictatorship.

Calera Real del Dacá and Soriano

The archaeological complex of Calera Real del Dacá is located on a small hill overlooking the stream and its riverside woodland. At the Soriano destination level, Calera Real del Dacá is described as Uruguay’s first industry. Also at the Soriano destination level, the Museo de la Industria de Soriano was established at Calera Real del Dacá in 2022 as part of the heritage project. The landscape and historical context describe different aspects of this site.

The annual events calendar for the Soriano destination lists Jazz a la Calle in January in Mercedes. If you want to plan your trip around this event, check the dates for the current edition.

Discover more destinations: Dolores, Villa Darwin.

For the broader travel overview: Soriano.