Traslasierras Valley, Comechingones Mountain and Calamuchita Valley

​​At the foot of the mountains, this is the capital city of the province of Córdoba and one of the most important cities in Argentina. With different categories of accommodation and complete services, it boasts parks and green spaces in each of the four cardinal points, as well as gastronomic areas that invite visitors to try the region’s most delicious flavours. Its urban landscape has a very particular feature: a water channel almost 3 kilometres long made of stone walls and bridges, which traverses the city carrying the waters of La Cañada Stream. This circuit can be done on foot or by bike, visiting strategic spots in the city.

The first 100 km of this journey earn all the praise: Provincial Route 34 traverses the highest lands in the province through Cumbres de Achala. This route, also known as the Altas Cumbres road, connects Córdoba City with the Traslasierras Valley.

Quebrada del Batán Viewpoint lies 130 metres off Provincial Route 34. The view from this spot is great: you can see Villa Carlos Paz City, San Roque Dam, Córdoba City, Pan de Azúcar Mountain in Cosquín and part of the Sierras Chicas Range up to La Falda. Pay attention as you may see the majestic flight of the Andean condor, the king of the Altas Cumbres. To get to know this site, it is recommended to go with qualified guides since there are no signs marking the way. Cascada Escondida, just 250 metres off Provincial Route 34, in Quebrada del Batán, is a waterfall that cascades down into a huge natural cave forming a crystalline natural pool. Canyoning and rappelling can be practiced here.

More than 2 thousand metres above sea level, this park is home to the popular Condorito Ravine, a deep canyon where condors rest and nest. Seeing them up close is an experience that startles both adults and children alike. This is a great place to watch birds and other animals that are typical of the area, such as the Achala lizard. There are several walking trails and circuits, among them the North Balcony (12 km in total, roundtrip hike of approximately four hours), which offers the best views of condors, and the South Balcony (16 km in total, roundtrip circuit of 8 hours), which can only be done if accompanied by a qualified guide. Near the North Balcony there are two camping pitches.

An alternative way to Mina Clavero is Camino del Peregrino, a 28 km section of Provincial Route 14 (gravel). This road follows the path travelled by Saint Gabriel Brochero, the first saint who was born and lived in Argentina. There are 8 stations for pilgrims who make this same path on foot to reflect and pray at. These stations can also be used as rest stops and as viewpoints to enjoy the incredible panoramic views of the mountains.

At the foot of Sierras Grandes, this is the most popular destination in the Traslasierras Valley and the end of the Altas Cumbres road. One of its rivers, the Mina Clavero River, has been declared one of Argentina’s Seven Wonders of Nature. Along its way, its waters blend with those of the Panaholma River to form the Los Sauces River. These boast pebble beaches with slides, natural pools suitable for swimming and waterfalls. This area invites visitors to enjoy horseback riding, hiking, rural tourism and 4x4 excursions.

With sun-dried-brick houses, village shops and a chapel dating back to 1908, Nono is a must stop on this trip. Nono is one of the oldest towns in Traslasierras and is home to two rivers: Los Sauces, with warm waters and shallow areas, and Chico, which meanders among huge rocks that form natural pools. One of its must-see spots is the "junction of the rivers", where both watercourses form a dreamlike landscape. Other beaches, surrounded by waterfalls and pools, are Las Tropas and Los Remansos. This is an excellent area to go horseback riding in the company of local guides and to hike along trails of varying degrees of difficulty.

Surrounded by one of the highest retaining walls in the province (more than 100 metres high), this dam invites both locals and visitors to enjoy its water body, which occupies 1,050 hectares. You can walk along the huge wall of the dam to enjoy its panoramic views and spend the day at the Fishing Club. It is an ideal place for sailing and kayaking.

Packed with wild roses that give the city its name, Villa de las Rosas is surrounded by streams. There are several signed walking trails with varying degrees of difficulty, among them La Calandria, El Picahueso, Los Jilgueros and Los Zorzales. Known as the gateway to the Champaquí, the neighboring city of Los Molles is home to the shortest way to this mountain, which is 2,790 metres above sea level. In Los Molles, you can visit El Hueco Nature Reserve, a vast and dense forest of tabaquillo trees (the oldest and largest trees in the province), which can be reached via a high difficulty trail (24 kilometres return), the ascent to which takes between 4 and 7 hours. Following the path along a fairly steep slope, you can get to the peak of the Champaquí.

