Given its privileged location on the banks of the Río Negro, Mercedes is an ideal place for fishing, water sports and relaxing in natural surroundings. It is the capital of the department of Soriano and is on national Route 2, 278 km from Montevideo, bordering the department of Río Negro. Soriano has a full calendar of events taking place throughout the year. The International Jazz Festival in the street, the F1 Power Boat Grand Prix, the Carnival and the “Grito de Asencio” festival are just some examples of what is on offer.