It is located on the east bank of Uruguay River, about 86 kilometres (53 mi) northwest of the departmental capital Colonia del Sacramento.

A "Pueblo" (village) named "Higueritas" was founded here on 26 October 1831 by Felipe Santiago Torres Leiva.

Artigas and fellipe Fontana, both running SE to NW, converge at the southeastern end of town and join with Ruta 21 towards Carmelo.

The other main street, Chile, runs SW to NE and extends to Ruta 21 towards Dolores and Mercedes of Soriano Department.

[citation needed] The main squares of the city are Plaza de los 33 Patriotas, which takes up two blocks and extends to the Muelle Viejo (Old Dock) at the waterfront, and Plaza Artigas, featuring a monument to José Gervasio Artigas and the main church of the city.