Situated on the Rio Uruguay just across the border from Brazil is the city of Paso de los Libres, founded in 1843 by General Joaquin de Madariaga, some 100 km from Mercedes. Beside the river runs the palm-tree lined Avenida Costanera where there’s the old port and some naval buildings. Close to the Puente Internacional Presidente Getulio Vargas y Presidente Agustin P Justo, a veritable feat of engineering which links Argentina with Brazil, is the Parque Municipal Juan Domingo Peron from where there are great views across to the Brazilian city of Uruguayana.

At the centre is the tree-filled Plaza Independencia overlooked by the 1920s neoclassical Iglesia San Jose. Also here on Madariaga 737 is the Museo Municipal which relates the history of the area through a series of displays and artifacts. The city especially comes alive in February during carnival when visitors come to enjoy or participate in the vibrant processions which parade the streets.