Mercedes

About

While Mercedes was officially founded in 1788, this town has had colonial significance since 1520. Mercedes was the site of the first step towards independence from Spain, which is why its coat of arms bears the slogan “our country started here.” Standing on the banks of the Negro River, Mercedes is the perfect destination for fishing, nautical sports and other outdoor activities, and the riverfront promenade offers a pleasant place to stroll, taking in the river views and many statues. Alternatively, you can admire the beautiful 18th-century cathedral on the Plaza Independencia and the surrounding colonial architecture. This lively city is also home to the Museo Paleontologico Alejandro Berro which has an extensive fossil collection, including a very well preserved glyptodon, which is an extinct type of armadillo nearly the size of a Volkswagen beetle!