Julieta Fraguío 04/07/2016

Córdoba is a beautiful city loaded with colonial architecture, bars, varied restaurants and amazing landscapes. In the capital you will find the oldest university in Argentina (National University of Córdoba), about 200,000 students choose to study here, which gives this city a young and cheerful air. All this large student population caused a revolution in craft beer, you will notice that there are endless places (breweries) to enjoy a cold beer accompanied by a very lively atmosphere. Another thing that characterizes the city is that it has life throughout the day and at night everything is party and joy. You're guaranteed to have fun! 


Outside the city, there are breathtaking views of the mountains and lakes, it is worth taking the time to explore them. An excellent way to do this is with the horseback riding, you will not only see the best landscapes but you will also learn to ride like a gaucho. Adrenaline is something that will accompany you throughout your trip to Córdoba!


If you are thinking of visiting this wonderful city, I leave you all the  tips necessary to organize your tour:




The best things to do in the city


Within the city there is a huge amount of things to see and do. If you are short on time, I recommend you hire the city tour by Córdoba city is a great way to see the most important sites for 3 hours. If you are one of those who do not want to miss anything, here are the most popular places:



Visit Parque Sarmiento






The Parque Sarmiento is a landscaped green space,  the largest in the city of Córdoba. It is located in the geographic center of the city a few blocks from the microcenter in one of the areas with the highest demographic density. It is named in honor of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, former president of the Argentine Republic.


The park was designed in 1890,  It is one of the most popular places to visit, both for tourists and people from Cordoba, since you can enjoy views of the lakes, an amphitheater and the rose gardens with their exotic fonts. There is also a  area for skatingskateboarding and near the steps an area for  games for the little ones (slides, hammocks, up and down, sandpit, handrail and rings).


In the north sector, on Lugones avenue are the zoological garden and important institutions such as the Caraffa Museum, the Museum of Natural Sciences, the New Interpretation Center of the Province of Córdoba. 


In the  amphitheater (the Greek Theater) are performed public shows in the open air, as well as on the main street (Deodoro Roca) crowned by the monument to Dante Alighieri's greatest work: "The Divine Comedy". 


Around the park you will find restaurants, bars and cafes, ideal for stopping during the tour and drink something fresh accompanied by something sweet or salty to replenish energy and continue the walk.




Buy handicrafts at Paseo de Las Artes






On weekends the modern  Güemes neighborhood hosts the fair of artisans of the Paseo de las Artes ( Dr. T. Achával Rodríguez 330, street art market). The stalls line the river and sell local handicrafts, vintage clothing, traditional leather goods and Cordoba souvenirs. During the tour there are street artists playing the classics of national folklore and tango. 

 

In addition, during the walk it is possible to enjoy multiple and novel  gastronomic proposals, especially regional ones, that with ingredients from the province rescue homemade preparations and typical dishes of Córdoba.


The Paseo de las Artes is 27 years old, it is the result of a neighborhood and municipal initiative to revalue one of the most beloved and legendary areas of the city of Córdoba.





Strolling through Plaza San Martín





Each city in Argentina has a beautiful central square and the  Plaza San Martín is the case of Córdoba! Around this 400-year-old green space are  the Cabildo,  the Cathedral, several  banks, cafes and markets. The square is located in the center of Córdoba, in the downtown area, it is the place that is often used for  cultural events and exhibitions   organized by the city.


Its location was planned by Lieutenant Governor Lorenzo Suárez de Figueroa in 1577, four years after the founding of the city. 





Observe the works and sculptures of El  Museo de Bellas Artes Evita





El Museo Superior de Bellas Artes Evita is a museum next to Plaza España in the center of Córdoba (Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen 511). Located inside the  Ferreyra Palace, designed by a French architect, the museum is beautiful!  It houses 12 rooms with more than 400 works of art of the best artists from Argentina.


The Superior Museum of Fine Arts Evita - Ferreyra Palace is a must see in Córdoba Capital. Its majestic French-style construction dates back to 1916. The museum was opened in 2007 with the purpose of displaying the province's incredible collection of heritage art. This space surprises the visitor with a large central hall more than 20 meters high. Inside it has 12 permanent exhibition rooms, an auditorium, a workshop-library room and an interpretation space.  Leaving the palace, the  sumptuous garden   also invites you to walk and contemplate.





Tour the Paseo del Buen Pastor







The Paseo del Buen Pastor is a  old women's prison that is now a  cultural center. The Chapel that is inside, is currently a art center e that houses works by emerging artists. This cultural, recreational and commercial center is located in the heart of the Nueva Córdoba  neighborhood (Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen 325). It was inaugurated in 2007 by the Governor of La Sota.


It works as a meeting point and meeting point for the people of Cordoba, since it is one of the most pleasant spaces that the city has for its multi-recreational space, it also has a commercial gallery where events and exhibitions take place, there are also two restaurants, bars, shops, and a fountain of dancing waters that, thanks to its music and lighting system, becomes an attractive and highly frequented place.




Drink the traditional Cordoba drink: Fernet with coca






The Fernet with coca is synonymous with Córdoba (is also the "unofficial national drink" of the country), at the first sip it has an extremely bitter taste, then the sweet and herbaceous taste begins to feel a bit. This digestive drink of Italian origin became  one of the most popular among young Argentines during the last 30 years. 


