Region Information

Córdoba, a transitional province between the Andes and the pampas, is a very popular destination for Argentine tourists but much less frequently visited by foreigners. Excluding Patagonia, it lies on the virtual centre of the country. Most of the province is agricultural, but its major attractions are the city of Córdoba and its mountainous hinterland, the sierras of Córdoba. Many of the features in this province appeal to conventional tastes, but newly paved roads have improved the access to other possibilities off the beaten track. Historical attractions are especially abundant, diverse, and appealing.

The City of Córdoba: The capital of the province holds a special place in colonial and modern Argentine history. It is the second city in Argentina and a longtime rival of Buenos Aires for political, economic, and cultural supremacy. From the early 17th century, its churches and universities were among the best ones in Latin America, while Buenos Aires languished at the end of the circuitous mercantile supply route of Spain. Today, it remains one of the most important industrial centres in Argentina, especially important as the heart of the Argentine automotive industry. The city has about one million inhabitants and lies on 400m above sea level at the foot of the Sierra Chica. San Martin Square is its urban nucleus, with most colonial attractions within a few blocks.

The Sierras of Córdoba: The geologically complex sierras, consisting of three longitudinal ranges, reach heights up to 2,800m, stretch 500km from north to south, and separate the pampas from the Andes. The sierras give birth to several east-flowing rivers, prosaically named Primero (First), Segundo (Second), Tercero (Third), Cuarto (Fourth), and hundreds of small towns can be found. In the northeast of the province, the Primero river drains into the Mar Chiquita lagoon, a shallow inland sea. The attractions of the sierras range from reservoirs, artificial sandy beaches, summer resorts like Villa Carlos Paz to more sedate places like Cumbrecita. Horseback riding is as popular as hiking on one of the many mountain trails. Some very good and sometimes exclusive accommodation can be found in one of the many beautiful estancias (farmhouses).