Three Valleys that You Shouldn’t miss on a Trip to Córdoba
Sierras are the protagonists. Hiking is an ideal alternative for touring the area. There are gastronomy offers, rivers, dams, mountains, and bathing sites. Enjoying the valleys of Córdoba is a must if you visit the province. Which are they and what to see in each one of them?
Argentina’s heart beats loudly because the province located in the middle of its chest is none other than Córdoba. Endless natural beauty, history and a fascinating culture are some features present in the different regions that make up the 165,321 square kilometres of the country's second most inhabited province. Leaving aside its famous drink, Fernet, and the unmistakable accent of the people from Córdoba, nature flourishes all throughout the region.
Three valleys dazzle with rivers, lakes, mountains, tradition and dreamy corners. They hide remote stories in their villages, luxury gastronomy among the locals and natural treasures in the sierras. Three valleys stand out with unmissable options designed to make the most of your visit to Córdoba:
Traslasierra Valley
To the west of the city of Córdoba, Traslasierra Valley imposes itself with wild and rocky landscapes; reservoirs; rivers to cool off in hot weather; green forests; mountain ranges; and villages full of stories. Hiking is one of the favourite activities in this unique natural setting, which is also paired with water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking, rowing, and canoeing. Which are the towns comprising the valley and should not be missed on the travel itinerary? Mina Clavero, home to one of the seven Natural Wonders of Argentina, is the destination with the largest number of watercourses in Córdoba. It is crossed by three rivers and countless streams. Mina Clavero River, which rises in Altas Cumbres hill, forms a path through native flora and fauna. There are also rocks acting as stepping stones, bathing places, lots of greenery and sand. There is no doubt why it has been awarded the title of Natural Wonder. Besides, Nono offers extensive beaches on Chico River, the most famous one is Los Remansos. And La Paz, San Javier, Yacanto and Villa Dolores wrap up the route among Córdoba sierras.
In addition, the valley is home to the Quebrada del Condorito National Park, which is an area full of native flora and fauna, grasslands, high altitude forests and trekking trails. The viewpoints are dreamlike, the views are only getting better while Córdoba reveals one of its most beautiful faces.
Punilla Valley
Travelling one hour from the capital city of Córdoba is enough to reach this valley painted in green. This astonishing place among the sierras has rivers, waterfalls, bathing places and perfect trails to get to know the area on foot and soak up its beauty in its purest state. Villa Carlos Paz is, without a doubt, the unmissable destination of the valley. Thousands of tourists come to its rivers in summer (from December to March) to enjoy the flowing water and to rest in San Roque Lake. It is also famous for being the epicentre of the Argentinian Rally, which takes place every year.
Other main towns within Punilla Valley are La Falda, where is the bathing place Siete Cascadas; Cosquín, home to the popular National Folklore Festival and Cosquín Rock Festival; Huerta Grande, a place to visit the private Naguan Tica Reserve for hiking, bird watching and exploring the ancient Comechingones native people’s caves; La Cumbre, a village for wine tasting in a vineyard; and Capilla de Monte, the site for investigating the mystique of the great Cerro Uritorco hill, known to be an energy area linked to UFO sightings.
On the other hand, 25 kilometres away from Capilla del Monte, is the fifth Natural Wonder of the province: the Caves of Ongamira. Its archaeological value is the cave paintings of the ancient settlers of the area.
Calamuchita Valley
The third valley of Córdoba has everything it takes to relax and enjoy: alpine features in its constructions; activities to enjoy the exuberant nature; reservoirs for water sports and dreamy mountain landscapes. Villa General Belgrano is one of the most attractive places in Calamuchita Valley. It is always full of tourists due to its traditional festivities such as the Beer Festival or the Viennese Dough Festival. Besides, it offers hiking trails in Pozo Verde Municipal Nature Reserve; Quebrada de la Zarzamora hill; Cerro Mirador hill; Cerro de la Virgen hill; and Pico Alemán hill. Which is the common element in all of them? The stunning panoramic views.
Santa Rosa de Calamuchita is also a perfect place when it comes to natural postcards. There are beaches to lie down; viewpoints such as Balcón de Santa Mónica, where you can gaze at the highest point in Córdoba, Cerro Champaquí hill; and horseback riding. Only half an hour away by car, it is Los Reartes. Here it is Los Molinos Dam, a perfect place for kayaking and cycling around the area. And 37 kilometres away, is the only pedestrian village in all of Argentina: La Cumbrecita. It is a magical place, which seems to be taken from a fairy tale, and is one of the region's favourite destinations. Some activities available at La Cumbrecita are: going on the wild trails of Abedules Forrest; swimming in La Olla, a natural pool with more than 6 metres deep; trekking to reach the Cascada Grande waterfall; and walking uphill of Cerro Wank hill.
If you are looking for a water alternative full of adrenaline, you can visit El Salto. What's special about it? The access has only one condition: you have to put on diving equipment, because the village is submerged in the depths of the dam. With goggles on, you can see old houses, a church, a bridge, and even an old power plant from 1914.