Wherever you go for a drink in the city, you will find on the menu the famous Fernet with coca. At the beginning, I recommend you order it with a low measure of fernet so that you can enjoy it, since the people of Cordoba say that you start to enjoy it after the third or fourth glass. 


If you want to try this typical Cordoba drink, I recommend you go to the best-rated bars in Cordoba, where they serve different varieties and combinations of fernet: Sheraton Lobby BarWindsor BarFlying cent and Apartment  Bar.





Observe he World of the Eiffel Engineer





It is the indisputable symbol of the city of Córdoba, the Eiffel Wheel was an old rotating wheel made exclusively of wrought iron. It was  built in the famous workshops of the French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel. The circular structure (27 meters in diameter), was supported by interlocking axes similar to the spokes of a bicycle wheel. Eccentric and large, it contained twenty cabins with capacity for six people each cabin and it took 20 minutes to complete a complete turn.


In the 60s the wheel was installed in Parque Sarmiento, but as a result of some errors in its location and malfunctions in the 70s it stopped working and in the mid-90s it definitely collapsed. 


Just in the year 2001, reconstruction and restoration work began based on an agreement between the Municipality of Córdoba and Superpark. Although no longer turning or loading passengers on its trunks, the old "Around the World" was reopened in 2003 as an urban monument.  Despite not being commercially exploited, it currently constitutes an emblematic sculpture, an icon of the modernization process that took place in Córdoba at the beginning of the 20th century.





See the architecture of the Palace of Justice






The Palacio de Justicia de Córdoba is located in a strategic place in the center (Caseros 551), thus evidencing its age and importance. It has three floors and a basement. The access portico with a staircase and four columns of the Ionic order stands out. You can see the high relief of the frontispiece, which represents Justice.

This wonderful palace  inaugurated in 1936 with a neoclassical style was promoted by the conservative governments of Julio Argentino Roca and Ramón J. Cárcano. While the design was established by the architects José Hortal and Salvador Godoy.

Inside you can see the Hall of Lost Steps that represents in each carved figure, reasons that make history, beliefs and absolute values such as freedom and justice.

The Palace of Justice was declared a national historical monument on September 5, 1986.






The most outstanding activities to do outside the city



A few kilometers from the city you can enjoy wonderful landscapes of the mountains and lagoons. For the more adventurous there are several adventure tourism activities such as trekkingcabalgatas, rappel and mountainbikeNext you I leave the most recommended: 





Visit Villa Carlos Paz








Villa Carlos Paz is a city located in the west of the province, in the region of the Sierras de Córdoba, more precisely within the V alle de Punilla, next to the San Roque dam ( 42 kilometers from the capital ). It is one of the most important tourist centers in Córdoba during the summer (January and February), since you can enjoy its warm water beaches (Los Hippies, Oro, Fantasio, Sol and Rio), the various water sports   (windsurfing, sailing, motor sailing, jet skiing, boating), the outstanding variety of plays and fun nightclubs. 


The rest of the year the density of Low visitors, but it is also an excellent time to enjoy the  adventure tourism activities in the mountains  (hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding).


The center of Villa Carlos Paz also has its attractions throughout the day with its markets and restaurants, while at night the bars and nightclubs take center stage such as:  2 Locos,  La Trampera,  Heroes,  Clover,  Green Paradise Disco, Keops and Khalama.


A few meters from the downtown area you can go hiking, rollerblading or cycling along the  Paseo de la Costanera   on Cota 38, next to the San Roque Lake and San Antonio River. 


Another very popular spot in this city is the  Clock Giant cucú, built by Germans, located on the route to the north of the Punilla Valley (Between Av. Uruguay and Av. Sarmiento).


Another activity that families and young people really enjoy is the  chairlift ride to Cerro Cruz (960 masl), where you can appreciate a beautiful view panoramic view of the city, the lake and the mountains. 


To get to Villa Carlos Paz in  car  you have to take national route 20 for 40 minutes 42 kilometers) until the signposted entrance. If you want to go by bus, you can take them at the bus station in the center of Córdoba ( Bv. Juan Domingo Perón 380 ), where they leave during all day. Another option is to hire the tour to Villa Carlos Paz, it will allow you to visit the entire city and each of the most important points with all transfers included.




Strolling through La Cumbrecita 





This little town located in the Calamuchit valley a (Sierras Grandes) 120 kilometers from the city of Córdoba, it mixes German and mountain traditions, in an environment surrounded by forests, waterfalls, castles, streams and rivers. You can do all kinds of activities, from arborism, hiking , horseback riding, fishing and tyrolean.


In addition, La Cumbrecita stands out for its spectacular  gastronomic offer, which invites you to savor incredible German and Austrian dishes, freshly caught trout and traditional desserts from central Europe such as tiramisu and cream cakes.


Between the different walks (all are marked with their respective trails and distances in the entrance to the town of La Cumbrecita) that can be done the most outstanding are: the walk towards L to Cascada Escondida (the German settlers l they called  "Almbach", which translates as "hill stream"),  coniferous forests and deciduous trees   (oaks and holm oaks), the  underground river and the old cemetery (currently a park with a beautiful grove). 


I also recommend you visit  The Chapel, it is located at the top of the forest path, in one of the highest areas of the town. This site, like many of the buildings in the area, were designed by Helmut Cabjolsky, one of the pioneers of La Cumbrecita. It was built with materials from the area in the year   1967   with   so that it remains open to all faiths. The predominance of wood, Alpine architecture, the reduced spaces of the temple and the forest surrounding it, make it an austere place with a particular charm.


