The city is located on the east side of Route 5, 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi) north of the border with Montevideo Department.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

[2] On May 18, 1811 the Uruguayan independence leader don José Gervasio Artigas led patriot forces to victory against Spain at the Battle of Las Piedras.

Its status was elevated to "Ciudad" (city) on 15 May 1925 by the Act of Ley Nº 7.837.

[5] In 2010 the Intendencia de Canelones had estimated a population of 79,412 for the municipality during the elections.