Villa Mercedes

Villa Mercedes - Photos: Eduardo Epifanio

Head City of Pedernera Department, Villa Mercedes is located in the mid-east of San Luis Province , in the region of the southern plain and 95 km away from the Capital City of the Province.

The city is 550 m above sea level , next to a fortress from the XVIII Century as a hint of development where the indian pampas ruled.

The climate in this region is continental mild and hot with Summers that present high temperatures ranging from 35º C to 43º C in January and with moderate to cold Winters registering temperatures of 12º C in July.

In the surroundings of the city, there are semiclosed woods with shrubs, straws and grazing land which are ideal to the bovine breeding and winter pasture since the land has a moderate structure which is sandy and lightly saline.

Villa Mercedes is currently the main commercial centre in the province after the Capital City. It has a modern design shown in its buildings with wide woody streets, parks and public walks.

It is popularly known because there is a narrow street which is particularlly attractive located in front of the area where the former train station was settled. Being an authentic post card of the city, this street has been the inspiration of poems and "cuecas" (popular dance).

In the Village, the main sites to visit are "Santiago Betbeder Museum and National Archives" and the Argentinean Nativist Complex called "Hector Aubert" showing old carriages from the beginning of the XIX Century, the reproduction of a Grocer’s shop and a small chapel.

Near the city center, there is a Park called Provincial Park of Río Quinto Resort with excellent forests, swimming pool and sports facilities being the ideal place to spend relaxed afternoons in contact with nature.

Seven kilometres away from the city, one can find Río Quinto Dam where water sports, wind surf national championships and sport fishing can be enjoyed.
Hunting High amateurs find this place a paradise due to the abundant presence of pumas and wild boars.

In the outskirts of the region one can find Sierras del Morro, a place which is considered a Natural Monument due to the imposing features and geological formations and chosen to go hicking , climbing or going on four track or motorbike rides.

If you are looking for tranquillity and natural beauty, you’d better come around Villa Mercedes.