Another interesting site is La Olla, one of the  the most visited corners of the Almbach stream (a 14-meter high waterfall that falls over a pot about 5 meters deep). It is located at one end of the town and is one of the favorite spas during summer days. The channel of water that descends from the mountains, is generating unique places from which to enjoy nature in its purest form. La Olla is surrounded by a lush coniferous forest, here you will find a waterfall that slides through the rocks and falls into a deep natural pool more than 6 meters deep.


I also recommend you go through the Birch Forest (the path begins in the center of town and is marked with a sign near the office tourism), is one of the most emblematic forests of La Cumbrecita. To get there it is necessary to cross the Almbach stream over a small wooden bridge and skirt the traditional Liesbeth Confectionery. Slowly ascending the mountains you reach this beautiful forest. During spring and summer, birch is distinguished from other species by the silver color of its branches and the intense green of its leaves. But it is in the fall when this forest is most dazzling, due to the incredible variety of colors that the foliage acquires as the days go by. The abundant vegetation that surrounds it and the large rocks that come out of the stream form an ideal place to sit and rest and contemplate the surroundings.   Access to La Cascada   is done through a walk about 15 min along a path (located on route 109 a few meters from the Liesbeth confectionery) that climbs the mountains and allows you to see beautiful landscapes.


Another walk worth doing is visiting The Fountain , this  was designed by Engineer Helmut Cabjolsky.  It was built in lapacho wood in the year 1942 as a gift for the birthday of his father, the founder of La Cumbrecita. It has a bowl that stores water and is crowned by a bell that was sounded as an alarm in case of fire or emergency, alerting all the inhabitants of the town. In autumn, the background of trees that frame the fountain takes on yellow tones that make it stand out even more. To get to this fountain you have to go to the Plaza de los Pioneros one kilometer from the entrance to the town, a few meters away the fountain is signposted.


And finally, if you are looking for fun and entertainment in the heights, a highly recommended place is the El Peñon del Aguila Theme Park. Here you will be able to do quick jump (rope jumps), zip-lining, arborism, archery, hiking and rappelling. You will be surrounded by wonderful forests, giant rocks and streams during your entire stay in the park. In addition, they have sectors to eat and enjoy delicious craft beers. 


One of the most recommended ways to get to know all these places and every corner of this picturesque town is to do the La Cumbrecita Trekking excursion, will allow you with the accompaniment of a guide and the transfers included to get to know more closely the  Sierra Cordobesa, its trails, the top of Cerro Wank, the pedestrian town, the Birch Valley, the Hidden Waterfall, the Almbach stream   and many more places. 


If you come on your own  from the city you can rent a car and go for 120 kilometers (2 hours) along Provincial Route 5 to the intersection tion with the RP9, which leaves you at the entrance to the town. 

 



Trekking to Cerro Uritorco






The  Cerro Uritorco is located in the Punilla Valley, near the town of Capilla del Monte. Its name in the Quechua language means "Cerro Macho", in clear allusion to its impressive geographical presence. It is  the highest hill of the small mountain ranges with 1980 meters of height above sea level. Its ascent is done in the middle of a generous and varied vegetation, between slopes and lagoons (The total distance of the ascent and descent is 12km in approximate total 7 hours).


From its summit you have a spectacular view of Capilla del Monte, El Cajón dam and, if the weather permits, the Salinas Grandes in Córdoba. The trekking begins in the confectionery of the property (100 kilometers from the city is signposted from the RN38), where you must pay an entrance registration. As you gain unevenness, different posts invite you to rest: The post of silence, the ox hollow, the wind ravine, the valley of the spirits, among others. Reaching its summit deserves the prize of a panoramic view of the Punilla Valley and the Sierras Chicas.


Nearby there is a camping that allows you to enjoy the waters of the Calabalumba River (accessed by the oxbow hollow path). It is also possible to do other nearby trails of low difficulty, such as the path of the fig tree and the path of the Orco Quebracho, all these paths will ensure wonderful views of the mountains. For those looking for more adventure, there are two long-distance trekkings, these start from the spa and the trails are: El Dique Alazanes and Las Huertas Malas (they are circuits of more than 1 hour of hiking).





Cycling the Cuevas de Ongamira






Ongamira is a  small place located to the north del Valle de Punilla, located in a natural and rugged setting, with abundant vegetation and hidden waterfalls that invite you to adventure and rest. With 130 million years, this reddish landscape of sandstone can be visited in an interesting bicycle tour of Ongamira, where in addition to touring the area you will reach the famous  Caves of Ongamira, which constitute the Fifth Natural Wonder of the province. You can also discover the various archaeological eaves and watch condors.


During the excursion you will be able to learn in detail through a local guide, the history of the native peoples who inhabited the area (brave Indians who resisted the Spanish colonization) and the legends that haunt these caves. 


The bicycle journey is 30 kilometers and stops in wonderful places such as hidden waterfalls to rest, recharge energy and enjoy a delicious picnic or take pictures and capture unique moments. 


Ongamira is located about 120 kilometers from the city of Córdoba and about 25 kilometers from Capilla del Monte. It is reached by the Camino del Cuadrado, taking the RN 38. By bus, it is possible to get to Capilla del Monte with the company Ersa or Sarmiento and then a special service must be hired to get to Ongamira.





