Argentina

Córdoba

 

Argentina's second city has some fine historic buildings, is surrounded by gorgeous mountains, and has a bustling nightlife due to its lively student population. Oh, and that is before we mentioned that it becomes a destination for pilgrims from around the country and Latin America alike for the rock and folklore festivals in January and February. The "Cordobeses" (habitants of Córdoba) are in a constant battle with the "Porteños" (habitants of Buenos Aires) for "which is the number 1 city in Argentina". Córdoba meanwhile is doing a fine job with presenting Buenos Aires with a tough competition.

 

What to Do?

·     The heart of the city is Plaza San Martin. The city is center is full of old buildings with history and a lovely architecture. The oldest Cathedral in Argentina is right by the Cabildo on Independencia 30, and is recommended. There are more museums and chapels around, and it makes a nice stroll in the streets of the city to walk around them.

·     Córdoba is surrounded by the "Sierras de Córdoba" (mountains of Córdoba), which offer beautiful landscape with many rivers and streams, and many opportunities for hiking. A popular mountain village is Villa Carlos Paz, with a nice artificial lake.

·     Capilla del Monte is another small village in the mountains that offer some great hikes. One of them is to climb Cerro Uritorco (about 4 hours). You can pitch a tent at the top and watch thousands of shining dots at night, from broken crystals in the ground. This mountain has been the location of many sightings of UFO's and is considered very mystical… Can you handle it?

·     Two very important festivals happen every summer (January-February) in the city of Cosquin, Province of Córdoba. These festivals are so popular, it is almost impossible to get any accommodations in Cosquin at that time. Although, if you don't mind roughing it out you're bound to find something. We know of people who came to Cosquin the night of the rock festival and found accommodation with local people who open ad-hoc hospedajes just for that time. Also, if you bring a tent, you don' have to worry about anything. These are the festivals:

o    If you're in the area around January, do not miss the National Folklore Festival of Cosquín. The best talents of traditional music and dance (called Folklore) come to Cosquin from all over the country to perform, and everyone else comes to watch.

o     One of the most popular rock festivals in the country is Cosquin Rock. It happens every year in the first two weeks of February and features the best rock acts in Argentina and other Spanish speaking countries like Mexico and Spain. 120,000 young and young-at-heart people fill the little town of Cosquin to see them.

 

Facilities:

The tourist office in Córdoba is in the old Cabildo, Dean Funes 15. There are banks, exchange offices and many fast internet places in the center of the city. Cosquin, Villa Carlos Paz and the other towns also have basic facilities like ATMs. It is best to bring money with you though.

 

Where to Stay?

In Córdoba - A convenient hostel in the Nueva Córdoba district is Córdoba Hostel. In Cosquin – Siempreverde is a welcoming clean place with a great location (behind the Plaza where the festivals are held).

 

Special Tips:

·     Nightlife: El Abasto district on the ricer (about 8 blocks north of Plaza San Martin) has several good (and cheap) clubs. Dress nicely and bring an ID.

·     Transportation from Córdoba:

o    To Cosquin: frequent service to and from Córdoba. Companies: La Calera, TAC, Ciudad de Córdoba.

o    To Villa Carlos Paz: 45 mins, approx. 1 USD. Company: Ciudad de Córdoba, Car-Cor, El Serra.

o    To Capilla del Monte: 3 hours. Approx. 3 USD.