Córdoba is a great city to visit as a tourist and there are so many things to see and do here.
Popular tourist attractions in Córdoba include the Plaza San Martín and its neo-baroque Cathedral of Córdoba, the Manzana Jesuítica (Jesuit Block), a 17th-century complex with active cloisters, churches and the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, which is one of South America’s oldest universities.
But if you really want to experience more than just the popular tourist sights its advised to venutre out to the surrounding areas.
There is the option to travel on local transport and do everything independently which is fairly easy and also very cheap. Or you could search Argentina tours, a lot of trips include visiting off the beaten track local areas and include an experienced local guide.
Gill Hibbitt from the UK recently spent time living in Cordoba as part of a work in exchange for food and accommodation at a hostel in the city. During her time she got a lot of free time to explore the nearby locations which she absolutely loved.
In this article, Gill has put together a guide to the best places you should consider visiting near Cordoba.
1. Mina Clavero y Nono
This was a long bus ride from Cordoba - about 2 hours.
I did a trip with two friends, Ola and Beth. Although this location can be visited in a day its best to stay longer to make the most of the experience.
We planned a short visit but made this a 3 day trip where we spent time walking - over boulders along the river to the beach, across rivers and along dirt tracks.
I loved Mina Clavero y Nono and would recommend spending more than just a day here.
2. Parque de Los Condoritos
I was lucky enough to hitchhike on to a great tour a couple of hours drive out of town to visit the incredible Parque de los Condoritos. We were given a super price because the tour leader/ owner only had 2 guests on that day so when we called him, he said we could join in at about half price!
Before we entered the Park we stopped off for a coffee which was also a sort of info centre .. and … we were blessed as an eagle flew right over us.
Inside the Park the trekking was great and varied. Lots of random lumps of crystal around. After some negotiating with Park officials the guide was able to take us through a trail leading to a waterfall. Several hours of great trekking.
3. Cuesta Blanca
Playa de los Hippies: Emi (a sort of guest/previous volunteer), Alma (another friend) and I did a day trip here with Emi driving.
We parked “somewhere” and then walked and walked, uphill and down dale to the beach by the river. A tranquil location where some hippies camped.
Bit of a cold day which was unfortunate for Alma who fell in the river but bravely carried on in spite of being chilled to the bone.
4. Alta Gracia
A bus ride away from Cordoba to a clean, tranquil little town where it’s main attraction was the Che Guevara museum - well for me that was the main attraction. It also housed a park and Casino. The museum was small and interesting giving an overview of Che Guevara’s life from birth to assassination.
5. Belgrano
A short bus ride away. A German-style resort town with German architecture, eateries etc. It also had an Eco-Park where people can walk, picnic by the river.
Going a little further there were 2 short walks. I chose the longer one, (45 minutes, I think each way) up a hill with great views of the town and country.
6. Capilla del Monte
Again a longer bus journey so I chose to stay overnight.
This was another sort of Hippie Hangout, giving the place a very chilled vibe. I wandered off here on my own. However, staying in a hostel again meant I had the opportunity for company for the trek the next day up the Uritorco cerro - the mystical hill.
This was such a good walk with a great Argentinian girl. Several hours of mixed terrain, including coming across crystals and a healing circle. Lots of uphill (well, it’s a hill!).
A group of jokers told us at one point that we had completed the most challenging part of the journey and the rest was only about half an hour on flat terrain …. er, lets go for an hour on uphill, rugged instead! But hey had a good laugh on us!
Coming down became tough when I realised I hadn’t really taken enough water with me and it was hot and quite challenging. I really had to pace my water intake. Lesson learned! You might want to spend more than just a day trip here.
7. Botanical Gardens
Local bus ride which meant we needed a Bus Tarjeta. This appeared to be the system for local buses whilst we could pay with cash for longer journeys. The Botanical Gardens were free and well worth the visit - they were so tranquil and had variety of themes.
Plan a Trip to Cordoba
Cordoba is one of the my favourite places I visited in Argentina, and if you are going backpacking or want to take a gap year in South America, be sure to add this city to your itinerary.
If you don't know Spanish, you should learn at least the basic phrases before arriving, this will make getting around easier. You could also book a Spanish school in Argentina, there are lots of schools in Cordoba.
If you plan on seeing more of Argentina view these top things to do in Buenos Aires.
Also if you have any recommendations for places to see near Cordoba that I missed let me know in the comments section below.
By Gill Hibbitt