Hike and rappel through the Pozo del Indio







The  Pozo del Indio   is a place of pure nature  surrounded by cliffs and vegetation, It is  located in a town called Tanti which is located in Punilla (56 kilometers from the city). As its name implies, it is a well (pot) of crystalline water that comes from the nascent area of Arroyo Tanti. It has a depth close to 8 meters and was formed between a rocky crag, generating a small waterfall, which the bravest use as a natural springboard.

The excursion to Pozo del Indio is an experience worth doing, as it is carried out through a very picturesque and relaxing circuit of the Cordoba mountains and ends with a fun climb of  rappelling through the walls of the pot. 

The  walk begins from the El Diquecito Spa (the transfers take you closer to this site), it is about 5 kilometers along a rocky path of low difficulty that borders the entire Tanti stream between ascents and descents. After passing through imposing rocky walls and passing through a beautiful native forest, you will arrive at the Pozo del Indio, where you can enjoy the water, the surroundings and practice rappelling on a large stone wall that overlooks the river. 

Rappelling is a system of descent down vertical surfaces using rope techniques. In this case the guides carry everything you need such as helmets, ropes and harnesses so that you can do it with all the safety techniques.




Visit the Sierras Chicas 





The tourist area Sierras Chicas is a mountain range that is located to the Northwest of Córdoba capital. The Comechingones (original peoples) called this mountain range Viarava. It differs from the Sierras Grandes or Altas Cumbres by its lower elevation: the highest hill in the Sierras Chicas is Uritorco, at 1,979 meters above sea level. To get there from the city is accessed by the RP53 and 57 for 70 kilometers. The environment of this area is surrounded by vegetation, rivers and mountains.


The recommended places to visit are: The Natural Water Reserve (It has an area of 4,200 hectares, is composed of streams, forests and various species of fauna and flora), the Dam La Quebrada and the Parque de la Quebrada, where you can practice trekking and mountainbike, fishing and other water sports such as canoeing and windsurfing. 


Another must-see is  The Chapel of Candonga,  declared a National Historic Monument for its architecture and imposing landscapes. Here you can also enjoy a bicycle circuit that will allow you  to know the entire area that surrounds it (Candonga Valley and the Agua y Oro River).


This region also has one of the most visited cultural circuits which are the  four rooms built by the order of the Jesuits, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.


Another popular activity in the area is the horseback riding through the mountains, where in addition to enjoying wonderful landscapes, you will  learn more about the life of the gaucho , about the  elements of the mount   and, if you have no previous experience, they teach you the basics of the art of horse riding.


It is a  fun activity for all ages, from people with no previous experience to the most advanced. The excursion lasts for  11 hours, it has guides who will tell you about life in the countryside and the daily gaucho activities and the different horse handling techniques (walk, trot and gallop) that then you will apply them during the tour. This tour also includes a typical country lunch with barbecue, a snack and the different drinks and typical foods of the area.


If you are interested in learning more about this region, there is the possibility of doing the tour of the Sierras Chicas that allows you to know  together with a guide La Calera, a town that houses various historical monuments such as the   Old Chapel and the Double Mill, visit the towns that are at the foot of the Sierras Chicas, such as Saldán, Villa Allende and Unquillo. The  Cristo de Río Ceballos and La Quebrada Dam will also ascend.





Ascent to Cerro Champaquí 






It is the roof of Córdoba, located at 2,790 meters above sea level and with a fabulous 360 view from the top. The challenge is there, in sight, whether one is in Calamuchita (144km) or Traslasierra (145km). Its imposing silhouette permanently marks the landscape, as if subtly and recurrently inviting everyone to undertake the adventure of knowing it.

Until a few years ago, we reached the Champaquí was reserved almost exclusively for mountaineers and some adventurers. But this totally changed for various reasons: the inauguration in 1995 of the road to neighboring Los Linderos hill and the development of shelters with better comforts, to the point that more than  40 thousand people reach the top annually.

Along the way it is possible to visualize the native flora such as the  Tabaquillo and Maytén trees, pristine streams, granite formations and extensive  valleys. From the top you can see the Traslasierras Valley to the west and the Calamuchita Valley to the east. In general, the common people use the classic route of ascent through Villa Alpina and do it in 3 days, thus being able to have a true experience in contact with the mountain, sleeping in shelters and taking advantage of the time to connect with nature.

Although it is possible to face the ascent in a particular way, it is advisable in the absence of experience in trekking is to hire a guide authorized by Tourism of Córdoba and be part of a group of expeditionaries. If you have enough experience to do it on your own, here are the  four ways to reach the top:


-By Villa Alpina: This path (Located at the entrance and signposted "Cerro Champaquí) is the main access and begins through a footprint within a pine forest.  Mountaineers usually venture for 3 days which is the ideal schedule. The first day, the hike ends at the base of the hill on the banks of the Tabaquillo River , It is possible to spend the night in shelters or tents. On the second day you will reach the summit and return to the camp. While on the third day you will start the return. The difficulty is moderate, there are 42 kilometers in total. To get there by car  to Villa Alpina from the city is 120 kilometers by provincial route 5.

