Córdoba and Horse riding —Unmissable Destinations to Visit on Horse

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Córdoba is one of the favourite destinations to enjoy with our equestrian companions. That’s because of the land’s trails, history, fauna, and even people’s contagious joy that entices world travellers on a daily basis. The home to Fernet, cuarteto, and colossal hills is worth visiting on horses. There are more than enough landscapes, but which are the best for this kind of activity?

1.Pampa de Oláen

Pampa de Oláen is a natural spectacle located in the Punilla department, specifically in La Falda. There are several alternatives for horse-riding excursions, and the best part is that all of them include a gastronomical stop to enjoy local suggestions. On the one hand, there are four-hour-long options with the possibility of guided excursions around Córdoba’s famous sierras. On the other hand, some journeys are organised once a month and last up to two days. The latter starts in Pampa de Olaén and finishes, depending on the circuit, at the foot of Cuchi Corral, a hill with amazing views and travellers’ most frequent choice to do outdoor activities. It is also known for its paragliding flights that draw tourists across the globe.

Another must-visit place in the area is Cascada de Oláen, highly recommended for those looking to awaken their senses while surrounded by nature. If you are sportier, you can go hiking on La Banderita mountain or bike down the territory up to Mirador del Cuadrado. 

2. La Cumbrecita 

This is the only pedestrian town in Argentina! Yes. Believe it or not, this urban centre does not allow cars or motorised vehicles. So, covering it on foot or a horse is an obstacle-free experience. Riders can choose different levels of difficulty. They can ride through the village and skirt Río del Medio river banks, or go wild and get into the Sierras Grandes and gaze at extraordinary views of the valley and the surroundings. Every option is perfect because all roads lead to a wonderful experience. 

Did you know? This area was designated a Natural Reserve for Multiple Uses to foster its preservation. Some of the most outstanding attractions are the historic chapel, the waterfalls, and the Wank hill. Photo safaris, trekking, and walks are also offered!

3. Alta Gracia 

Professional guides, four-legged friends, and film-like landscapes. Alta Gracia is another great destination for horse-riding journeys. Of course, there are options for all levels, as always. You can choose a two-or-three-hour ride that goes through local history and past Hornilla Jesuítica and Primer Paredón in Estancia Jesuítica; or go for a day-long journey with longer circuits that goes around Cerro Chato (the highest mountain in the area) and past the Los Molinos dike. The best part of this alternative suitable for brave people is that it includes the Argentinian ritual: a great asado made by locals! 

4.La Cumbre 

Suggestions are not only for some hours: some rides skirt Pintos river, and, for enthusiasts, some offer the possibility of spending a starry night nested by the sierras. Actually, excursions under the full moon’s light are organised every month. Of course, there are also shorter versions that go through pastures, brooks, and equally beautiful landscapes.

What’s more, La Cumbre has a golf club of 18 holes that welcomes keen travellers from all over the world. There is a winery and a vineyard for Argentinian wine lovers and a lavender plantation, Domaine de Puberclair, which creates a purple flowery scenery —ideal for photography-loving travellers!

5.Santa Rosa de Calamuchita

It is just among Sierras Chicas and Sierras Grandes, only 100 kilometres from the capital, and it is the most populated city in Valle de Calamuchita. Its mountainous landscapes resolve into stunning views that only get better on horses. There are classic tours around the coast of Santa Rosa river, and adventures around the Sierras Chicas change for those looking for something more challenging. Regardless of what travellers choose, nature is always the rule. Moreover, horse ridings are organised on some full moon evenings, including a bonfire and food al disco combo (a very common cooking process in Argentina and Córdoba). 

There are more than enough outdoor options: walks, fishing activities, 4x4 vehicle adventures, and guided excursions, among many other touristic alternatives. Hey, mountain bike followers! You can bike up to the Reserva Natural de la Cascada and be rewarded with a six-metre-high waterfall. Now, if you want to relax with superb views, the coast is the most chosen location without any doubt, especially in summer. 

6. La Paquita

The original horse-riding proposal is well maintained in the recently named Ansenuza National Park, especially in the lovely city of La Paquita. It’s a rural ride of an hour and a half that finishes in the Mar Chiquita lagoon coast. The tour constantly reveals wild landscapes, the hill fauna, and a great variety of birds. The views are a nature’s gift and are even enhanced when the sun goes down. In fact, it is said that one of the world’s best sunsets can be seen here. Could this be true? I bet there’s nothing better than experiencing it to confirm it. 

Of course, apart from horses, the area is great for bird watching (more than 300,000 flamingos live in the park), hiking, and sailing down the Mar Chiquita lagoon waters.