Mercedes

Introducing Mercedes

The shady, cobblestoned streets of Mercedes are enchanting (unless your taxi has no suspension, in which case they’re total kidney-crunchers). The riverfront is largely undeveloped, but there are plenty of grassy spots to laze around on between dips.

Plaza Independencia, the center of downtown, is dominated by the imposing neo­classical cathedral (1860).

The center is 10 blocks from the bus terminal. Either walk straight up Calle Colón with Plaza Artigas on your right, catch any local bus or fork out US$1 for a taxi.

The tourist office (22733; Artigas 215) has a good city map. Nearby casas de cambio change cash but not traveler’s checks. There is a post office (Rodó 650) and telephone office, Centro Telefónico (Artigas 290).

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009