Mar 14, 2016
|Last updated on December 28th, 2020 at 03:48 pm
Top Things to Do in Cordoba Argentina
There are many fantastic things to do in Cordoba, Argentina. The combination of accessibility and warm weather year-round makes Cordoba the perfect place to visit. If you are interested in history, delicious food, adventure sports, and looking for an alternative destination in Argentina beyond Buenos Aires, Cordoba should be your next destination.
Where is Cordoba Argentina?
The city of Cordoba is located in the center of Argentina. It is also called the heart of Argentina. It’s the capital of the Cordoba province and the second-largest city in Argentina after Buenos Aires.
How to Get to Cordoba Argentina?
Cordoba is about 700 km (435 mi) from Buenos Aires and there are direct flights and buses, but for the more adventurous traveler, there is an overnight train service that runs twice a week. It also has an international airport which makes it possible and easy to connect to other countries in South America.
1. Visit the Jesuit Block (Manzana Jesuitica)
The Jesuit Block is located in the heart of the former Jesuit Province of Paraguay and now Cordoba Argentina. It contains the core buildings of the Jesuit system: the university, the church, and the residences of the missionaries and the college. Jesuits Missions, along with the five estancias in and around Cordoba (specialized in farming), carried out a unique religious, socio-economic experiment in the world for a period of over 150 years in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Founded in 1573, Cordoba is one of the oldest cities in Argentina with remarkable cultural and historical heritage. There are also many historical monuments that have been well preserved from the Spanish colonial rule. However the most recognizable monument is the Jesuit Block, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is one of the reasons to visit Cordoba. The block contains South America’s and Argentina’s first University. National University of Cordoba is the oldest library in Argentina and it still has the original copies of some of the books that are brought by Jesuits.
Note: Here, Compania de Jesus Church and the beautiful Capilla Domestica (domestic chapel) shouldn’t be missed. You will admire the beautiful Cathedral and Baroque architecture and learn on your city tour.
2. Spend Time in Güemes Neighborhood and Artisans Fair
Especially during the weekends and holidays, locals, students and tourists from all around the world gather in this neighborhood to enjoy its many bars, restaurants, shops and the artisan fair (Paseo de las Artes). The Paseo de Las Artes is home to the handcrafts fair. It has been held for more than 25 years, where locals and visitors find a rich cultural heritage in stories, legends and artisan productions. Every Saturday and Sunday from 6 pm to midnight.
It is possible to find everything from Argentinian barbeque (Asado) knives and cutting boards to maté mugs and paintings of local artists. There are the hidden alleyways where you will find clothing shops, cafes, restaurants, and ice cream stands. The Paseo de Las Artes also has an active cultural center. It is possible to come accross interesting artistic workshops, shows, music, dance, and theater. In addition, along the historical route, it is possible to enjoy multiple and innovative gastronomic proposals, especially regional ones, with ingredients from the province rescue homemade preparations and typical dishes from Cordoba Argentina.
3. Visit the Galerias & Watch the Tango
After walking in and around passages and losing yourself in the street of Güemes checking galleries and passages. They are known as ‘’Galerias’’ which are backyards of buildings or narrow passages between buildings that are turned into living quarters. Barrio Güemes feels like a combination of bohemian and avant-garde culture. Also, Güemes is one of the destinations in Cordoba where tango and the true Argentine milonga culture is still alive. If you are a tango lover Cordoba is the place to add to your Buenos Aires tango trip.
4. Explore the Evita Fine Art Museum
Museo Superior de Bellas Artes Evita, this museum is housed in a mansion that was formerly the home of Martín Ferreyra, a doctor, and a businessman at the beginning of the 18th century. You can find a nice collection of over 500 works by artists ranging from Goya to Picasso, and collections from visiting artists.
