Santa María de Punilla – Festivals, history and the Río Cosquín

When searching for a hotel in Santa María de Punilla, you can get a sense of the destination through specific themes: events featuring food, music and folklore, the Capilla de San José, and the Río Cosquín and Balneario Municipal. Depending on your interests, these places and events offer different points of interest. There are also several ways to get there.

Festivals and local traditions

The Festival de la Avicultura features local cuisine and poultry specialties, as well as live music and handicrafts. The Fiesta Chayera brings the traditions of flour and basil to life in Santa María de Punilla. It lasts more than six hours and features folklore and music. If you want to plan your trip around one of these festivals, check the event dates in advance.

Capilla de San José and nearby places

The Capilla de San José is a National Historic Monument. General Juan Bautista Bustos was baptized there in 1780. The chapel’s historic monument status and this specific historical event make it a notable site for travelers interested in history and cultural heritage.

Nearby is Molino y Estancia El Rosario, designated as cultural heritage of the Province of Córdoba. The old Dique Las Higueritas is also in the vicinity and offers views of the landscape. The chapel in town and these two nearby destinations offer different points of interest for a cultural or nature-focused stay.

Río Cosquín, the Balneario and activities

The Río Cosquín runs through Santa María de Punilla and is a distinctive geographical feature of the town. The Balneario Municipal has a large swimming pool and visitor services; beach volleyball games are also held there. This area therefore offers both a swimming pool and a sporting activity.

The Camino de las Maravillas also brings together different interests: “Pedaleando bajo las estrellas” is a nighttime bike ride along this route. The Camino de las Maravillas is also a recommended excursion leading to the Cueva de los Pajaritos. This gives you a choice between a nighttime cycling activity and an excursion to this destination.

Getting to Santa María de Punilla

For the road journey from the city of Córdoba, the route follows Ruta 20, RP 73, RP 55 and then RN 38. As road conditions and signage can change, check them before setting out.

Santa María de Punilla can be reached by buses operated by Grupo Sarmiento; the Tren de las Sierras is another option. Check bus and train schedules and current service before departure. This will help you prepare for your journey using the mode of transport that best suits your plans.

About Departamento Punilla

Cerro Uritorco is located in Departamento Punilla and, at 1,979 meters, is the highest point in northern Punilla. Quebrada del Condorito National Park is also partly located in this department. The Quebrada is a V-shaped gorge, 800 meters high and 1,500 meters wide at its widest point; Andean condors can be seen from its upper edges.

Departamento Punilla also has five major reservoirs where visitors can fish. Sailing and motorized water sports are also possible at the reservoirs.

Discover more destinations: Tanti Nuevo, Cosquín, Villa Parque Lago San Roque, Villa Giardino, Bialet Massé, Villa Parque Síquiman, El Durazno, Cavalango.

View the broader travel guide: Departamento Punilla.