Córdoba, Argentina, is not the first place North American students consider for their study abroad program. While the city itself is a bustling, modern metropolis, it is also the gateway to great outdoor adventures and fun, interesting small towns. You can fill your weekends with memorable experiences that few Americans ever have.
Argentina is home to beautiful and varied terrain, colonial-era estates (estancias), and great food, such as its famous barbecues (asados).
Here are some of our students’ favorite places to visit outside of the city:
La Cumbre
This highland village is easily accessible from Córdoba via Argentina’s excellent bus system (currently, the fare is less than US $10). Small towns like La Cumbre are great places to meet locals and soak up the culture. Some activities that you can do in La Cumbre:
- Hiking (such as to the massive Cristo Redentor statue)
- Paragliding
- Horseback riding
- Visit a local estancia
Punilla Valley
Given the complexity of this visit – a 2-hour drive and multiple stops – we recommend one of the local tour companies’ package deals. You will find most Argentines on these tours, which are great ways to meet others and practice your Spanish.
These tours offer a great way to see small-town life in the interior of Argentina.
Some places to see on your tour include Utirorco Mountain, San Roque Dam, local/folkloric music performances, and villages such as Los Cocos.
Alta Gracia
This town is another one that’s easily accessible by a cheap bus; the trip from the city is less than an hour.
This charming town is known for two main attractions: an excellent museum at the site of a large Jesuit estate and one of revolutionary Che Guevara’s childhood homes.
In addition, there are lakeside cafes and local estancias for authentic food and adventures.
La Cumbrecita
This lovely small highlands town is a favorite tourist destination. It is located within the Sierra Grande range in the Calamuchita Valley.
You can hike to local areas of natural beauty, such as waterfalls (La Cascada Escondida or La Cascada Grande) or a cool pond (La Olla). Or you can take the excursion from town to the underground river.
Beyond this area’s beautiful nature, there’s a small amusement park called the Peñón del Aguila, or you could seek respite at La Capilla de Cumbrecita.
Traslasierra Valley
This sunny valley is on the Camino de las Altas Cumbres and offers unique opportunities to experience rural Argentine life. It includes the villages of Mina Clavero and Nono. You can hike to waterfalls and check out the great local food scene. There are also horseback riding tours to experience mountain trails and beautiful scenery.
Argentina awaits you for an unforgettable experience. Córdoba provides a great place to combine a South American city with outdoor adventures and quaint villages.
Reach out to us at [email protected] for any questions you may have.
