10 Best Things to see in Cordoba Argentina (the entire province)
Córdoba is one of the most beautiful provinces in Argentina, known for its sierras, nature, and great hiking trails. Find all the best places to visit in Cordoba!
There are so many things to see in Cordoba Argentina. The capital city of Cordoba is the second biggest city in the country, but the province has so much more to offer a visitor, especially for nature fans.
There is a hippy town famous for UFOs, meditation, and alternative lifestyles. There is a small Swiss village that doesn’t allow entry to cars, a German-influenced town that holds the third-largest Oktoberfest in the world, and a lakeside town known for its theatres and summer festivals.
I have spent a lot of time in the Córdoba province. In 2022, I lived in the capital city for three months and took several side trips. In 2024, I based myself in Carlos Paz as I explored the entire Punilla Valley, going north and west into the Traslasierras Valley. This blog post will list my ten favorite things to see in Cordoba Argentina.
Short on time? Best places to visit in the Córdoba Province!
- Spend a day in the capital city (Córdoba Capital)
- See a show in Carlos Paz
- Take the Scenic Tren de las Sierras
- Go hiking at Los Gigantes
- See Flamingos in the Ansenuza National Park
- Visit the small mountain town of Mina Clavero
- Look for UFOs in Capilla del Monte
- Visit the English-inspired town of La Cumbre
- Celebrate Oktoberfest in Villa General Belgrano
- Experience La Cumbrecita, a pedestrian-only town
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Where is Córdoba Located?
The Córdoba province in Argentina is located almost in the center of the country, but slightly north. It is an 8-hour drive from the capital city of Buenos Aires or a 1.5-hour flight. Check flights on FlyBondi, Jetsmart, or Aerolineas Argentinas.
Things to do in Córdoba Argentina
I could brag about this province for hours. There are so many things to see in Cordoba Argentina, whether you like big city life and going out, or if you prefer quiet hippy towns and getting close to nature. This province is full of history connected to WWII and European-influenced towns and villages.
The following list offers you the top 10 best things to see in Cordoba Argentina (the province, not just the capital city).
1. Check out Cordoba’s Capital City
Córdoba Capital is Argentina’s second biggest city with over 1.6 million inhabitants. It is easily one of the best 5 cities in Argentina. Cordoba is home to the famed cuarteto music and jelly-filled alfajores. Each neighborhood offers you something different.
Where is Córdoba Capital?
The capital of the Cordoba province is located closer to its northern border, close to the Punilla Valley and the Traslasierras Valley. All the best day trips and weekend trips are within 1-3 hours of Cordoba’s capital city.
Things to do in Córdoba Capital
There are so many great things to do in Córdoba Capital, including:
- People watch in Plaza San Martín
- Feel peace inside La Catedral de Córdoba Capital
- Take a tour of El Cabildo
- Admire the architecture of Iglesia del Sagrado Corazon (Capuchino)
- Go shopping at the weekend artisan fair
- Check out museums: Palacio Ferreyra, Museo de la Mujer, Museo Caraffa
- Visit the parks: Plaza del Bicentenario, Parque Sarmiento
- Take walks in the peatonal area and along the river
- Ride your bike on the CicloVia
What is the best time to visit Córdoba Capital?
Córdoba Capital has great weather all year round. It never gets too cold in the winter (July, August), though it does get very hot in the summer (January, February). The shoulder seasons are always the best times to visit because the temperatures are milder and there is less tourism (March, April, September, October).
Where to stay in Córdoba Capital
2. See a show in Carlos Paz
Carlos Paz is a medium-sized town that explodes in the summer months. There are two main downtown areas. One is more for locals going shopping, and the other is for going out on the town and seeing theatre shows. Carlos Paz revolves around the Lago San Roque, so there are also plenty of water activities to do.
Where is Carlos Paz?
Carlos Paz is located about 45 minutes west of Cordoba Capital, along the southern part of San Roque Lake. A river splits the town in half, but both sides see a lot of action.
Things to do in Carlos Paz
Here are several of the fun things to do in Carlos Paz:
- Go to a theatre show
- Check out the Coo Coo Clock
- Visit the Aerosilla Park (chairlift, waterpark, zipline, etc)
- Go hiking at the Sendero Cerro de la Cruz
- Walk along the Costanera
- Rent a rowboat or drive a go-kart
- Day trip to Tanti
- Day trip to Cabalango
What is the best time to visit Carlos Paz?
The population in the summer grows massively due to the concerts, festivals, and shows. Even famous people have been spotted at nightclubs in Carlos Paz during the summer. That said, I would avoid that season. It will be harder to find affordable places to stay, and the weather gets very hot.
Outside of the summer season (January and February), Carlos Paz is a very enjoyable place to be.
