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Capital city in Uruguay
Photo: Mx. Granger, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Rivera is a city in the northern interior of Uruguay. It's the capital of Rivera Department, located on the border with Brazil, right across from the Brazilian city of Santana do Livramento. Full of large hills and cheap shopping, Rivera's main attraction is its location on the border. Uruguayans come for the inexpensive goods on the Brazilian side, and Brazilians come for the duty-free shops on the Uruguayan side. Travellers from other countries can take advantage of both. Rivera also gives you the chance to stand with a foot in each country—a cool photo opportunity.
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Parque Internacional de la Amistad
Put one foot in Brazil and one foot in Uruguay. Has some mom-and-pop shops with crafts that make nice souvenirs.
The city's main plaza, which includes a large fountain for kids to play in and a sculpture of national hero José Gervasio Artigas.
Attractive park with an artificial lake, walking trails, and a waterfall tucked in the woods. Be aware, the area does have some snakes.
Church of the Immaculate Conception
Soccer (football) stadium that seats over 27,000.
Scenic racetrack with rolling hills. Attend a race or a show—trucks, racecars, and more.
A national park close enough for a day trip.
Escalinata Marconi
A hill with a staircase, worth climbing to see a nice view of the city. Be careful here at night...the summit happens to be a popular place to smoke marijuana.
In most of Uruguay kite flying is a September activity, but Riverenses (along with residents of Salto and Tacuarembó) traditionally do it during Holy Week, the week before Easter.
Small spot that sells lots of kinds of empanadas, including sweet empanadas for dessert—try mulatas and gringas (empanadas filled with chocolate and dulce de leche). Delivery available.
Pizza, empanadas, and more in a small, busy restaurant with wood tables and cactus decorations.
Desserts including postre rivelí.
A small bar serving a variety of drinks.
Where the locals go to hang out and drink beer. Great burgers.
Rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, minibar, cable TV, wifi. Parking and laundry available. On-site restaurant and duty-free shop.
66 rooms with private bath, air conditioning, heating, minibar, cable television, wifi, safe. Spa services, laundry, and room service. In the same place you'll find Restaurante Gaúcho, Vivo Pub, and a casino.
32 rooms with private bath, cable TV, minibar, air conditioning, wifi. Gym, laundry, and parking available.
Rustically decorated rooms with TV, minibar, electric blankets, private bath. Breakfast included.
Budget option with breakfast included.
Mall including duty-free shops and the only movie theater in town.
Mall including some duty-free shops.
By bus
Intercity buses from nearby cities and from Montevideo arrive at the Rivera Bus Terminal in central Rivera.
By train
From Tacuarembó there's twice weekly (Monday and Friday) a train. The train leaves at 7:00 in Tacuarembo and arrives at 9:10 at the Rivera Train Station.
By plane
Rivera International Airport (RVY) no longer has regular commercial flights.
Rivera is small enough to get around by walking. The main street is called Sarandí.
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Rivera/Santana do Livramento · Regional · RVY
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