Two neighboring towns with dirt roads, village shops, grocery shops, sun-dried-brick houses and English-style architecture. Among their streams, there are several hiking trails. Their main attraction is the 30 km trail to the Champaquí, of high difficulty, to do over several days and accompanied by a qualified guide. If you prefer a more relaxed hike of medium-difficulty, an option is to climb to Puesto Ferreyra (12 kilometres return, 4 hours) or do the self-guided hike through the Ambrosio Ravine (6 kilometres return, approximately 1 and a half hours). The entire area is great for bird watching, photographic safaris, horseback riding and cycling. Its wineries, which are part of the province’s Wine Route, are a must-see attraction.

Famous for its microclimate, Merlo, in the province of San Luis, sits at the foot of the Comechingones mountains. With different kinds of accommodation and complete services, this city has a lot to offer: Piedra Blanca Reserve, home to a grandfather carob tree that is over one thousand years old; the road to Pasos Malos, with paths and trails leading to small waterfalls; El Rincón Stream and one of its most popular waterfalls, El Tabaquillo, 18 metres high, and Mogote Bayo Provincial Nature Reserve.

Seventeen kilometres away from Merlo, you can reach the edge of Comechingones mountains. From their peak at 2,200 metres, you can see the entire Conlara Valley and if the weather is good, you can also see the immensity of the Calamuchita Valley, in Córdoba, on the other side of the mountains. Along the road there are several viewpoints, from which you can see magical sunsets. There are also paragliding baptisms.

Continuing southwards along Provincial Route 1, you reach Carpintería. From this town, you can climb Blanco Mountain, famous for its tungsten mines and boasting a height of 2,200 metres above sea level. This excursion can be done on foot, on horseback in 4x4, but you must always be accompanied by a guide. Salto del Tigre and Pueblo Escondido are the jewels of this route. Horseback riding through the mountains, rappelling and trekking of varying degrees of difficulty are other activities that can be enjoyed in this area.

Known as “The Heart of the Comechingones”, this town is home to El Talar Tourist Complex, with a native park on the banks of Los Molles Stream. This is a great place to spend the day or camp in the shelter of the mountains, with viewpoints and trails. Via a 10 km road, either on foot or on horseback, you can reach Siete Saltos, with waterfalls between 12 and 22 metres high. It is recommended to go with a guide.

Cortaderas sits on the slope of the Comechingones mountains, facing an imposing ravine with a forest of American pepper trees and crystal-clear streams with natural beaches and waterfalls. Some of the places to visit are Quebrada de Villa Elena Nature Reserve and Piscu Yaco Dam, which boasts 100 metres of sand beaches.

From this town, you can set out to visit Chorro San Ignacio, a waterfall located in a 6-hectare area with camping pitches, parking space, covered barbecue areas and swimming pools. Following the course of a stream, you reach a 25-metre-high waterfall. Four hundred kilometres ahead you will find Laguna Milagrosa, to which healing properties are attributed.

This is the last town in this itinerary located in the province of San Luis. In Papagayos, the landscape changes completely due to its population of caranday palm trees. Accompanied by expert guides, you can climb Negro Mountain, walking through ravines and discovering runoffs from the top of the Comechingones. You can also go horseback riding in the forests, swim in natural pools and relax on the municipal camping beach.

Back in Córdoba, on Provincial Route 30, the town of Achiras boasts a beautiful complex with services, fine-sand beaches, waterfalls and stone walls. Surrounded by a breathtaking landscape, you can climb Inti Huasi Mountain, a cultural reserve and archaeological site located within Los Cerros Estate. This place boasts caves and rock shelters that were inhabited by the region’s native peoples, who left a valuable legacy of cave paintings preserved to this date.

A mountain area that invites visitors to enjoy the waters of Las Barrancas River, with beaches surrounded by forests. Beautiful viewpoints can be reached by walking across the waterfront. Its trails and circuits are great for walking, cycling or horseback riding.

One of the oldest towns in the Calamuchita Valley, which marks the beginning of the Great Lakes area. Río de los Sauces is home to beaches surrounded by ravines and waterfalls, and boasts cave paintings and vestiges of ancient native peoples.

The city of Embalse is home to the most impressive lake in Córdoba, with beaches and facilities to enjoy its waters. Known as the Capital City of Water Sports, it invites visitors to practice scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing, water skiing and SUP. It also has a complex used for social tourism, where visitors can relax, enjoy nature and do tourist, recreational and sport activities for free. Along a 6 km vehicular road, you can climb Pistarini Mountain to have a panoramic view of the lake. From Embalse, 19 km further along Provincial Route 5 and National Route 36, you reach the town of Almafuerte, the gateway to the Calamuchita valley. Piedras Moras Lake invites visitors to go scuba diving and live a surreal experience: at the bottom of the lake there are houses, farmhouses, bridges, forests and even a power plant belonging to the old town of El Salto, which has been underwater since the construction of the dam.

