Cordoba Travel Guide: The Heart of Argentina

All you need to know if you’re travelling to Cordoba, situated in the heart of Argentina. Discover the best places to visit, general information about Cordoba, the average weather and the highlights and attractions within the province of Cordoba!

It was named after the province of Cordoba in Spain / Photo: Canva Pro

GENERAL INFO CORDOBA

Cordoba is Argentina’s second largest city and the capital of the province with the same name. Cordoba lies 700km Northwest of the city of Buenos Aires and is considered a strategic place that connects the four corners of the country by land and air, which has made it the centre of logistical activities, conventions, high class hospitality and fine cuisine. The city of Cordoba has 1.5 million inhabitants and is located in the centre of the country on the Suquía River (also known as Rio Primero), right on the foothills of the Sierras – a large mountain range that disrupts the expansive plain of central Argentina.

The city of Cordoba was founded in 1573 - as one of the Argentina’s first cities - and was named by the Spanish colonizers, after the province of Cordoba in Spain. This beautiful city became one of the first Spanish colonial capitals of the region and an important centre of evangelization after the religious Jesuit Order established the area. The influence of the Jesuit Order in Cordoba not only introduced the Catholic faith into the region, but also educational development with the foundation, in 1613, of the oldest university in Argentina and one of the first in the whole of the Americas.

The National University of Cordoba is today the second largest university of Argentina after the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). As a result, the city of Cordoba received the nickname of “La Docta” (the wise) and is still one of the main destinations for national and international students and is known as the cultural and intellectual heart of Argentina.

CORDOBA HIGHLIGHTS

The impressive Cathedral of Cordoba, built on San Martín square in the centre of the city, is the oldest church in Argentina that has been in continuous service. The Cathedral beautifully illustrates the history of Cordoba through its architecture, showing the influences of the classical, baroque and colonial periods. The influence of religion on the history of Cordoba is evident throughout the city with stunning churches located around the city of Cordoba such as, the beautiful Church of the Santa Teresa Monastery and the Santa Catalina Church of Siena which all demonstrate the exquisite architecture typical to Cordoba.

A sightseeing tour around Parque Sarmiento de Cordoba is a must if you’re travelling to Cordoba city. It is the perfect place to relax and connect with nature and is Cordoba’s biggest park and one of the largest urban green spaces in South America. The Museum of Natural Sciences and the Zoological Garden of Cordoba are located in the very same park, as well as the Greek amphitheatre where you can see impressive outdoor public spectacles. An artificial lagoon has two small islands which you can visit by boat and is a great place to relax and escape the city.

Cordoba city - known as being the cultural hub of Argentina – also has a variety of high-quality museums, such as the spectacular Evita Fine Arts Museum, the Museo de la Ciudad and the Caraffa Fine Arts Museum. Another tip on things to do in Cordoba is to go for a stroll around Paseo del Buen Pastor – the recreational and commercial heart of the city, where locals come to eat, drink, shop and enjoy the comings and goings of the city.

The Jesuit Block and Estancias of Cordoba

One of the most famous and emblematic highlights of Cordoba is the Jesuit Block; the block of Jesuit buildings which includes the Church of the Compañía de Jesús; the Domestic Chapel; the Jesuits Residence and the Principal’s Office of the National University of Córdoba along with, many administrative buildings. These buildings show the centre of the Jesuit Order and provide a unique look into the history of the city and the Jesuit system.

In the Province of Cordoba, there are five large Jesuit estancias or ranches, called Alta Gracia; Santa Catalina; Jesus Maria; Candelaria and Caroya which have been beautifully preserved. The estancias were turned into the religious centres of the Jesuit Order and can be visited along a 250 km road of the Jesuit estancias. In 2000, UNESCO declared the national monuments and historical Jesuit Block and estancias of Cordoba World Cultural and Heritage sites. Learn all about this fascinating history with a Jesuit History Tour. 

The city of Cordoba is known for its impressive scenery and views provided by its natural surroundings / Photo: Canva Pro

Outside Cordoba City

Part of what makes the city of Cordoba so spectacular is the breathtaking views it provides of its surrounding nature. If you’re travelling to Cordoba, an excursion into the surrounding valleys and mountains, with their abundant nature, lakes, rivers and waterfalls is an absolute must!

Just outside the city of Cordoba, lies Villa Carlos Paz which is known as the gateway to the breath-taking Punilla Valley and is one of the most popular destinations for tourism in the Province of Cordoba – both for foreign and Argentine travellers. It can be visited on a day trip from Cordoba City and is a great stop-off if you want to explore the stunning Punilla Valley. Another interesting place to visit around Cordoba city is the San Roque Lake – which at one point was the world’s largest man-made lake - an idyllic setting for recreational activities and water sports such as canoeing, swimming, sailing and windsurfing.

To the west of the city lies the Sierras Grandes mountain range, a favourite place for rock climbers and thrill-seeking tourists, especially in the area called Los Gigantes, where adventure is combined with a tranquil and beautiful landscape. Travelling south, you can visit the Sierras Chicas and beyond that you can explore the Traslasierra – a more secluded area of the province that can be reached by the spectacular Camino de las Altas Cumbres. Some of the region’s most untouched nature can be found further south in the Calamuchita valley, one of the Province’s most picturesque valleys, as well as the town of Villa General Belgrano and the stunning alpine-style hamlet of La Cumbrecita.

