Cordoba is Argentina's second-largest city and one of South America's most fascinating yet underrated destinations. Located in the geographic center of the country, this university metropolis of 1.5 million people combines extraordinary colonial heritage with a vibrant young culture that makes Buenos Aires look stuffy by comparison. The surrounding Sierras de Cordoba offer crystal-clear rivers, alpine villages, craft breweries and some of the best hiking in Argentina, all within an hour of the city center. The Jesuit Block and Estancias, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, represent a unique testimony to the Jesuit missions in South America.
Essential Facts
- Location: Central Argentina, 700 km northwest of Buenos Aires
- Airport: Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella (COR), flights from BA in 1h20min
- Climate: Temperate with dry season; 64F (18C) annual average
- Best time: Spring (Sep-Nov) and fall (Mar-May)
- Daily budget: USD 60-120 per person (accommodation + meals + activities)
- UNESCO: Jesuit Block and Estancias (declared 2000)
- Language: Spanish (English spoken in tourist areas)
The Sierras: Nature at Its Finest
The Sierras de Cordoba are Argentina's most visited domestic tourism destination, drawing over 8 million visitors annually. Three mountain ranges running north-south create a diverse landscape of green valleys, crystal rivers, waterfalls and charming villages. Villa Carlos Paz, on the shores of Lake San Roque, is the gateway to the sierras and Argentina's summer theater capital. La Cumbrecita is a car-free village with Bavarian architecture, hiking trails and artisanal chocolate shops. Villa General Belgrano, founded by German immigrants, hosts Argentina's Oktoberfest and has over 15 craft breweries.
The Traslasierra Valley on the western side of the mountains features Mina Clavero with its natural swimming pools carved in granite by crystal-clear rivers. The Altas Cumbres road connecting both sides of the sierras is one of Argentina's most spectacular scenic drives, reaching 2,000 meters with access to Quebrada del Condorito National Park where Andean condors can be observed soaring over an 800-meter-deep canyon.
Jesuit Heritage: UNESCO World Heritage
The Jesuit Block in central Cordoba includes the Church of the Company of Jesus (with a unique inverted ship-hull wooden ceiling), the National University of Cordoba (Argentina's oldest, founded 1613) and the Monserrat College. Six Jesuit Estancias in the province complete the UNESCO designation. Alta Gracia is the most visited estancia and also houses the Che Guevara Museum, where the revolutionary spent his childhood. Guided tours are available with Civitatis for USD 44.