- Argentina - Portal oficial de promoción de la República Argentina
Córdoba combines popular festivities, towns, churches and Jesuitical estancias with sheer nature, which is embodied in its lakes, rivers, hills and valleys.
Córdoba province is located in central Argentina. It borders on Santiago del Estero and Catamarca in the north; La Rioja and San Luis in the west; La Pampa and Buenos Aires in the south and Santa Fé in the west. The capital city, also named Córdoba, has a population of around 1,300,000 people and is considered to be the second most important city in the country, after Buenos Aires, which is located 700 km away. This is reason why the Ingeniero Ambrosio L.V. Taravella International Airport operates direct flights to dozens of cities in the world.
Córdoba offers 4 and 5 star hotels, diverse shopping centers and cultural venues as well as first-rate restaurants. Its lively nightlife features bars and clubs teaming with thousands of students from Argentina and neighboring countries who attend the prestigious state-owned and private universities of the city. Córdoba’s state-owned university is the oldest in Argentina and the third oldest in Latin America.
Córdoba province is a cultural heaven and also has natural spots and scenery always calling for outdoor enjoyment. Many towns and villages are a must-visit due to their provincial charm. Other towns portray their pre-Hispanic and colonial roots as well as the indelible imprint of European immigrants who settled down in these lands. Córdoba’s cultural reality along with its hilled countryside, forests, valleys, rivers and lakes are ideal for different activities such as: adventure, cultural, sports, gastronomic and rural tourism.
Economy
The agricultural, cattle-farming, mining and industrial activities as well as its ever-thriving tourism are the areas standing out in Córdoba province. Soy, sunflower, corn, wheat, sorghum and potato crops make up a significant production. Argentina’s total production of peanuts is carried out in this province. Other crops are olives and grapevines. Bovine and porcine farming is especially aimed at milk and meat production. In addition, poultry farming, apiculture and nutria breeding comprise other productive activities.
The food industry highlights the production of cold cuts, wine, oil, cheese, carbonated beverages and confectionery. The technological industry is focused on automobiles, aircraft, auto-parts, agricultural machinery, chemical products, textiles and railroad materials.
The services and commercial sectors stand out from the rest in the city of Córdoba. Cold cuts production also takes an important place. On the other hand, this city has become a major site for the domestic car-making industry. In addition, real estate construction has experienced a growth in the last few years.
ADEC (the Economic Growth Agency for the City of Córdoba) is fostering economic and social growth for “Gran Córdoba”, the area on the outskirts of the city, by combining both private and public undertakings. The agency administers a series of programs intended to improve small and medium companies’ competitiveness, facilitate unemployed young people their insertion in the workplace and raise the profitability of small businesses located in Córdoba and urban-Gran Córdoba.
City of Córdoba
The city was founded in 1573 on the banks of the river Suquía by Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera. Córdoba comprises both modernity and Argentina’s history. The country’s valuable monumental heritage can be appreciated in the 17th, 18th and 19th century churches and convents located in the downtown area of the city, which was considered the cultural capital of the Americas in the year 2006.
The Manzana Jesuita, situated in the city’s old town, was declared UNESCO’s World Heritage Site in the year 2000. It consists of a square with 17th-century buildings made by the Jesuits under the Spanish rule. The buildings are: the Compañía de Jesus Church featuring a prominent interior décor; the Capilla Doméstica, where the Hispanic-American baroque-style can be observed; The National University of Córdoba, (better known as Casa de Trejo), which has undergone major remodeling over the centuries; and the Colegio Nacional del Montserrat. Today, this old building houses the Historical Museum of the National University of Córdoba. Other must-see places in the city are the Museum of Fine Arts Eva Duarte de Perón, the Museum of Fine Arts Emilio Caraffa, Sarmiento’s Park –one of the oldest in South-America-, the Suquia’s promenade –with its gardens, small squares and bridges-, the Catedral Church, the De Los capuchinos Church, the Del Carmen Church, the old Cabildo, 9th of July street, featuring retail stores, the Paseo de Las Artes street market, and cuarteto clubs (Cordoba’s most popular folk music).
The Jesuitical Estancias
Other UNESCO’s distinguished constructions are Santa Catalina, Jesús María, Caroya, Alta Gracia and La Candelaria Jesuitical estancias. Founded by the Jesuits, the estancias were part of a major project aimed at supporting their religious and educational institutions in Córdoba. They functioned as agricultural and wine-producing units. They comprised a church, a contiguous cemetery, cloisters for the monks, workshops and lodging for the indigenous people. Santa Catalina was founded in 1622 and it stands as the largest of all the Jesuitical estancias. This place managed thousands of bovine, ovine and mule cattle heads in addition to its textile, ironworks and carpentry production.
