12 Best Things to Do in Córdoba, Argentina: Jesuit Block, Museums & Sierras

From 17th-century cedar church vaults built like inverted ship hulls to Beaux-Arts mansions, open-air artisan fairs, and 800-metre granite condor gorges in the nearby mountains, Córdoba blends urban culture with effortless countryside escapes. Here are the twelve essential experiences in the city and province.

1. Historic Landmarks & UNESCO World Heritage

1. Walk Inside the UNESCO Manzana Jesuítica (1613 to 1687): Step beneath the gilded cedar barrel vault of the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús and tour the cloisters and historic library of the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and Colegio Monserrat.
2. Visit the Cathedral of Córdoba & Cabildo on Plaza San Martín: Admire the Baroque dome and Emilio Caraffa ceiling frescoes of the Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (1580 to 1784) beside the white-arched 1610 Cabildo Histórico.
3. Tour the UNESCO Jesuit Estancias & Che Guevara Museum in Alta Gracia: Drive 36 kilometres south-west to explore the 1643 Estancia Jesuítica de Alta Gracia and the boyhood home of Ernesto "Che" Guevara (Villa Nydia).
4. Discover the Northern Estancias of Jesús María, Caroya & Santa Catalina: Follow the colonial Royal Road north to the 1754 twin-towered church of Santa Catalina and the 1618 wine cellars of Jesús María.

2. Nueva Córdoba Museums, Güemes & Local Nightlife

5. Watch the Fountains at Paseo del Buen Pastor & Climb Los Capuchinos: Relax on the lawns of the converted 1901 chapel at Paseo del Buen Pastor and marvel at the star-painted vaults and deliberately unfinished tower of the Iglesia de los Capuchinos (1934).
6. Walk the Cultural Golden Half-Mile (Palacio Ferreyra, Museo Caraffa & Parque Sarmiento): View works by Fernando Fader and Antonio Seguí inside the grand 1916 Palacio Ferreyra before strolling through Carlos Thays's Parque Sarmiento.
7. Stroll Arroyo La Cañada to the Feria Paseo de las Artes in Barrio Güemes: Follow the tipuana-shaded stone canal into Barrio Güemes on a Saturday or Sunday evening to browse leatherwork, silver, and ceramics.
8. Experience Cuarteto Music & Fernet con Coca: Visit the Museo del Cuarteto and share a frosty glass of Fernet con Coca in Güemes or Alberdi.

3. Sierras de Córdoba Mountain Escapes

4. Tasting Regional Flavours

Sample sweet-and-savoury empanadas cordobesas, Colonia Caroya salami, and cabrito serrano.

9. Wander Pedestrian-Only La Cumbrecita & Alpine Villa General Belgrano: Explore the waterfalls and pine forests of La Cumbrecita (1,450m) and Villa General Belgrano in the Calamuchita Valley.
10. Hike to Watch Andean Condors at Quebrada del Condorito National Park: Cross the 2,100-metre Pampa de Achala plateau on the Camino de las Altas Cumbres to Balcón Norte.
11. Ride the Tren de las Sierras or Visit Villa Carlos Paz & Punilla Valley: See Lake San Roque and the Punilla Valley towns of Cosquín, La Cumbre, and Capilla del Monte.
12. Tour the 1918 University Reform Museum in Barrio Clínicas: Trace Latin America's student autonomy movement.