Where to stay in Carlos Paz
3. Take the Scenic Route: Tren de las Sierras
The Tren de las Sierras is a slow scenic train that goes through the Punilla Valley from Cordoba Capital all the way up to Capilla del Monte. It is very affordable and very slow. If you’re trying to get somewhere fast, this is not your best bet. But if you want to enjoy the scenery slowly rolling by, then you will enjoy this.
Where does the Tren de las Sierras go?
The Tren de las Sierras makes many stops between Cordoba and Capilla del Monte, including Bialet Masse, Cosquin, Valle Hermoso, La Falda, and La Cumbre. Some of the stops are for just a few minutes, and others are for a little longer. But you can get off the train whenever you want.
Things to do on the Tren de las Sierras
There are not a lot of things to do on the Tren de las Sierras besides looking out the window and admiring the view. They pump the AC, so make sure you bring a sweater or wear pants. I suggest you choose one stop to get off at and stay for the day. You don’t have to take the train back. A bus back to Cordoba (or wherever) will be much faster.
What is the best time to take the Tren de las Sierras?
You can take this train all year long but it will be harder to get tickets in the summer months.
Where to stay along the Tren de las Sierras
I suggest getting off and staying the night (or several nights) at one of these small towns:
4. Experience Los Gigantes
This is one of my favorite places to hike in Cordoba if not all of Argentina. The area is wide and expansive and feels very isolated. Hiking here feels like walking on a different planet.
Where is Los Gigantes?
The nearest town to Los Gigantes is Tanti, which is 25 minutes west of Carlos Paz, or an hour west of Cordoba’s capital city. You can find the start of the Los Gigantes hike at a place called Casas Nuevas.
The Los Gigantes Hill hike is on AllTrails and is a great way to make sure you don’t get lost and stay on the trail.
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Things to do in Los Gigantes
There are quite a few things to do in and around Los Gigantes:
- Cascada los Chorillos
- La Olla
- Cascada Tanti
- Mocambo Parador
What is the best time to visit Los Gigantes?
You can visit Los Gigantes all year round. I went in July, in the middle of the winter, and I didn’t feel it was that cold. The middle of the day even felt warm and sunny.
If you go in the summer, make sure you start your hikes early because the sun here can get very hot, since you’re so high.
Where to stay near Los Gigantes
- Cabañas Pircas del Campo (I stayed here)
- Posada el Durazno
5. Argentina’s Newest National Park: Ansenuza
Ansenuza is Argentina’s newest National Park and contains the country’s largest naturally occurring salt lake, Mar Chiquita. This park is known for its biodiversity and large bird populations. The haunted old hotel, the Gran Hotel Vienna, is also a main attraction and has supposed connections to Nazis, as does Hotel Eden in La Falda.
Due to evaporation, it is said that the levels of Mar Chiquita are going down and will eventually turn into a salt flat. You can take the bus to Miramar from Cordoba Capital.
Where is the Ansenuza National Park?
The Ansenuza National Park is in the northeast corner of the Córdoba province. Part of the lake, Mar Chiquita, extends into the Santiago del Estero province as well, but the majority is in the province of Cordoba.
Things to do at the Ansenuza National Park
The things to do in the Ansenuza National Park revolve around nature. You can:
- Take a boat ride to see the flamingoes
- Go camping at several spots around the Laguna
- Take a tour of the ruins of Gran Hotel Vienna
- Take a full-day tour of the area from Cordoba
What is the best time to visit the Ansenuza National Park?
You can visit this national park all year long, but if you want to do water activities, then I suggest going in the warmer months (December to March). December and March will be less crowded as students are in school then, whereas January and February will be the most crowded months in the area.
That said, the best time to see flamingoes at Mar Chiquita is from June to September.
Where to stay in the Ansenuza National Park
The main town of the Ansenuza National Park is called Miramar. Don’t get confused with the coastal Miramar near Mar del Plata. Miramar is not a big town and you can easily walk around and see it in one day. Stay here:
6. Mina Clavero
The town of Mina Clavero centers around the river, which is its most well-known attraction. Because of this, the town sees an influx of visitors in the summer months, particularly in January and February.
Where is Mina Clavero?
Mina Clavero is a cute little nature-town in the western side of the Cordoba province, in the Traslasierra Valley.
Things to do in Mina Clavero
This is a small town, but there are a lot of places to enjoy nature.
- Spend a day by the river at one of the many “balnearios” (dams)
- Take a day trip to Villa Cura Brochero
- Go hiking or mountain biking
- Stroll around Plaza San Martín
- Visit the museums
What is the best time to visit Mina Clavero?
Because the main attraction in town is the river, the best time to visit is during the hotter months. January and February will be the best months to go for a dip, but the weather will still be warm in December and March.
If you go in January or February, you should make sure to book your accommodation in advance, as it is high season and prices soar.