-By Borders: This path is ideal for those who do not want to do so much hiking, since  a long stretch is done by car. There are 42 kilometers of gravel road to the edge of the mountain heading west. Upon reaching the Cerro Linderos, a 45-minute walk is undertaken along a signposted path (Champaquí) to the top of “Champa”. To get to the path in Linderos to begin the ascent, you have to go from the city 164 kilometers along the RP5, then follow all the signs that indicate Camino al Cerro Los Linderos.

-By 3 Trees: To get there, you must travel 24 kilometers from Villa Yacanto (146 km) to access 3 trees, along the same path that leads to Linderos. It is a good option for those who want to beat the unevenness, since the position is at 2250 meters above sea level. The beauty of the landscape stands out, where various streams must be circumvented between large ravines. The circuit can be done in 2 days, the difficulty is moderate  and the total trekking distance is 30 kilometers . 

-Por el Hueco: A very  good option for adventure fans , we start from the town of Los Molles (183km from the city) along the "Champa" path.  The unevenness is steep and that implies a significant challenge. Along the way ( 28km), it is possible to see an abundance of Tabaquillo trees.  The circuit can be done in 2 or 3 days  and the views towards traslasierras are impressive. Attention: to rest during the tour there is a mountain refuge 10 kilometers before reaching the summit.







Tour the Jesuit Estancias 








In the period of time between  1599, year of the arrival of the Jesuits to Córdoba, and 1767, when the expulsion of the order by King Carlos III took place, the Society of Jesus established a unique sociocultural system in Hispanic America, which marked the development of the province.

The Jesuit Estancias are an essential architectural heritage within the tourist offer of Córdoba.   UNESCO declared them a World Heritage Site in 2000 , recognizing the exceptional heritage and historical values that these constructions represent.

The  "Path of the Jesuit Estancias"   constitutes a tourist-cultural itinerary that allows you to discover and learn about the heritage values and world importance of these historical places, associated with landscapes, traditions and customs that mark the identity of Córdoba.

In this way, the tourist proposal that encompasses this attraction is made up of: the Jesuit Block in the city of Córdoba and the  Estancias de Caroya (1616), Jesús María (1618 ), Santa Catalina (1622) and La Candelaria (1678). 


- Santa Catalina:   On the way to Ascochinga there is the Estancia de Santa Catalina, whose organization was started by the Jesuits from 1622.  It is the largest architectural complex built by the Company outside of the city of Córdoba.

In this ranch, the Jesuits dedicated themselves to planting fruit trees. Already in 1740, they built the house-room and a new winery, where the “Lagrimilla de oro” was born, the first wine of the viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata that, according to the documents, was served at the king's table .

Over the years,  stood out as a large agricultural production center   (with thousands of head of cattle, sheep and mule) and by the obraje with its looms and rigging. In turn, its blacksmith shop, carpentry, fulling mill, and its system with two mills and the underground conduction of the water that came from Ongamira, several kilometers away, was renowned.

Together with a local guide, it is possible to visit it and discover how it preserves its own design from the 17th and 18th centuries. In addition, it can be seen a monumental Church, which has an imposing façade of two towers and a curvilinear finish in its central body. Next to the church are: the small cemetery, preceded by a portal and the residence, with three patios, attached premises and a vegetable garden.

Separated from the main body of the estancia, we can find the novitiate and the ranchería. The hydraulic system and the remains of the furnaces are added.

How to get there:   from Córdoba Capital, you can go to Jesús María by RN 9. From there, you have to take the road that goes to Ascochinga. After 7 or 8 kilometers, you will find a detour to the right, which leads to Santa Catalina.


- La Candelaria:   is  located in the town of  Cruz del Eje (230 kilometers from the city of Córdoba on the RN20) . In ancient times it belonged to the family of Captain García de Vera y Mujica, and was donated to the Jesuits in 1673 and turned into a focus of agricultural production by the religious.

Its name was  inspired by the Virgen de las Candelas , and it reached an area of 300,000 hectares. One of the peculiarities of this work is that the shape of its helmet resembles that of a traditional fort, to face the resistance of the native peoples to the colonization process.

In 1767, when the King of Spain ordered the expulsion of the Jesuits, the estancia was divided into different properties. Later, in 1941, the chapel sector and the houses were declared a National Historic Landmark. Later, it was bought by the Government of Córdoba in 1982, to preserve it as a cultural heritage. Finally, in 2000 it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Currently, visitors can take a tour of the church and find a wood carving of the Virgen de la Candelaria, in addition to contemplating the residence, the patio, the work site, the corrals and the remains of the hydraulic system: the dam, the irrigation channels and the mill.


-Caroya:  About  50 kilometers from the city of Córdoba   settles La Estancia Caroya. It is the first rural establishment organized by the Society of Jesus, in the year 1616. 

When visiting it, it is possible to discover its three historical stages . Destined to support educational activities in the Capital, in 1661 Ignacio Duarte Quirós acquired it to donate it to the National School of Monserrat, as a summer residence for his students. Over time, after the Jesuits were expelled, it became the headquarters of the first knife factory established during the War of Independence.

A few years later It passed into the hands of the national State, to finally become the residence of the first contingent of Friulian immigrants, who arrived in 1878, who were the founders of the town of Colonia Caroya.

The estancia preserves its colonial structure and residential architecture. Inside, it is composed of a central courtyard in the cloister and the Chapel. In addition, it has a perchel, the cutwater, remains of the mill and the ditches, and a fifth. During the visit, tours of the property can be made, in which the visitor can learn about the productive and technical systems used by the Jesuits.

