Tour to La Cumbrecita

This beautiful relaxing and recreational town is a site ideal to enjoy either with our family or our partner. Located 1,450 meters above sea level, this is the highest urban settlement in the Province of Córdoba.

La Cumbrecita began developing in 1934 in the middle of the absolute solitude of mountains, rivers and crystal-clear streams in a wild and rich natural area. Today this village proves to be faithful to a firm unusual tradition, since it is the first pedestrian town in Argentina.

Visitors can get to this singular place whether by hiring a tour at a travel agency in Villa General Belgrano or simply by driving their own vehicles.

One way or the other, there are two options to reach this site. One option is to set off from the public swimming pool along a gravel road towards Cristo Grande (The Big Christ), passing by the villages of Athos Pampa, Intiyaco, Villa Berna to La Cumbrecita. The second option -and the most usual one- is to set off from Colonia S.E.T.I.A. towards Los Reartes along a paved road and from there to Villa Berna along a gravel road to La Cumbrecita.

Tourists who decide to go on their own have to bear in mind that there is no gas station in La Cumbrecita, therefore, it is recommended they check out fuel, oil and tires before leaving from Villa General Belgrano.

However, if they decide to hire a tour at a travel agency, they only have to relax and enjoy the trip, as the guide enriches each spot by telling historical and geographical data.


The Trip

We made our first stop at the town of Los Reartes. There we visited its chapel with an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary inside.

We got off the transfer bus to have a better view of the hundred-year-old building and we could see that its design was strongly influenced by American Indian style, as a result of the active participation of the Comechingones (first natives in the provinces of Cordoba and San Luis) in its construction.

Among the relics which deserve to be mentioned, there are original objects such as the big entrance gate made of red quebracho wood, the carved prie-dieu in front of the altar, the bishop’s chair, the missal and the holy water stoup.

We went uphill and passed by a big afforested land with pines, sally wattles, evergreen vegetation, chañar, carob and eucalyptus trees.

At the side of the gravel road we discovered the pircas (dry-stone walls) built by the Comechingones.

In older times these walls were used to define the boundaries of the tribes whereas today some of them are used as corrals. Along this journey it is possible to spot some typical native animals such as foxes, hares and partridges.

After a 38-kilometer trip, the transfer bus reached 1,450 meters above sea level, where the pedestrian town lies. We left the vehicle at the gate and we headed our way on foot.


La Cumbrecita

We started to stroll around this picturesque alpine style village. Its denizens welcomed us and guided us to the paths where we would enjoy this experience to the fullest.

We wandered around the downtown of La Cumbrecita, where several crafts shops, restaurants and other stores are ready to kindly assist potential customers.

We walked 200 meters ahead and turned left to visit more sites. We walked past the Police Station and then a small square which displays a gigantic chest board.

Farther ahead, we crossed Plaza de los Pioneros (The Pioneer’s Square) and then the typical firemen’s oak wooden fountain. We went on walking. The guide explained to us the history of this place as we went past the highest spot in La Cumbrecita.

At the end of Liesbeth Street, we found an amazing natural eight-meter-deep pool formed by the Almach stream, which becomes a swim hole in the summer season.

Later on, we toured the town museum, where we could find photographs and items that witness the first steps of this settlement. Another site to visit is 1,715-meter-high Mount Wank. It takes one hour on foot along a walking trail to get there. At the top, we could find one of the most astounding views of the Calamuchita Valley and its surroundings, where it is possible to watch turkey buzzards, condors and hawks.

Another not-to-miss place is the town chapel, built by its denizens in 1967. As we came inside, we could feel the ecumenical atmosphere beyond the Christ image which strongly stresses Catholic faith.

Upon leaving the chapel, we followed the orange signposts which led us along a path to an incredible 18-meter-high waterfall.

Before our way back to the center, we passed by a Little Tea House in La Cumbrecita, where visitors can be delighted with delicious Viennese cakes.

This was the end of our tour in La Cumbrecita, one of the most selected spots in our country, located in a magnificent mountain range area.