Córdoba to La Cumbrecita: Pedestrian Village & Villa General Belgrano Day Trip

Summary

From Córdoba through forested hills to La Cumbrecita and German-inspired towns

You’ll wind from Córdoba into pine forests and mountain villages, wander car-free streets in La Cumbrecita, taste Central European pastries in Villa General Belgrano, and share stories with your local guide. Expect small surprises — maybe a lakeside coffee stop or laughter over lunch — plus hotel pickup so you can just enjoy the ride.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, we almost missed the pickup because I thought the guide said “eight-ish” and not “eight sharp.” So there I was, running down the hotel stairs with half a medialuna in my mouth. Our driver just grinned and waved me in — no judgment. The road out of Córdoba started busy but soon turned quiet, eucalyptus giving way to pines as we passed that odd monument to Myriam Stefford (I had to Google her later — tragic story). The air got cooler as we climbed, windows cracked open, and you could smell wood smoke from little villages tucked along the route.

Our guide, Martín, kept pointing out things I’d never have noticed — like how Alta Gracia’s old Jesuit estancia sits right next to Che Guevara’s childhood home. He told us about Anisacate and Villa Ciudad de América as if he’d grown up there (maybe he had?). Crossing over Los Molinos Lake was a bit surreal — the water looked almost metallic under the clouds. We stopped for coffee at a tiny place in Potrero de Garay where an old man played cards by himself. Didn’t expect that part.

The climb into the Sierras Grandes felt endless but in a good way — switchbacks through conifer forests, everything smelling sharp and green. When we finally reached La Cumbrecita, it was so quiet I actually noticed my own footsteps crunching on gravel. No cars allowed here; it’s all wooden bridges and flower boxes. We wandered past the ecumenical chapel (tiny but peaceful), then down to La Olla spa where kids were splashing even though it was chilly. Lunch was at this old hotel with creaky floors; I tried to order in Spanish but probably butchered “trucha” (trout). The waiter just smiled.

Later on in Villa General Belgrano, everything suddenly felt very… Bavarian? There were gingerbread houses and people selling strudel on the street corners. Someone played accordion near the plaza while a group of teenagers practiced some kind of folk dance — not sure if it was for tourists or just what they do on Saturdays. On the drive back through Curve of the Wind, Martín pulled over so we could see Los Molinos Dam from above — wind whipping my hair everywhere, but honestly that view sticks with me more than any postcard shot.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour from Córdoba to La Cumbrecita

• Depart from Córdoba city
• Visit Monument to Miryam Stefford
• Visit Jesuit Estancia Alta Gracia and Che Guevara home
• Pass through Anisacate, Stocks, and Villa Ciudad de América
• Discover Santa Rosa de Calamuchita city center
• Cross Villa Rumipal and Villa del Dique
• Visit Embalse de Rio Tercero lake
• Visit Villa General Belgrano town
• Return via Los Reartes and Potrero de Garay
• Arrive back to Córdoba city

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Córdoba day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for downtown Córdoba City hotels.

How long does it take to reach La Cumbrecita from Córdoba?

The drive takes several hours with stops along the way at various towns and viewpoints.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels since walking is mostly gentle and optional.

What language does the guide speak?

The tour includes a Spanish-speaking guide throughout the day trip.

Are meals or snacks included during the tour?

No meals are specifically included; you can purchase lunch or snacks during stops like La Cumbrecita or Villa General Belgrano.

Do we visit Villa General Belgrano on this day trip?

Yes, you’ll spend time exploring Villa General Belgrano before returning to Córdoba.

Are entry fees included for attractions like museums?

No specific entry fees are mentioned as included; check locally if you wish to enter certain sites.

Is transportation between towns provided?

Yes, all transportation between Córdoba, La Cumbrecita, Villa General Belgrano and other stops is provided by vehicle with your group.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from downtown Córdoba City hotels plus transportation through scenic mountain routes with a Spanish-speaking guide leading stops at places like Alta Gracia, Los Molinos Lake, pedestrian-only La Cumbrecita village and Villa General Belgrano before returning in the evening.