How to get there:  from the city of Córdoba, take the RN 9 and then continue on the R E66. It is located a few blocks from the Colonia Caroya Tourist Office or through a  tour of the estancia with guide and transfers included.


-Jesús María:  Built in 1618, the Estancia de Jesús María, today the National Jesuit Museum is one of the must-see places to visit in this enclave of northern Cordoba.  Dedicated to wine production, it was the second productive nucleus of the system organized by the Society of Jesus.

The Estancia de Jesús María se It is located just 4 kilometers north of the Estancia de La Caroya, always following National Route 9 in the province of Córdoba. 

During the tour you go to discover the old Jesuit estancia (church, residence and winery, as well as the remains of ancient os molinos, perchel y tajamar). 

One of the most practical ways to know all these stays in one day and with transfers from the city of Córdoba, is through the excursion of the Jesuit ranches .







Taste wines in the wineries of Colonia Caroya 






Colonia Caroya is a  city in the north of the province of Córdob a, is located in the department of Colón, on RN 9 about 53 kilometers from the city. Caroya is a linear city, crossed by Avenida San Martín, a 9-kilometer long artery covered with Spanish plane trees (the longest in the country).

Colonia Caroya It is characterized by its own elaboration of sweets, preserves, craft beers, sausages (cured meats, codeguines, salami, jamone), alfajores, pastries, bakery, honey and aromatics, but the production that attracts a large number of visitors due to its excellent quality and extensive history is the wine production.

The Society of Jesus began production of wine in the first decades of the seventeenth century, mainly to supply the demand for their properties, but also to trade. This pre-royal industry flourished until the middle of the 18th century, when the Jesuit Order was expelled from the territories of the Spanish Crown.

More than a century must have passed until In  1878 a strong migratory wave of Italian origin settled in the area , rescuing the old plantations from oblivion and providing new knowledge and machinery arrived from Europe. This first contingent, brought by Nicolás Avellaneda, founded the current city. The workforce and the unwavering determination of the "gringos" forged an important productive activity, which was maintained despite the economic and political vicissitudes that the country suffered throughout its history.

The most recognized wineries in the area are:  Bodega Cayorense, Terra Camiare, Don Coco Blanco (highlighted by its white wines - chardonnay and sauvignon blanc) and Schiavoni (a family farm of just 1.5 hectares, characterized by its homemade reds and fruit trees). 

Yes you are interested  visiting the most outstanding wineries in the area I recommend you do it with the Wine Roads tour in Colonia Caroya. It is a   private tour that will allow you  to know the origins of the  wine industry in the province of Córdoba. Throughout the tour, you will have the possibility to visit 2 wineries. The first one is the  Bodega Cayorense, located in the center of the city, it is one of the oldest and one of the founders in favoring the development of viticulture in the province. Its quality is highly recognized and was awarded several times.

On the other hand, they will visit the  Terra Camiare Winery, which was born with the arrival of immigrants and stands out for applying the best technology in wine production. It also seeks to revalue the history of the original establishment where it is located and it is a family space, where you will taste the best wines of the region.

In both cases, they will be received by  professional guides   or even by the  winery owners   who will tell you about of its  history and the processes used for vine harvesting and wine production. During the one-hour tour, will visit the vineyards and the factory to finish with a delicious  tasting of 3 varietals of wines produced locally.

It should be noted that the  wine production in Córdoba is in a development stage   and its charm is that it has  bodegas boutiques   and not so industrial, striking for their  artisan production and family care,  achieving a  unique and exclusive experience.






Swimming in the Natural Reserve Los Cajones de El Durazno







One of The favorite attractions in El Durazno (Calamuchita Valley) is the  Los Cajones Nature Reserve, a site surrounded by vegetation  where you can do long walks  hiking, discovering rivers, waterfalls and forest. It is a place to relax and spend the night in a camping or  cabin available ( Camping El Durazno,  Kalahuasi,  Rundun Cabins ). 


To get there to the reserve you have to go for 2 kilometers along the path (Los Cajones), this is located signposted at the entrance to El Durazno. Upon reaching the reserve, you can see these "drawers" that hide  pots up to 7 meters deep and an enveloping tranquility that invites you to enjoy the sound of the river, its waterfalls, its flowers and its views. 


To get to Los Cajones nature reserve -El Durazno (only by car) from Córdoba Capital, you have to go 138 kilometers along the RP5 (approximately 3 hours).





Trekking through the Quebrada del Condorito






The Quebrada National Park of the Condor ito is located  85 kilometers west of the city  and in the center of the Córdoba mountains. This national park was created in 1996. It is considered the third natural wonder of Córdoba. It has an area of 37,344 hectares. The first inhabitants to frequent these plateaus were the Comechingones 11000 years ago, they established temporary camps to hunt large mammals such as the guanaco and the pampas deer.


The creek that gives its name to the area is  a deep canyon almost 800 meters deep from whose upper edges you can observe the flight of the Andean condors. This site is not for breeding, but the adults take their young there when they have the ability to fly, so that they learn to look for food in their adult life. Censuses indicate that the population of these birds remains stable and 100 condors are estimated in this creek.


