Cruz del Eje Department: Reservoir, Culture and Olive Oil

Cruz del Eje Department can be explored through a variety of themes: Embalse Cruz del Eje, river landscapes, olive oil and historic sites. Some of the natural and cultural destinations described are in the vicinity of the reservoir; their individual features show how varied the region’s appeal can be for travelers.

Embalse Cruz del Eje and Dique Pichanas

You can reach Embalse Cruz del Eje via RN 38 and A 185 to the Cuenca del Sol area. Numerous rivers feed the reservoir, flowing down from the Sierras, including the Quilpo and San Marcos rivers. You can fish for trout and pejerrey at the reservoir. Water, tributaries and fishing come together here for travelers interested in the landscape and activities around the reservoir.

Another destination for nature and outdoor activities is Dique Pichanas, which is part of the tourist circuits of the northwest of Cruz del Eje Department. You can enjoy non-motorized water sports there. Hiking trails wind through the surrounding area, allowing you to explore the local flora and fauna. Dique Pichanas therefore offers different activities from fishing at the reservoir.

River landscapes nearby

San Marcos Sierras is a protected natural area. The bathing spots along the Río Quilpo have natural pools and extensive beaches. In the town center, opposite Plaza Cacique Tulián, stands an old chapel made of stone and adobe, dating from 1734. Nature and culture are therefore close together here, while remaining distinct attractions.

Villa de Soto is also in the vicinity of the destination, along National Route 38. A river of the same name surrounds the town. Balneario La Toma offers natural pools, cascades and sandy beaches. In Cruz de Caña, there is a river with clear water and sandy river beaches. Hiking trails lead to Cerro Cruz de Caña, which rises 1,492 meters above sea level; horseback rides are also offered in the nearby hills.

History and culture in the surrounding towns

The Casa Museo del Dr. Arturo U. Illia is in Cruz del Eje, in the vicinity of the destination, in the house where former Argentine president Arturo U. Illia lived. The former president’s Casa Museo is designated a National Historic Monument. Also in Cruz del Eje, in the vicinity of the destination, Estación del Ferrocarril opened in 1891. The Museo Ferroviario in Cruz del Eje, in the vicinity of the destination, houses twenty railway cars and several historic locomotives. The Tren de las Sierras offers another historic connection to the railway: it opened in 1889 to carry goods and passengers between Córdoba and Cruz del Eje.

The Estancia Jesuítica de la Candelaria is also part of the area’s history. From the late 17th century, it served as an agricultural estate run by the Jesuits to supply the Colegio Máximo. In Villa de Soto, La Recova preserves evidence of the earlier conflicts between Unitarians and Federalists. A restored railway station adds to the historic sites there.

In San Marcos Sierras, the Museo Hippie displays a collection of objects related to the counterculture movement that emerged in the 1960s. The chapel, museum and protected natural area bring together different interests: you can explore architectural history and culture, or focus on the landscape along the Río Quilpo.

Olive oil and annual events

In Cruz del Eje, in the vicinity of the destination, you can visit olive oil producers, learn about the production process and taste different varieties of olive oil. The Festival Regional del Pejerrey is held at the reservoir every year. The program includes traditional food and drinks as well as a large family peña.

Other events shape the surrounding area: the Festival de la Miel in San Marcos Sierras takes place in early February and features theater performances, musical acts and sales of regional products. In Villa de Soto, the patron saint’s festival honoring Saint Roch is held every year on August 18 and includes a procession. If you want to plan your trip around an event, check the exact date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Los Sauces, San Marcos Sierra, Pocho, General Roca Department, Río Primero, Calamuchita Department, Santa María Department, San Justo Department.

View the broader travel guide: Córdoba.