La Cumbrecita and Sierra villages
To get right into the mountain scenery, head west from Villa General Belgrano via the tiny hamlet of Los Reartes with its old chapel, to La Cumbrecita, a charming, Alpine-style village hidden away in the forested hills, where there are no cars permitted. Although crowded in summer, life here is very tranquil indeed and if you visit during spring or autumn to walk in the surrounding mountains, you'll probably have them all to yourself. It's an excellent centre for trekking or horse riding, with walks from half a day to three days, including to Cerro Champaquí, though this peak is better accessed from Villa Alpina . There are short walks to a 14-m-high waterfall La Cascada, and to a small lake of cystralline water, La Olla, a natural pool with sandy beaches which is good for swimming. Longer walks or horse rides follow footpaths or 4WD vehicle tracks to the Cerro Cristal, the pools along Río del Medio, or for spectacular panoramic views, hike up Cerro Wank (1715 m), two hours return. A footpath leads south to another quaint village, Villa Alpina, but it's a six-hour walk (return) and you should take a guide. You can also go horse riding, try rappelling, or explore the area with 4WDs. Many visitors in summer just come for the day, but there are plenty of places to stay and eat including cabañas for hire, and tasty food in chalet-style restaurants with lovely settings and great views. For general information, see www.calamuchita.com, and www.lacum brecita.gov.ar (both in Spanish).
There's a tourist office where staff can advise on walking guides and where to get information on riding and other activities. A useful website with information in English and German is www.lacumbrecita.info.
Villa Alpina and Cerro Champaquí
South of La Cumbrecita is another quaint mountain village, Villa Alpina, a small remote resort set in the forested upper valley of Río de los Reartes. On the map it looks close to La Cumbrecita, but there's no road connecting the two so the only direct way to get there is to walk, which takes three hours. See www.turismocordoba.com.ar/losreartes/ (in Spanish).
Villa Alpina is the best base for the three-day trek to Cerro Champaquí (2790 m), 19 km from the village. It's possible to take a 4WD almost to the summit, but the longer walk is much more rewarding for the superb mountainous scenery and the chance to meet local inhabitants as you stop at the puestos on the way. You'll need an all-season sleeping bag to stay in the puestos, and be aware that it can snow even in summer. Take a local guide to avoid getting lost. Information is available from Villa General Belgrano tourist office.
There are more picturesque hilly landscapes with streams and falls close to Yacanto de Calamuchita, a village in the mountains, reached via Santa Rosa de Calamuchita, the largest town in this part of the valley, and a very popular, but drab resort. See www.villayacanto.gov.ar, for planning information (in Spanish).
There's a tourist office where staff can advise on walking guides and where to get information on riding and other activities. A useful website with information in English and German is www.lacumbrecita.info.
Villa Alpina and Cerro Champaquí
South of La Cumbrecita is another quaint mountain village, Villa Alpina, a small remote resort set in the forested upper valley of Río de los Reartes. On the map it looks close to La Cumbrecita, but there's no road connecting the two so the only direct way to get there is to walk, which takes three hours. See www.turismocordoba.com.ar/losreartes/ (in Spanish).
Villa Alpina is the best base for the three-day trek to Cerro Champaquí (2790 m), 19 km from the village. It's possible to take a 4WD almost to the summit, but the longer walk is much more rewarding for the superb mountainous scenery and the chance to meet local inhabitants as you stop at the puestos on the way. You'll need an all-season sleeping bag to stay in the puestos, and be aware that it can snow even in summer. Take a local guide to avoid getting lost. Information is available from Villa General Belgrano tourist office.
There are more picturesque hilly landscapes with streams and falls close to Yacanto de Calamuchita, a village in the mountains, reached via Santa Rosa de Calamuchita, the largest town in this part of the valley, and a very popular, but drab resort. See www.villayacanto.gov.ar, for planning information (in Spanish).
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This is edited copy from Footprint Handbooks. For comprehensive details (incl address, tel no, directions, opening times and prices) please refer to book or individual chapter PDF
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