During the trekking in Quebrada del Condorito It is also very likely that  you can spot guanacos, peccaries, jaguars  and tucos serranos   (Ctenomys pundti). Currently, the main fauna consists (in addition to the condors that give the park its name) of  pumas, peregrine falcons, foxes of the culpeo and jotes species and endemic species   such as the toad, the frog, the green lizard and the striped snake. 


For those who want to add more adventure to this tour, I recommend the Expedition to the South Balcony of the Quebrada del Condorito National Park,  is a circuit (9 hours)   ideal for lovers of the environment, in addition to seeing fly to the juvenile condors and their nests, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Tabaquillos Forest, visit the Pampa Pajosa camping area and descend to the Condorito River, known for its clean and rushing waters.


Another magical place within the Park is the Cascada Cinco Chorros, can be reached from the signposted path (2 hours walk) next to the Visitor Center at the entrance to the National Park. As mentioned, its name is a waterfall composed of small jets of water, it is surrounded by rock walls and there are deep holes , where you can take a dip. 


Quebrada del Condorito Park is open from Thursday to Monday and on national holidays. The entrance is enabled between 9 am and 11 am, while the exit is from 4 pm to 6 pm.





Fly paragliding, hang gliding or light aircraft through the mountains







If you like activities extreme and enjoy the adrenaline of flying through the air, a  a few kilometers from the city of Córdoba   you will be able to experience it at the  aerodrome  located in The  Paraje Los Cedros about 20 kilometers away.  From the capital you have to go for 25 minutes along Provincial Route 5.

Before starting a safety talk is given, d Where will you learn to use the equipment according to the type of activity you choose:

-Aladelta:   It is carried out a motorized hang gliding flight, which is totally safe since the instructor is in charge of the commands and the motor. Depending on the air currents you will be able to climb from 300 to 500 meters! It is an incredible way to have another perspective of the mountains and the city.

-Paragliding:   Together with an instructor who is find behind you they will  launch themselves from a very steep slope with a parachute deployed and little by little they will make a controlled descent until they touch the ground. The air currents make you float in the air while from the height you see a beautiful panorama.

-Flight in a plane:   A plane awaits you at the aerodrome to start a 15 to 20 minute ride above the mountains, it allows you to see the entire environment of the mountains and the city in the distance.

All activities are carried out in tandem, that is, always with a professional instructor by our side.






Make the Wine Trail in the Valle de Calamuchita 








The  Cala Valley muchita is located in the center of the province (80 km southwest of Córdoba Capital, interconnected by provincial routes 5 and national 36). This  region stands out for combining good gastronomy with the mountain landscape and a Central European architecture influenced by the arrival of immigrants. It is an ideal destination for nature tourism but there is also a great development of the wine industry, where tastings of the different varietals are offered in outstanding boutique wineries.

To take a good tour of the most outstanding wineries of the Calamuchita Valley, I recommend doing it with the wine tour Calamuchita, since you have the Transfer to each winery and you have the follow-up of a professional guide or even by the owners, who will tell you about their history and the processes used for the harvest of the vine and the production of the wine. 

The wineries that you are going to visit are the most recognized: Famiglia Furfaro Finca Vista Grande and  Finca Atos. In all of them you can tour the facilities and taste the wines.  Famiglia Furfaro is recognized for the distinction of its wines, since it has a very careful production process where they use the latest technology and is continuously controlled by specialists. The area where it is located is free of agrochemicals, therefore,  healthier and more natural wines are made.

Finca Vista Grande, has a very interesting origin since it began as a  small vineyard and due to its great repertoire, it ended up getting involved in the productive field. For its part, Finca Atos makes wines following an old and artisanal technique, it is a family business that managed to overcome all the obstacles that arose when wanting to install a vineyard. Their objective is to produce healthy and balanced wines respecting their variety. 






Trekking to the Cuevas de los Gigantes








This is a unique activity for  lovers of nature and hiking!  You will be able to visit some of the  most beautiful caves located within the Los Gigantes massif, a spectacular  mountainous system that marks the beginning of the Sierras Grandes Cordobesas with a height of d e 2,400 masl   and a geological formation of more than 600 million years.

The great rocky walls and the countless watercourses that outcrops to the surface were transformed with erosion into various caves and waterfalls that can be explored and that are recognized locally as El Pollito, El Hornito, Los Birds, La Salamanca and El Indio, you can also observe   a great amount of plant and animal species that adapted to the altitude. 

In addition to being able to travel and take refuge in the caves, during this trekking you I recommend staying until the afternoon to enjoy the sunset among the mountains and spot the  condors  that at that time are returning to their rear after a whole day of hunting. 

To start the trekking of the Giants it is necessary to go from the city to La Rotonda Post (84 kilometers along the RN20 and RP28), here only s e can be reached by renting a car or with a excursion to the Cave of the Giants which includes transfers and guide. From La Rotonda you have to take the signposted path "Cerro La Cruz", a path surrounded by rocks, you will also find several caves such as El Pollito (it takes that name because of its "chick" shape), De la Salamanca, De los Birds, the Hornito and finally La Cruz.



Visit the town of Cerro Colorado 







The Cerro Colorado   known for its reddish and ocher colors is one of the most outstanding sites in Córdoba for its incredible archaeological legacy, it forms  one of the most outstanding pictorial centers of rock art in the country.

