Córdoba, La Docta:
History, Sierras, and Inspiring Experiences

8 Days - 7 Nights

Day 1 - Discovering Córdoba

Reception at Córdoba Airport and transfer to the hotel.

We take a tour of the most emblematic sites of the city, which allows us to learn about its history, architecture, and cultural life. We begin by visiting the Historic Center, where we admire the majestic Cathedral Church, a religious and architectural symbol of the city, the historic Cabildo, witness to the most important events in the region, and San Martín Square, a green space that combines history, art, and the daily life of Cordobans. We continue our walk towards the Jesuit Block, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, where the impressive colonial architecture and cultural importance of this area for the foundation and development of Córdoba stand out. Later, we head to the Nueva Córdoba neighborhood, one of the most dynamic areas in economic, cultural, and recreational terms, where historic buildings blend with modern spaces of art, gastronomy, and entertainment. Nearby, we visit the Church of the Capuchins, a mid-20th-century neo-Gothic construction, the Paseo del Buen Pastor, a cultural and artistic center combining art, gastronomy, and public spaces, the Superior Museum of Fine Arts Palacio Ferreyra, with its rich collection of Argentine and Latin American art, and the Emilio Caraffa Museum of Contemporary Art, a reference for current artistic expressions. Finally, we stroll through Sarmiento Park, one of the oldest in South America, designed by the famous French architect Carlos Thays, a space that combines nature, history, and recreation, ideal to close our tour of the city.

Day 2 - Alta Gracia: Heritage, Music, and Revolution

Alta Gracia is a city full of history and tradition, a place where the Jesuits left an invaluable legacy and where their influence is still felt, transmitted through their teachings and architecture. It is also the land where the majestic Sierras Hotel stands, which in its heyday welcomed illustrious visitors from all over the world; the corner chosen by the great Spanish composer Manuel de Falla to spend the last years of his life; and the place where the legendary Che Guevara lived a happy childhood that would forever mark his personal history. All this makes Alta Gracia a fascinating city, waiting for you to discover its charms. Our tour begins departing from Córdoba heading south, crossing one of the city’s most important industrial and commercial areas. Along the way, we are surprised by the enigmatic monument to Myriam Stefford, Argentina’s first female aviator, whose story shrouds this part of the journey in mystery. Once in Alta Gracia, we start the visit at the Virrey Liniers Museum, located in the magnificent building of the old Jesuit Estancia, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There we also enter the church dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy and admire the emblematic Tajamar, a water mirror that is one of the city’s most recognized symbols, from where you can see the Tajamar Tower, built to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the founding of Alta Gracia. We continue the tour at Villa Nydia, better known as the Che’s House, the residence of the Guevara family, which today recalls Ernestito’s childhood during his stay in this city through objects and testimonies. Additionally, visitors have the chance to visit other museums and points of interest, such as the Manuel de Falla Museum, which preserves the memory of the famous composer; the Dubois Museum, which houses archaeological and anthropological pieces of great value; and the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, a space of deep spirituality and devotion. Without a doubt, Alta Gracia is a destination that combines history, culture, and memory, inviting every traveler to live an enriching experience. Does not include entrance fees to museums, parks, and/or reserves, nor meals.

Day 3 - The Jesuit Estancias Route

In this tour, we head north to visit three of the Jesuit Estancias declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Colonia Caroya, Jesús María, and Santa Catalina, all located along the old Camino Real to Upper Peru. The first stop is in Colonia Caroya, a town marked by Italian immigration, whose influence is still present in the artisanal production of pasta, cheese, ham, salami, and wine. Here, we find the Jesuit Estancia founded in 1616, which became a key point in the system organized by the Jesuits. Next, we continue to the city of Jesús María, crossing the grounds where Argentina’s largest Festival of Horseback Riding and Folklore is held every January, to visit the Estancia de Jesús María, built in 1618. Its museum invites us to explore rooms of great value, particularly the archaeological collection and the Cusco sacred art. Finally, we arrive at the Estancia de Santa Catalina, founded in 1622, known for its monumental church, considered one of the most outstanding examples of colonial Baroque in Argentina. During its heyday, Santa Catalina was an important livestock production center with thousands of cattle, sheep, and mules, which supplied the entire region. At the end of our circuit, we head back to the city of Córdoba, crossing the picturesque Sierras Chicas area. The history of these estancias is best understood by remembering that the Society of Jesus, founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola in 1540, was one of the most influential Catholic orders in the world. Between 1599, the year of their arrival in Córdoba, and 1767, when they were expelled by order of King Carlos III of Spain, the Jesuits developed a vast cultural, social, and economic system that left an indelible mark on the province, and whose legacy can still be felt today in these heritage treasures. Entrance fees to Museums, Parks, and/or Reserves, and Meals are not included.