5. Follow the Road of the Jesuit Estancias
After building the Jesuit Block in Cordoba, the population of the town increased and it became necessary to generate resources. Thus, between the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, in order to maintain the Jesuit Block, missionaries acquired or estancias ranches in the mountain region. They were built to support the Jesuit Block lined with churches and baroque-style buildings. Here you are surrounded by beautiful landscapes, which give the province its identity. Now, the Road of Jesuit Estancias where you can experience the heritage and values of the region on a 250 km road became one of the must do’s in Cordoba.
On this road, you will find 5 estancias.
- Caroya (1616)
- Jesús María (1618)
- Estancia Santa Catalina (1622)
- Estancia Alta Gracia (1643)
- La Candelaria (1683)
Originally there was one more estancia. However, it is recommended to visit these estancias with a tour guide to learn the amazing heritage of Jesuits and their applications which shape the world we have today. If you are planning to visit Argentina and if you want to add Cordoba in your itinerary Cordoba, Jesuit Estancias & Wine – Tour Extension could be a perfect fit for your
6. Wine Taste
Some quality wines are produced in the Cordoba area. From colonial times, the wines that the Jesuits made were recognized throughout the province. Nearby areas like Caroya and La Costa also produce some great wines.
7. Hike and Trek in Cordoba
The natural landscape around Cordoba is very diverse and rich in terms of its geographical characteristics. This diversity makes Cordoba a place for adventure seekers. Trekking is a good way to explore the plains and the mountains enjoying the free and pure air, natural environment. You can go for short half-day walks or raise the level by choosing some of the more challenging treks.
Some of the most popular places in Cordoba Province are the Sierras Grandes, Quebrada del Condorito National Park. The crossings through Cordoba can be done with knowledgeable guides so that you can learn about off the beaten paths with amazing views. If you are after adventure tours, Cordoba also offers a variety of outdoor activities that you can enjoy.
Note: Towards the west of the Province, as you go up in between the footsteps of Andean mountains there is incredible nature where you can practice different sports. You can go rafting, horseback riding, and even diving in lagoons and dams!
8. Paraglide in Punilla Valley
At Punilla Valley, you also have the chance of air activities such as paragliding. You can find adventure in almost all of the picturesque towns, with excellent accommodations and specialized services.
9. Go Golfing
Cordoba province is an ideal destination for golf lovers. Cordoba has first-class golf courses with enchanting scenery. The natural slope of Cordoba’s terrain makes its golf courses all the more challenging. There are more than 26 golf courses with greens in excellent condition, more than adequate infrastructure and high-quality services. Golf in Cordoba is very affordable and accessible making it an ideal destination for golfing vacations. Another good point is that Cordoba Airport is well connected to other main hubs in South America. You can combine multiple destinations and create the perfect South America golf tour.
Cordoba is home to some of the most important golf tournaments of South America such as Abierto del Centro de la República. With the growing golf culture and opening of the international airport, the city started gathering Golf enthusiasts from all around the world.
Best Golf Courses in Cordoba Argentina
La Cumbre Golf Club
Ascochinga Golf Club
Potrerillo de Larreta
Valle del Golf
The golf courses are located in some of the most beautiful resorts. There are English-styled traditional courses such as La Cumbre Golf Club and Ascochinga Golf Club, with over 100 years of history. They also have a newer American-style course called Potrerillo de Larreta and Valle del Golf, created by Nicklaus Design.
10. Enjoy Traditional Food
Trying food is an excellent way to experience and understand the people of Cordoba. Cordoban cuisine has three major influences: Italian, Spanish, and that of local indigenous groups. There are also German and Austrian influences on the cuisine. Some of the typical dishes are common in the rest of the country, such as the famous Argentinian barbeque, pasta, and Argentine empanadas (they are a bit more sweet and juicy in Cordoba).
11. Enjoy a Cafe in the Historic District
The historic center offers a large number of cafes and restaurants that are usually crowded by locals and visitors; meanwhile, the flavors of traditional and modern cuisine are combined with a bohemian atmosphere in the Güemes neighborhood. In Alta Cordoba, you can find everything from cafes and restaurants to bars and nightclubs. And for those who like to enjoy the local flavors in a cheerful and simple atmosphere, there is nothing better than the food stalls of the North Market.
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