Where to stay in Mina Clavero
You can stay in the small town center, or even slightly outside if you have a car.
7. Look for UFOs in Capilla del Monte
Capilla del Monte is one of my favorite small towns in the Cordoba province. It has a special energy, attracting people who are interested in alternative lifestyles and ideas. While there are no officially recorded sightings of UFOs here, people from all over the country are hoping to see some magical flashing lights in the night sky.
The UFO theme resonates throughout the entire town. You can see alien toys, alien sculptures, and alien-themed logos everywhere you look. There is so much great nature here. If you like the outdoors, then this is the place for you!
Where is Capilla del Monte?
Capilla del Monte is located in the north of the Punilla Valley in the Córdoba province. It takes about 3 hours from Cordoba City on a bus to reach Capilla del Monte.
Things to do in Capilla del Monte
In the town center, you can:
- Have lunch at the food truck station
- Relax and swim at the Balneario Calabalumba
- Shop around at the weekend markets
- Visit the UFO Information Center
Outside of the town center, you can:
- Squeeze between the rock slabs at the Paso del Indio
- Climb Cerro Uritorco (the highest peak in the high sierras, masculine energy)
- Climb Cerro Las Gemelas (feminine energy)
- Take a tour of Los Terrones
- Visit Ongamira
- Have lunch overlooking the Dique El Cajón
- Take a day trip to San Marcos Sierras
What is the best time to visit Capilla del Monte?
The busiest time is during the summer months of January and February. This is when tourism swells, the town fills up with visitors, and the weather is hot. If you can avoid it, do not come during this time.
The best times to visit are during the shoulder months (November – December, March – May) when the weather is still warm, but not too hot. When there are fewer people, it is much easier to find accommodation, join tours, and go hiking in silence.
Where to stay in Capilla del Monte
8. Experience the English history in La Cumbre
La Cumbre, meaning the peak, is aptly named because it was the highest point in the Sierras where the old train went. The train tracks are now out of use but still run through the center of town. This town was originally started by immigrants from England, and that architecture is still reflected in the town center.
Where is La Cumbre?
La Cumbre is 1.25 hours north of Carlos Paz along Ruta 38. From Cordoba Capital, it takes 1.5 hours along the same route. However, if you have a car, I suggest opting for the scenic route from Córdoba along the Camino del Cuadrado. It will take longer, but it’s incredibly beautiful.
Things to do in La Cumbre
La Cumbre is surrounded by amazing nature. You can stop in at the tourist information office at the old train station to get specific details about the town. It’s a small town, so there isn’t a ton to do, but this is what I recommend:
- Stroll around the town center and the old train tracks
- Visit the Dique San Jerónimo
- Hike to Cristo Redentor, La Cumbre
What is the best time to visit La Cumbre?
You can visit La Cumbre all year round, but the best times to visit are in the spring (October, November) and fall (March, April) when it’s not too hot or cold and it is not high tourism season.
Where to stay in La Cumbre
9. Go to Oktoberfest in Villa General Belgrano
General Villa Belgrano is one of several German-inspired towns in the Sierras de Córdoba. The main town center is full of German-style architecture and gothic writing. The German does feel a bit gimmicky and over the top, but I suppose that is the point.
Where is Villa General Belgrano?
Villa General Belgrano is in the Calamuchita district in the province of Cordoba. It is 1.5 hours south of Cordoba Capital.
Things to do in Villa General Belgrano
It’s not a big town, and you can easily see the town center in a day. Here is what else you can do:
- Try the German food and beer
- Visit for Oktoberfest
- Go hiking at Cerro de la Virgen
What is the best time to visit Villa General Belgrano?
You can visit all year, but if you want to go hiking, I suggest going in the warmer months (October – March). But if you want to come and celebrate the world’s third-largest Oktoberfest festival, then you’ll need to come in October. The festival is usually held over two weekends in October.
Where to stay in Villa General Belgrano
You can stay downtown near all the action, or slightly outside the main town center, where it will be quieter.
- Del Milagro Cabañas & Posada (I stayed here)
- Rancho Grande Hotel
- Posada Tantra
10. Cordoba’s pedestrian-only town: La Cumbrecita
La Cumbrecita was founded in 1934 by two German brothers. There is one parking lot on the edge of town where you must leave your car because this is a foot-traffic-only town. As you walk through the area, you’re surrounded by nature on all sides.
Where is La Cumbrecita?
La Cumbrecita is in the Calamuchita District in the province of Cordoba, Argentina. It is about 45 minutes west of Villa General Belgrano. If you take a bus here from Cordoba Capital, you’ll need to pass through Villa General Belgrano first.
Things to do in La Cumbrecita
This is a town for hiking and hanging out in nature. Here is what you can see:
- Peñon de Aguila
- Cascada Grande
- La Olla
- Lago de las Truchas
- El CerroWank
What is the best time to visit La Cumbrecita?
