Discover Soriano: River, Heritage and Events
Accommodation in Soriano
Soriano in Uruguay brings together river landscapes, cultural heritage and events. In Villa Soriano, the RĂo Negro lies 10 kilometers from its mouth at the RĂo Uruguay. Nautical excursions and boat tours are also available there.
River Landscapes and Activities
Humedales e Islas del Hum is a national park within Uruguay’s National System of Protected Areas. In Villa Soriano stands El Timbó, a tree planted in 1904 with a crown more than 50 meters in diameter. These are two distinct natural attractions: an area designated as a national park and a single tree described by its planting year and crown size.
In Palmar, sculpture goes hand in hand with activities on the water. The Encuentro Internacional de Escultores is held there every year, and the Parque EscultĂłrico sculpture trail was created as its legacy. Visitors take boat trips on Lago Palmar, and fishing is one of the activities tourists most often seek out there. Fishing and water sports are also practiced at Balneario La Concordia.
Cultural Sites and History
Calera Real del Dacá is described as Uruguay’s first industry. The Museo de la Industria de Soriano was established in 2022 as part of a heritage project at the calera. This links the site’s historical characterization with the establishment of the museum.
In Dolores, the Museo y Centro de Interpretación Lacán Guazú has galleries for paleontology, archaeology, history and temporary exhibitions, as well as an auditorium. Its themes range from traces of past ways of life to historical and changing exhibitions.
The Museo Alejandro Berro in Mercedes has a permanent exhibition of fossils from the Quaternary megafauna. These include an almost complete glyptodon shell. This particular specimen gives the collection a special focus on extinct megafauna.
In Villa Soriano, the Museo Marfetán, a building dating from 1805, serves as a library and museum. Casa de las Máscaras is an artistic venue featuring works by Juan Alberto Artega Ruiz. Both names add cultural references to Villa Soriano’s nature- and river-related themes.
Another historical landmark is Playa La Agraciada, where the Desembarco de los 33 Orientales took place on April 19, 1825.
Event Dates
The department’s annual calendar lists Jazz a la Calle in January in Mercedes, the Campeonato Pesca del Pejerrey in July at Balneario La Concordia, and the Fiesta Nacional de la Primavera in Dolores on the second weekend of October. These events take place in different months and locations. Check the dates for the current edition before your trip.
In the broader destination of Uruguay
As part of the broader destination of Uruguay, the Grutas del Palacio offer a geological attraction. The caves were formed by water erosion. A roof around 70 centimeters thick is supported by reddish, solidified sandstone columns averaging two meters in height. The Grutas are the Geopark’s most emblematic site and give it its name; they also have scientific, educational and tourism value.
Visitor facilities include guided tours led by specialists, an interpretation center, an audiovisual room, a café and a themed museum. For walks along the path to the cave, departures are scheduled every hour: the first tour starts at 10 a.m. and the last at 4 p.m. Check current opening hours and tour information before your trip.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Villa Darwin, Dolores, Mercedes, Montevideo, TacuarembĂł, PaysandĂş, Colonia, Cerro Largo.
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