Punilla Department: Nature, Culture and Water
Accommodation in Punilla Department
On a trip to Punilla Department, you can focus on mountain scenery, nature watching, culture or water activities. For planning, it is worth considering the different places and themes: these include elevations and protected areas, as well as historic buildings, an artisan route and leisure opportunities at reservoirs. This way, you can connect your hotel search with the themes you want to shape your trip.
Mountain Scenery and Nature
Cerro Uritorco reaches 1,979 meters and is the highest point in northern Punilla Department. In Valle Hermoso, the Vaquerías Nature Reserve covers approximately 400 hectares and features a Chaco Serrano ecosystem. Quebrada del Condorito offers a different landscape: the gorge is V-shaped, 800 meters high and 1,500 meters wide at its broadest point. The national park is located partly in Punilla Department; Andean condors can be observed from the upper edges of the gorge.
Culture, History and Routes
The National Folklore Festival in Cosquín was attended in 1961, 1962 and 1963 by delegations from all Argentine provinces and American countries. A national decree designated the last week of January as National Folklore Week and selected Cosquín as its venue.
In Capilla del Monte, Calle Techada was built in 1964 to host the 1st International Photography Exhibition. It is considered Latin America's first covered street. Cuevas de Ongamira is a private park with an admission fee. The visit is dedicated to the history of the Comechingón people and to nature; check the current visiting conditions in advance. At Los Terrones, a viewpoint can be reached on foot in 15 minutes.
The Camino de los Artesanos connects Villa Giardino and La Cumbre over a nine-kilometer route. Near Villa Giardino, the route includes craft shops and businesses run by regional producers.
Water and Outdoor Activities
Punilla Department has five major reservoirs where visitors can fish. Sailing and motorized water sports are also possible at the reservoirs. At Dique San Roque in Villa Carlos Paz, water sports, boat trips, pedal-boat rides and diving are available. Cerro La Cruz in Villa Carlos Paz offers opportunities for trekking, climbing and cycling.
Compare What Each Place Offers
The nature attractions mentioned differ considerably: Uritorco is known for its elevation, Vaquerías for its Chaco Serrano ecosystem, and the Quebrada for its striking shape and condor watching. This lets you focus more on elevation, vegetation or wildlife watching.
The cultural attractions also appeal to different interests: the history of the festival in Cosquín differs from the architectural and exhibition history of Calle Techada. At Cuevas de Ongamira, the history of the Comechingón people and nature are part of the visitor experience; the Camino de los Artesanos focuses on handicrafts and regional producers.
Discover more destinations: Cosquín, Bialet Massé, Huerta Grande, Tanti, Villa Giardino, Villa Bustos, El Durazno, Villa Parque Síquiman, Cavalango, San Esteban, Villa Garcia, Tanti Nuevo, Villa Parque Lago San Roque, Santa María de Punilla.
For the broader travel overview: Córdoba.