Villa Rumipal has bathing resorts and beaches on the shore of Río Tercero Lake and on the Santa Rosa River. From Mirador Mountain, you can see the lake, Sierras Chicas and the urban centre of the town. Other attractions are Villa Naturaleza, Playa de los Alemanes and Del Lago viewpoints. You can also visit Pumakawa, a nature reserve for the conservation of endangered native species.

Two ideal spots for swimming, scuba diving and practicing non-motorized water sports. Just 10 km away from both towns, you can reach Cerro Pelado reservoir, paddle a kayak to its islands and learn about the flora and fauna of the area.

Traversed by the Santa Rosa River, this city has accommodation facilities, complete services and several beaches and bathing resorts. It is worth exploring La Cascada Nature Reserve on foot, along a nearly 2 km path that leads to a lovely waterfall cascading down into a natural pool that is great for swimming. Another recommended trail is the one leading to the old Jesuit aqueduct.

A small town that invites visitors to relax surrounded by black and white carob trees, tala trees and piquillin shrubs. From here, there are two ways to climb Champaquí Mountain. The easiest option is to drive up to Linderos Mountain and then set out on a 45-minute hike to the peak of the Champaquí (it is important to check the condition of the road beforehand). The other option is to depart from Puesto Tres Árboles and do a 2- or 3-day guided hike to the top.

With alpine-style buildings and surrounded by forests and streams, Villa General Belgrano is one of the most popular destinations in Córdoba. This mountain village resulted from the combination of the traditions of native and immigrant peoples, mostly Germans. One of its most traditional festivals is the Beer Festival, which takes place in October. There are two self-guided walking trails: Pozo Verde and Zarzamora Ravine. Another option is to trek to the peak of Cerro de la Virgen and Pico Alemán mountains, which offer breathtaking panoramic views at 1250 metres above sea level.

It is the main gateway to the Champaquí, popular among mountaineers who want to reach its peak. On Los Reartes River, there are several beaches to take a dip in or have some mates. For those who enjoy walking, there are trails for all levels and difficulties.

La Cumbrecita is the only pedestrian town in Argentina. Vehicles are left at the communal car park and from there the downtown area is toured on foot. Surrounded by pine forests and dirt roads, it is one of the most popular destinations in Córdoba. Its main attractions are a birch forest, La Olla (a natural pool more than 6 metres deep) and the famous trek to Cascada Grande. You can also climb Wank Mountain, of medium difficulty, and gain panoramic views of the entire valley (distance: 6 km return, time: 2 hours).

More than 300 years old, Los Reartes is the oldest town in the Calamuchita Valley. Along the river that bears the same name, there are several sinuous kilometres of beaches, bathing resorts and tourist centres with complete services. Another of its rivers, Río del Medio, offers a wilder environment amidst warm waters, fine-sand beaches and deep natural pools for swimming. A recommended walking trail is the Yusac, which leads to a natural pool and a viewpoint.

It is the second largest dam in the province. Surrounded by mountains and forests, it is an unmissable spot for those who love fishing and water sports. Jet skiing, windsurfing, kayaking and boat rides, among several other activities, can be enjoyed here.

A town lying on the coast of Los Molinos Lake with several bathing resorts. It is one of the preferred destinations for Argentinian silverside fishing and water sports. Due to its proximity to Sierras Grandes, it is an excellent area for horseback riding or walking through vast pine forests. A great place to visit is the native flora reserve, which is full of espinillo, tala and chañar trees.

With little dirt roads, this town maintains its traditional gaucho-related essence, boasting several farms that offer accommodation, food services and outdoor activities. Surrounded by several rivers and streams, there are various trails for walking or cycling.

In the middle of a 15-hectare area, a giant telescope allows visitors to observe and learn about the cosmic space. Day and night guided visits are offered, which are unmissable.

Alta Gracia lies in a corner of the Paravachasca Valley. The heart of its historic centre is home to its main attraction, one of the five Jesuit estates declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. You can also visit the Che Guevara Museum, located in the house where he lived during his childhood. In addition to its cultural, religious and historical proposals, you can go hiking along the Chicamtoltina Stream waterfront, horseback riding around nearby farms and paragliding.

End of circuit.