The small city of Mercedes is jewel that remains hidden away in Uruguay’s interior…about 3.5 hours from the international airport in Montevideo.
While most of Uruguay is famous for its wide beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, Mercedes—sitting on the banks of the Rio Negro—enjoys one of the country’s nicest riverfront settings.
The waterfront here is all parkland, including a number of small, sandy beaches. You’ll also find one of Uruguay’s signature rowing clubs, a great waterside restaurant, and plenty of space to relax and spend the day.
Two wide, parallel, riverfront roadways—called a Rambla in Uruguay—run between the first homes and the river. In the evenings, the road closest to the water fills with antique cars and motorcycles, cruising up and down its length as if it were a parade.
While Mercedes has a beautiful town square, I find that in the summertime months, it’s the waterfront that’s the real social center of the city.
Mercedes has low crime, abundant fresh water, and pure air…along with a constant and plentiful renewable electricity supply. And it’s located in a country with a moderate climate, stable government, and a solid-yet-confidential banking system.
It’s no wonder that it’s drawing the attention of an increasing number of expats.
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