Tourist Circuits
The various Córdoba regions offer touring routes where visitors can practice sports, stay at rural hotels or rustic inns and enjoy the local gastronomy choices such as: cold cuts and cheese, kid goat, olives, peanuts and wine.
North
This hugely historical region is the most enigmatic in Córdoba. The Natural and Cultural Reserve of Cerro Colorado constitutes one the main archeological sites of Argentina. The ancient aboriginal culture trace was imprinted in cave paintings. Each town has a particular charm: Villa María del Río Seco, Deán Funes, Quilino –venue of the Provincial Kid Goat and Crafwork Festival- San Francisco del Chañar, Ischilín and Villa de Tulumba, to name a few.
Traslasierra
This valley is 150 km away from the City of Córdoba. To get there, visitors need to go up an awe-inspiring winding mountain road. Once in Traslasierra, some picturesque villages such as Cura Brochero, Mina Clavero, Arroyo de los Patos, Nono, Las Rabonas, La Paz, Yacanto, San Javier or Las Tapias can be visited. Hiking tours take visitors on trails encountering creeks and waterfalls.
Sierras Chicas
Given its proximity to the capital city, this area welcomes a high amount of visitors. It offers mountain climate and is known by its hills and creeks as well as the festivities taking place year round. Visitors must see The Santa Catalina Church -belonging to its estancia of the same name-, and the Jesús María and Caroya estancias.
Nearby is Colonia Caroya. Having been strongly influenced by its Italian tradition, this town features its production of wine, cold cuts and cheese. Ascochinga and its golf course stand as a tourist attraction. The centenarian chapel Candonga, La Granja, El Manzano and Salsipuedes are other local attractions in the area. The natural water reserve of Parque La Quebrada is ideal for windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing.
Valle de la Punilla
This valley constitutes one of the major tourist centers in the region. Lake San Roque, located in Villa Carlos Paz, stands as one of the biggest attractions. Other tourist sites are: Capilla del Monte, Los Cocos, Tanti, La Falda, Cosquín (venue of the renowned folklore festival), Cruz del Eje, La Cumbre, San Marcos, Villa Giardino and Valle Hermoso. Adventure tourism can be practiced and there are river beaches. Restaurants, hotels, cabins, camping sites and house rentals are also available.
Los Fortines, lakes and lagoons
Land of estancias and small forts once built with the purpose of stripping the indigenous community of their territory and waters. This region in southern Córdoba encourages adventure, estancia and agricultural tourism. Photo safaris, bird-watching and rural activities as well as cattle branding, rodeos and asados (a traditional barbecue meal) are common activities.
Mar Chiquita
Miramar and Balnearia are Mar Chiquita’s tourist spots. This region features a great deal of virgin forests. Mar Chiquita’s salt water lagoon has an area of 18,000 km2 and is perfect for bird-watching.
Calamuchita
The Calamuchita Valley comprises seven dams suitable for fishing and water sports. Two hill ranges go across this valley which swells with pride at the 2000 meter high Champaquí hill. Villa General Belgrano, founded by German immigrants, is known by its Alpine Chocolate, Viennese Dough and Beer festivals.
Paravachasca
It features the Bosque Alegre observatory, the Oscar Cabalén racetrack and the Los Molinos dam. Alta Gracia is one of its tourist towns which used to function as an important aboriginal and religious settlement. At present, the estancia built by the Jesuits can be visited. The astronomical observatory is located at the Sierra del Tala and the Los Molinos dam is suited for all kinds of water sports.
Sierras del Sur
This region is perfect for horseback riding, creek swimming, mountain hiking and adventure or rural tourism. A series of small towns can be observed along the winding scenic drive on route 23. The city of Rio Cuarto offers all the services and amenities to organize different excursions.
Northwest
This geographically diverse region features Cruz del Eje and its great dam; the Sierra de Guasapampa and the Charquita archeological site; the Bismutina ancient mines; Pocho’s volcanoes, lagoons and palm trees; the Los Gigantes and Los Túneles roads and Chancaní natural reserve. The 18th century chapels and the Jesuit estancia La Candelaria are worth a visit. San Marcos’ honey and the traditional gastronomy of the region constitute other tourist attractions.