The busiest times in La Cumbrecita are on weekends since Cordobans like to come here as a quick and easy weekend trip. If you can go during the week, it will be less crowded and easier to find hotels.
You can come all year round, but should come prepared for each season’s weather. But the hiking is available all year long. Coming in summer will allow you to relax in the swimming holes and cool off.
Where to stay in La Cumbrecita
La Cumbrecita is very small but there are still several places to stay. Some people stay in Villa General Belgrano and come to La Cumbrecita for a day trip like I did my second time here. The first time, I stayed in a hostel cabin in La Cumbrecita, which was very fun. Here are a few places I suggest:
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Best Time To Visit Córdoba Province
Cordoba is a province in the center of Argentina that stays fairly warm all year round. Of course, there is winter in July and August, but the temperatures usually stay higher than in Buenos Aires. You’ll need a jacket in winter, but it will never snow in the capital city.
There are fewer tourists in the winter, so you will have less competition for booking accommodation or doing activities. In the summer (January – February), many of the smaller Cordoban towns get very busy with tourism because school is out.
I think the best time to visit Cordoba is in December or March. The weather is still warm during these months, but because school is in session, you’ll find that each place is not so crowded. Carlos Paz is the country’s number one holiday destination in the summer and it gets uncomfortably full during this time, and prices rise drastically.
Is Córdoba Province safe?
Buenos Aires TravelYes, Cordoba is safe. Like any big city, it is natural that crime can occur, and Cordoba Capital is no different. That said, I feel much safer walking around Cordoba City than I do in Buenos Aires.
I have traveled around the province of Cordoba extensively, and I have never felt unsafe or threatened at all. In fact, I felt really comfortable. Cordobans are known for being friendly and affable, and my interactions with locals were always pleasant.
Getting Around Córdoba
Traveling around the Cordoba province is not complicated. Each town has a main bus terminal that is usually in the center of town. It is a great place for tourism.
Bus
There are several bus companies that transport people both around the province and to other big cities around the country. I’ve taken overnight buses multiple times between Cordoba and Buenos Aires, Tucuman, etc.
You can check bus schedules on BusBud. However, I find that sometimes when I go directly to the counter at the bus terminal in Cordoba, there are additional buses that are not listed on the website.
The bus terminal in Cordoba Capital is massive, so give yourself ample time to buy your tickets, find your platform, etc. You can find the bus company counters in the basement of the old section of the terminal, or at the very end of the newer section of the terminal.
Rent a Car
If you plan to do a Cordoba road trip, then you should rent a car from the Cordoba airport. There are a ton of great routes to take around the Cordoba province, and many places to see.
What is the most beautiful part of Córdoba?
The areas surrounding the capital of Cordoba are truly the most beautiful.
As you go north, you’ll experience the Punilla Valley District, which includes Carlos Paz, La Cumbre, Cosquin, and Capilla del Monte. To the south of the capital, you’ll find the Calamuchita District, which includes La Cumbrecita and Villa General Belgrano.
As you go west, you can see the natural wonders of Los Gigantes, Mina Clavero, and Nono in the Traslasierras District. If you go northeast, you can find the Ansenuza National Park.
The further south you go in the province, you get further from the sierras. There is still a lot of nature with trees and rivers, but it is an area that is less touristy and less well-known.
How many days should I spend in Córdoba?
No matter how much time you have, you won’t be able to see everything. But no matter how much time you have, you’ll see amazing things.
You can easily see the capital city in 2 days. From there, it really depends on what you want to see and do. Cordoba really deserves its own trip. It is one of the most beautiful provinces in Argentina.
Is it expensive to go to Córdoba?
The prices in Cordoba are fairly comparable to those in Buenos Aires, but slightly more affordable. Cordoba is more expensive than in the North of Argentina, but much more affordable than in Argentina Patagonia.
Accommodation prices will drastically increase during the high season in January and February.
What to pack for Córdoba
If you plan to spend most of your time in the bigger cities, then bring whatever city clothes you feel comfortable in. If you are more interested in nature, make sure to bring your hiking clothes and boots. There are lots of opportunities to enjoy nature in Cordoba. If you’re here in the summer, bring a swimsuit because there are many rivers.
The best places to hike in Cordoba are Los Gigantes and Capilla del Monte.
Final Thoughts on the 10 Best Things to See in Córdoba
Cordoba is easily one of my favorite provinces in Argentina. I prefer the capital city of Cordoba to Buenos Aires. It feels smaller, more approachable, and safer. The nature of this province is unmatched. You can swim in rivers, dams, and natural pools. You can hike to incredible peaks and look down over the city. Plus, the people are so friendly.
If you are thinking of spending some time in the Cordoba Province in Argentina, this is your sign to pull the trigger. You will not regret it.
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