Day 4 - Traslasierra, High Mountain Road: Mina Clavero & Cura Brochero

Breakfast at the hotel. A visit to the distant and fascinating Traslasierra Valley becomes a journey truly worth taking, not only because of the beauty of the landscape but also for the unique experience it offers. This tour invites us to discover the impressive High Peaks Road, a route that winds through peaks and valleys, offering spectacular views at every turn, and to cross the famous Pampa de Achala, a highland area that dazzles with its vastness and pure, wild atmosphere. Along the way, the journey passes through part of the Quebrada del Condorito National Park and the Pampa de Achala Provincial Water Reserve, protected areas that conserve unique species of flora and fauna, especially highlighting the majestic Andean Condor, which soars over the canyons in a breathtaking spectacle for visitors. Descending into the valley, we pass through a series of picturesque mountain towns where life flows calmly, surrounded by nature and local traditions, offering genuine contact with the regional culture. During the tour, we also learn about the life and work of Saint Cura Brochero, known for his dedication and commitment to the welfare of the community, and visit the multifaceted Rocsen Museum, a place that surprises with its varied and unusual collection, covering science, art, history, and curiosities from all over the world. This trip combines adventure, nature, culture, and spirituality, offering each traveler an enriching and unforgettable experience. Does not include entry to Museums, Parks and/or Reserves, or Meals.

Day 5 - La Cumbrecita

The excursion invites us to discover one of the most charming jewels of the Sierras of Córdoba: La Cumbrecita, the first pedestrian village in Argentina and South America, a place that seems to transport us to an authentic Central European landscape in the middle of the Calamuchita Valley. The tour begins in the morning, crossing picturesque towns such as Alta Gracia, Anizacate, La Bolsa, Villa Los Aromos, La Serranita, and La Rancherita. From Villa Ciudad de América, nature offers us unforgettable postcards with panoramic views of the Los Molinos Reservoir, where we pause at one of its viewpoints to contemplate the serenity of the lake framed by mountains. Continuing the ascent to the Sierras Grandes, we reach 1,450 meters above sea level, where La Cumbrecita is located, a village declared a multiple-use reserve. Its streets are exclusively for pedestrians, and there flourish coniferous forests and Alpine-style buildings that evoke life in an Alpine village. There we take a walk along the traditional circuit, visiting emblematic spots such as La Olla, the Ecumenical Church, and the picturesque Waterfall, where water and greenery blend into a dreamlike natural setting. The experience continues in Villa General Belgrano, a town founded by German immigrants, famous for its Tyrolean architecture, exquisite Central European gastronomy, and craft beer production. Its celebrations, such as Oktoberfest, the Alpine Chocolate Festival, and the Viennese Dough Festival, have made it a cultural icon of the region. On the way back, we take an alternative provincial route that leads us through the town of Los Reartes and the tributaries of Lake Los Molinos — rivers such as Los Reartes, Del Medio, Los Espinillos, and San Pedro — crossing Potrero de Garay and Villa Ciudad de América, closing a day where nature, history, and traditions combine in an unforgettable experience.

Day 6 - Villa Carlos Paz

We head towards Villa Carlos Paz, the quintessential tourist city of Córdoba and one of the most popular destinations in the country. The journey passes through the city of La Calera, then takes a winding road that runs parallel to the tracks of the legendary Tren de las Sierras. The mountain scenery accompanies us until we reach the historic San Roque Dam, one of the great engineering feats of the province, with its imposing wall and the lake that supplies water to the city of Córdoba. From there, we continue along the famous 100 Curves Road, a panoramic route offering unique views of the mountains and the lake, before finally arriving in Villa Carlos Paz. Once in the city, we take a comprehensive city tour, visiting its waterfront, where the Casino and the Uruguay Bridge stand out, now a modern cultural center with rotating exhibitions. The tour also includes the iconic Cuckoo Clock, a traditional meeting point and one of the most photographed landmarks in the town. We then enjoy the bustling commercial center, which is lively year-round, and make a stop at a local artisanal dulce de leche factory to savor one of the region’s typical products. This tour combines mountain landscapes, history, and the essence of a vibrant city that attracts thousands of visitors each season.

Day 7 - Punilla Valley

Between mountains and winding roads, we enter the heart of the Punilla Valley, a place where each town holds unique stories, secrets, and landscapes. The journey begins crossing the city of La Calera, to take a picturesque road that follows the Train of the Sierras and the course of the Suquía River, until reaching the imposing wall of the San Roque Dam, the oldest in the province and witness to great engineering works. Once crossed, the route continues always guarded by the western slope of the Sierras Chicas, discovering mountain villages that are part of Córdoba's cultural identity. We visit Cosquín, famous for its National Folklore Festival and located at the foot of Pan de Azúcar Hill; we continue to La Falda, with its emblematic Hotel Edén, full of legends and history; and arrive at La Cumbre, where its European-style mansions, the church, the golf course, the center, and the old train station stand out. The tour continues through Los Cocos, finally arriving at Capilla del Monte, a city that vibrates with its mysticism and landscapes. There, you can explore geological formations such as the famous Zapato, the El Cajón Dam, the traditional covered street, and its main square, all under the shadow of the majestic Uritorco Hill, full of stories and legends. This circuit of nearly 100 kilometers combines nature, architecture, and culture, in a valley where tango, folklore, and rock are expressed in different events and celebrations that have made Punilla a unique destination in the Sierras de Córdoba.

Day 8 - Córdoba

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Córdoba International Airport. End of our services.