HOW TO GET TO CORDOBA

By Bus

A bus ride from Buenos Aires Retiro Station will take approximately 10 hours in comfortable coaches that range from standard to sleepers. Meals are served on board, all buses have toilets and films are also shown during the trip. Several bus companies cover this route on a daily basis: General Urquiza; Plus Ultra; Nueva Chevallier; Empresa Gutierrez; Rutas del Norte; Expreso Que Bus; El Turista; El Practico; Betel; ENCON and Autotransportes. Prices range from AR$350 – AR$400 and tickets can be booked directly through the provider’s website or on the Omnilineas website which will give you all the prices, providers and corresponding timetables.

By Train

Taking the train from Buenos Aires Retiro Station to Cordoba’s Estacion Ferrocarril Mitre will take approximately 15 hours and departs Mondays and Wednesdays only. Although it takes a bit longer than the bus, it is a very comfortable option and a lot cheaper. There is a dining car and bar on board and sleeping carriages. However make sure you book way in advance as tickets sell out quickly. Turista class is AR$30; Primera class is AR$50; Pullman is AR$90 and Camarote (sleeper for 2 people) is AR$300.

By Plane

Cordoba is located 713km northwest of Buenos Aires which is approximately 1hr 20mins of non-stop flight time. Four airlines fly to Cordoba Airport this route daily. Amongst others: Aerolineas and LAN Chile. Prices vary depending on when you travel. Check the airline websites for prices and timetables.

The International Airport of Cordoba is called Ingeniero A. Taravella, however it is more commonly known as Pajas Blancas. The airport is located only 11km away from the centre of the city of Cordoba and its IATA code is COR.

If you are arriving to Cordoba Airport, click here to book our convenient and reliable Cordoba airport pick up service.

The climate of the city of Córdoba is temperate humid subtropical with dry winter, also known as pampa climate / Photo: Canva Pro

WEATHER IN CORDOBA

Cordoba has a humid subtropical climate which is moderated by the cool Pampas winds which originate from Antarctica. Cordoba's daytime temperatures are generally slightly warmer than Buenos Aires', however in the evening temperatures can drop quite significantly, especially in the winter. This, combined with lower humidity and the possibility of escaping to the cooler surrounding mountains, makes Cordoba’s climate more comfortable than in the capital.

Spring in Cordoba

Extremely variable and windy climate, with long periods of cool, dry weather and cold nights followed by heat waves with temperatures rising to 38°C (100°F). The heat waves are often followed by severe thunderstorms with hail and strong winds. It is quite normal for temperatures to fall below 20°C (68°F) or for a period of frost to follow periods of extreme heat. By October, days are warm but the nights remain cold at around 11°C (52°F). In November the weather is similar to summer but with cooler nights.

Summer in Cordoba

Runs from late November till early March and daytime temperatures can vary between 28°C (82°F) and 33°C (91°F). Heat waves are common and the temperature can reach over 38°C (100°F) with hot, humid nights. The Pampa winds do provide some relief with thunderstorms and a couple of days of cool, refreshing weather. In the evening, temperatures can drop to 15°C (59°F) or less.

Autumn in Cordoba

Late February/early March the nights start to get cooler with average highs of 27°C (81°F) and lows 15°C (59°F). April is significantly drier and has the most pleasant weather conditions with highs of 24°C (75°F) and average lows of 12°C (54°F).The start of winter can be felt late April/early May as the first frost appears, however, this is the driest period with as little as 20mm (1inch) of rainfall. High temperatures average 21°C (70°F) and lows can reach 8°C (46°F). Heat waves are still possible during autumn with temperatures reaching 33°C (91°F).

Winter in Cordoba

Late May till early September with average highs of 18°C (64°F) and lows of 4°C (39°F). If the wind comes in from the north west, a so-called veranito (or small summer) can take place for a couple of days with temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F). On the other hand, if the winds come over from the Atlantic coast, there may be several days of drizzle and cool weather. When the cold air flows from the Antarctica, the temperature can drop to 6°C (43°F) during the day and fall to as low as -5°C (23°F) at night. Snowfall is very rare in the city but more frequent on the outskirts where the Sierras begin.

Córdoba is located in the Argentine region known as the Pampas Plain / Photo: Canva Pro

CORDOBA USEFUL TIPS

Oktoberfest in Villa General Belgrano

In the month of October, Villa General Belgrano hosts one of Cordoba’s highlights the National Oktoberfest. The small mountain village of Villa General Belgrano was founded in 1932 with the arrival of immigrants from Germany, Switzerland and Austria and is characterised by its central European Alpine style architecture, excellent food and its huge variety of cultural events.

Many very European traditions still survive in this village. There is a weekly German newspaper and the Sunday Church services are also offered in German and every year, the village hosts the popular international Cordoba Oktoberfest or the Fiesta Nacional de la Cerveza, dedicated completely to maintaining the German culture with traditional clothing; large orchestras playing authentic central European music and other; German favourites such as apple strudel, Leberwurst and Spatzle, and of course, an abundance of quality beer. Oktoberfest in Villa General Belgrano will not disappoint and year on year it is growing in popularity with visitors from all over the world. If you visit Argentina in a different season and miss the Beer Festival, don’t worry, the village with its red-roofs, wooden-framed homes, microbreweries, pastry and chocolate shops is an attraction itself all year round and should definitely be on the top of your list of best places to visit in Cordoba!

Browse our range of Cordoba Tours and activities and make your trip to Cordoba unforgettable!

By: Daytours4u Team Content.