Cordoba, rich in history and culture

Cordoba is the second biggest city in Argentina after Buenos Aires. Close to natural resources and a priviledged location have made possible for Cordoba to have a strong political position in the national context. The City is covered by monasteries, a testimony of the activity prevalescent many centuries ago. Jesuits first, developed a very organized agricultural and educational system. Later Fransiscanos replaced the jesuits who had acquired wealth and power and had become a threat to the Spanish crown.

Walks through the City will reveal some of the secrets of these century old religious orders and how their doctrines have affected Cordoba's society to this very day. Just 38 km south of the city, Alta Gracia offers some of the same (was founded 400 years ago) plus the benefit of enjoying the country. Alta Gracia has become a summer village where Cordoba residents spend their leisure time from December through March.

One key attraction in Cordoba is the city of Alta Gracia, founded as a ranch to raise cattle and produce soft agricultural products as a means of generating income that will help sustain the "College of Cordoba" (Colegio Mayor de Cordoba). It originated around the year 1588 and expanded consideraby during the period of the jesuits (1643-1767). After the expulsion of the jesuits in 1767 the ranch and all related properties became part of the "Junta de Temporalidades" and everything is sold in a public auction in 1773. In 1900 Alta Garcia becomes a town and by 1940 it is declared a city.

At the foot of a small mountainrange called Sierras Chicas lies Villa General Belgrano. Surrounded by native trees called algarrobos, Villa general Belgrano is characterized by the fact that combines traditional argentine culture with a strong european background. Immigrants from Europe, mainly the Alps, started populating the region around the 30's. The architecture resembles any small european town. To preserve their past background the village...

organizes three main festivals: around March April 'La masa vienesa' takes place, then "Alpine Chocolate celebration is organized. Finally, the National beer Festival takes place in October and is by far, the most popular of them all. People all over the country join the villagers to have a sample of typical german beers and maybe some other beer not so europeans...

The famous "sierras cordobesas" is one of the main tourist attractions for locals. It comprises the areas of 'valle de punilla' (Crus del Eje, Capilla del Monte, La Falda, Carlos Paz, Cosquin), valles de traslasierra' (Dolores, San Pedro and Mina Clavero) and 'valle de calamuchita' (Alta Gracia, Villa gral Belgrano, La cumbrecita). Villa Carlos Paz (45,000 habitants) is by far the most important resort destination in Cordoba with more than 400 hotels. Bordering Lago San Roque, it makes for an ideal water sports vacation. The village has not only great infraestructure but also an active life day and night and has been a favorite vacation spot for locals for 50+ years.