About Soriano
Soriano, Uruguay's cradle of national history, offers travelers an authentic immersion into gaucho culture and pastoral landscapes. Located in southwestern Uruguay along the Río de la Plata, this province is where the nation's independence movement began in 1825 at the historic Arroyo de la China. The capital Mercedes charms visitors with its neoclassical architecture, waterfront promenade, and the iconic Basílica de la Merced. Soriano is cattle country—visitors can experience traditional estancias (ranches), witness rodeos, and savor legendary asados (barbecues). The province boasts Uruguay's only natural lake, Laguna de los Patos, perfect for birdwatching and tranquil reflection. Don't miss the annual Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha in March, celebrating cowboy traditions with horsemanship, folk music, and culinary feasts. Soriano's slower pace, historic sites like the Calera de las Huérfanas Jesuit ruins, and welcoming rural communities provide a genuine escape into Uruguay's soul.
Things to do in Soriano
Florianopolis Walking Tour - History, Art and Gastronomy
From R$90
5.0 (47)
Kayaking in Red River Park by Adrenailha
From R$350
5.0 (41)
Florianopolis Bike Tour: Photography, History & Street Food
From R$450
5.0 (20)
The best Florianópolis Private Day Tour
From $175
5.0 (19)
Trail through Lagoinha do Leste in Florianopolis
Private Tour: North Island Beaches by Floripa Nativa Turismo
From R$370
5.0 (9)
Fat Bike Adventure in Floripa: Beaches, Dunes and Eco Safari
From R$350
5.0 (6)
Private Yoga experience at the Floripa Beaches in Brazil
From $12
5.0 (6)
Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú
From $56
5.0 (5)
Private Tour: The 7 Most Preserved Beaches on the South Island by Floripa Nativa
From R$370
5.0 (5)
Private Tour: East Island Beaches Tour by Floripa Nativa Turismo
From R$375
5.0 (5)
NATURAL AND CULTURAL LAGUNA- Santa Marta Lighthouse, Botos Pescadores and Anita Garibaldi
From R$420
5.0 (5)
BEACH TOUR PRAIA DO ROSA, IMBITUBA AND GAROPABA - 10 Beaches
From R$420
5.0 (5)
Regular Arrival Transfer from Florianópolis to Praia do Rosa
From R$210
5.0 (4)
Double pararamotor flight in Florianópolis Brazil
From R$490
5.0 (4)Places to visit in Soriano
Teatro di Ercole
Teatro di Ercole, Via Corte del Fabbro, 20021 Bollate MI, Italy
Klima Hotel Milano Fiere
Klima Hotel Milano Fiere, Via privata Venezia Giulia, 20151 Milan MI, Italy
B&B Demisc
B&B Demisc, Via Cesare Battisti, 28, 20016 Pero MI, Italy
B&B Porta Ronca
B&B Porta Ronca, Via Porta Ronca, 45, 20017 Rho MI, Italy
Casa Sale e e Luce
Casa Sale e e Luce, Via Stelvio, 20024 Garbagnate Milanese MI, Italy
Hotel Moon Palace
Hotel Moon Palace, Viale dei Platani, 16, 20044 Arese MI, Italy
Hotel Ristorante Al Mulino
Hotel Ristorante Al Mulino, Via Repubblica, 75, 20021 Bollate MI, Italy
ibis Milano Fiera
ibis Milano Fiera, Via Giovanni Battista Pirelli, 4, 20020 Lainate MI, Italy
Virginia Palace Hotel
Virginia Palace Hotel, Via Monte Nero, 20024 Garbagnate Milanese MI, Italy
Un mondo di pace
Un mondo di pace, Via Giacomo Matteotti, 20044 Garbagnate Milanese MI, Italy
Il Sole
Il Sole, Piazza Generale Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa, 20044 Arese MI, Italy
Hotel Esperia
Hotel Esperia, Piazza Libertà, 2, 20017 Rho MI, Italy
Azienda agricola Furia
Azienda agricola Furia, Viale Lombardia, 35, 20021 Bollate MI, Italy
Hotel Fiera Rho
Hotel Fiera Rho, Via Ludovico Ariosto, 29, 20017 Rho MI, Italy
Locanda del Villoresi
Locanda del Villoresi, Via Sempione, 4, 20014 Nerviano MI, Italy
Travel Tips for Soriano
Getting Around
Rental cars are recommended for exploring rural areas (available in Mercedes). Buses connect major towns but infrequent in countryside. Taxis and remises (private cars with drivers) are available in Mercedes. Ride-sharing apps are not widely used. Bicycles can be rented for city exploration. Ferries cross the Río Negro at Puerto de Mercedes. Always carry cash for transportation in rural zones.
Best Time To Visit
October to April (spring to early autumn) offers pleasant weather (20-30°C) ideal for outdoor activities. March is peak for the Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha. Summer (Dec-Feb) can be hot but vibrant with local festivals. Avoid winter (Jun-Aug) if seeking outdoor exploration, as temperatures drop and some rural attractions may have reduced hours.
Local Customs
Greet with handshake or cheek kiss. Dress is casual but modest in rural areas. Tipping: 10% in restaurants if service not included; round up taxi fares. Asado (barbecue) is a social event—arrive on time and bring a small gift. Respect siesta time (approx. 1-4 PM) when many businesses close. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially gauchos.
Safety Information
Soriano is generally safe with low violent crime. Exercise normal precautions: avoid displaying valuables, lock vehicles, and be cautious in isolated areas at night. Petty theft can occur in crowded places. Rural roads may be unpaved—drive carefully, especially during rainy seasons. Scams are rare but beware of unofficial tour guides. Emergency services are responsive in urban centers.
Health Information
Medical facilities are adequate in Mercedes (Hospital Regional Dr. Alfredo G. Paulier) but limited in rural areas. Travelers should have comprehensive health insurance. No special vaccinations required beyond routine (hepatitis A, typhoid recommended). Tap water is generally safe. Beware of sun exposure and use insect repellent against mosquitoes. Pharmacies (farmacias) are widely available. For serious emergencies, evacuation to Montevideo may be necessary.
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Quick Facts
Currency
Uruguayan Peso (UYU)
$
$
Timezone
America/Montevideo -03:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+598
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
84,000
Area
9008 km²
Government
Departmental government with Intendencia (executive) and Departmental Board (legislative)
ISO Code
UY-17