This is how the first magnet that this town has are its hundreds of eaves with more than 35000 representations of the sanavirón and comechingón peoples up to 2000 years old. 

This reserve It comprises about  3000 hectares   and was declared  National Historic Monument, it is one of the ideal plans to visit with the family, in order to learn more about the culture prehispanic of the province. 

During the tour you can visit the area of the Los Tártagos river and Los Molles stream. Also on the way it is recommended to visit the  Our Lady of Guadalupe Church , simple and picturesque with a striking facade made with carved stones.

Another of the obligatory stops is  the Atahualpa Yupanqui house museum. It was here that the singer-songwriter chose to live and today, his former residence is a museum that commemorates his artistic career. It is possible to visit it on the guided tours that take place every day. A safety pin? From the garden of his old house there is a  "El Silencio" path,  a natural path that Atahualpa used to walk to get inspired by his songs. A tip: pay attention to the sides of the road, on the stones there are phrases and stanzas of their songs embodied.

Another interesting point of this town are the festivities on the hill , these are repeated every year. In February, the patron saint festivities are held in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The first week of May the death of Yupanqui is commemorated and at Easter the Via Crucis is performed. Then in August the tribute to the Pachamama takes place and in November the “yupanquian horseback riding”.

To get to Cerro Colorado there are several means, the most recommended is to do the excursion to the cultural and natural reserve "Colorado" with all the transfers and guide included or  rent a car and go for two hours along national route 9 north until the intersection with the RP21. Another alternative is to take the bus  Fono Bus at the city's bus terminal that leaves you in the reservation entry.





Trekking to Cerro Mogote







The  Cerro Mogote is the  highest point of the Los Gigantes Massif, it is located at 2300 meters above sea level. It is considered a paradise for trekkers and adventurers for its countless trails and climbing sectors. The ascent to its summit can take around  5 hours (15 kilometers), taking into account that it is a challenge with a medium/high difficulty.

To begin the ascent it is necessary to take the  Sendero Norte which is located at the Casas Nuevas Post (84 kilometers from the city).   During the trek you will go through streams, caves, valleys and large rocky slopes that surround the area of Valle de los Refugios, the slope of the Caracoles and Cerro la Bola. 

Upon reaching the base of Cerro Mogote, you will find the  Nores Refuge and the Cueva de los Pobres , it is an interesting rock formation that gives shelter to the highest of the massif, after taking a break you will have the last meters, where you surely need to help yourself with your hands since it is a fairly rocky and steep part. 

If the day is with you with a clear sky, you can enjoy incredible views of the Pocho Volcanoes, Cerro Champaquí and the western slope of the Sierras Grandes. 

To get to the Sendero Norte, starting point of the excursion, you can do it renting a car and going for 2 hours on the RN20 and RP28 or the most practical, is to hire the trekking to Cerro Mogote, where you not only have the transfers and guide included but also the meals during the ascent.





When to visit Córdoba



There is no better time of year to visit Córdoba because you can do it whenever you want, each season has its charm. But keep in mind that  between October and April (summer), rainfall is more abundant and the temperature is higher ( average maximum is 31 ° C and minimum of 17 ° C ). Between May and September (winter), rainfall is minimal, but the temperature drops a lot and there are areas near the mountains where it usually snows ( 19 ° C maximum and 4 ° C for minimum). 





How get to Córdoba







To get to Córdoba there are  Several alternatives, you can do it by  plane, bus or renting a car, all the ways are accessible and the routes are in perfect condition. Below I detail each of the ways:


- By plane:  The Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport is located 11.5 kilometers from the center of the city of Córdoba. It is the second most important airport in the country for the arrival of international flights  and a very large number of domestic flights. It currently offers direct connectivity with 16 national destinations: Buenos Aires (1 hour and 30 minutes by flight), Salta, Iguazú, Resistencia, San Miguel de Tucumán, San Salvador de Jujuy, Mendoza, Neuquén, Comodoro Rivadavia, San Carlos de Bariloche, Ushuaia , Calafate, Posadas, Mar del Plata, Rosario and Bahía Blanca.


- By car: Córdoba has good connections by route from several Argentine towns. National Route No. 9 connects the city with the Federal Capital, while National Route No. 19 offers a link with Santa Fe, Paraná and Entre Ríos. If you travel from Buenos Aires to Córdoba it is approximately 700 kilometers, so  renting a car   you will have a trip of 8 hours.


-Bus: This destination can also be reached from all the cities of Argentina through the different long distance bus companies ( Arrow Bus,  Urquiza,  Chevallier,  Singer and  The Valley ).  The  Terminal de Ómnibus  of the City of Córdoba consists of two connected buildings. It is located in the Nueva Córdoba neighborhood, near the city center. It is the largest bus terminal in Argentina.


A trip by bus from Retiro (Buenos Aires) takes approximately 7 hours and ends at the New Bus Terminal in the city (Av. Antártida Argentina, Calle 10 and Buenos Aires). Several companies cover this route daily in equipped vehicles, with food on board and bathrooms.


-Train:   The option to travel by train is from Retiro (Buenos Aires) to the Miter Railway Station in Córdoba, it takes approximately 15 hours, the service is not offered every day of the week, but it is the cheapest way to travel. arrive, and the price of the ticket varies according to the class that is selected. To know the hours and days available you can enter the  website.



If you want to know more about  excursions,  accommodation and all the information about  Córdoba,  contact us.










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