Córdoba: Puentes Destination Guide

Considered the second city of Argentina, Córdoba is nestled within a low mountain range known as the Sierras de Córdoba. It boasts Argentina’s oldest university, a mix of great nightlife and culture, and lots of cute resort towns in the surrounding area. The locals, known as cordobeses, are jovial people renowned for their fondness for making practical jokes. As in the rest of Argentina, family, friends, and “asado” are staples, but Córdoba also has its own provincial beverage: fernet and coke. While the city itself is important architecturally and historically, nearby are enough lakes, rivers, and streams to keep you connected with nature. “Porteños” (people from Buenos Aires) see Córdoba as a place to escape from big city life, so it’s common to spend a day or two in Córdoba (the capital city) and then head to the outskirts in the surrounding mountains to enjoy nature.

HOW TO GET THERE

While an overnight bus is the most economic option, flights are also available from local airports in Buenos Aires: Ezeiza (EZE) and Aeroparque (AEP). Buses generally leave from the Retiro terminal; schedules and prices can be found here. The bus will take around 8 hours. By airplane you’ll be there in less than two hours. Low cost airlines such as JetSMART and Flybondi exist, however, Aerolíneas Argentinas is much more reliable. We recommend 2-5 days for your visit.

WHERE TO STAY

For comfortable hotel accommodations that won’t break the bank in the city, try Hotel NH Córdoba Panorama, Hotel NH Cordoba Urbano, or Windsor Hotel & Tower. To dip your toe in a mountain stream and enjoy the crisp fresh air, consider staying in a “cabaña” (cabin) or AirBnBs outside the city in places like Villa Marcos Paz or La Cumbre.

WHAT TO DO

Visit an oasis of greenery inside the city limits at Parque Sarmiento.
Take in some 20th century Argentine culture at the Evita Fine Arts Museum.
Check out the amazing architecture of the Iglesia de Los Capuchinos.
Dance to cuarteto music, native to Córdoba.
Take a tour of the historical Jesuit Block a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
See a show at the famous Teatro del Libertador General San Martin.
Spend an adventurous afternoon paragliding or skydiving with Córdoba Vuelos.
Visit some of the beautiful nearby towns:
- Villa Carlos Paz: The most well known town in the province of Córdoba, with a lovely lake, water sports, and summer theater circuit.
- La Cumbre: More relaxed and farther from the capital city, this is a place to disconnect and recharge. Also home to one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in Argentina. Be sure to visit La Casita de Chocolate, a hidden gem.
- Cosquín: Nationally known for its folklore festival, Cosquín Rock, in February, in recent years it has also become home to other types of music festivals.
- La Falda: This city was created around the Edén Hotel, a luxury hotel for the aristocracy known for visitors such as Albert Einstein and Che Guevara and for the owner’s ties to the Nazi Party. A great city to go trekking at La Banderita or El Chorrito.
- Villa General Belgrano: A small town with Bavarian (German) style architecture. It’s famous for it’s Oktoberfest.