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Córdoba
Argentina’s second city, a university town with a UNESCO-listed Jesuit quarter and the Sierras de Córdoba nearby
Argentina’s second city, a university town with a UNESCO-listed Jesuit quarter and the Sierras de Córdoba nearby
The Manzana Jesuítica includes the Church of the Society of Jesus, the old university and the Colegio Nacional de Monserrat. Guided tours show the cloisters and historic library.
Photo: Nelson Pérez, CC BY-SA 3.0
Built over two centuries from the late 16th century, the cathedral on Plaza San Martín mixes Baroque and Neoclassical styles and has a richly painted interior.
Photo: Alakasam., CC BY-SA 3.0
A former women’s prison turned into a cultural centre with galleries, cafés and fountains, in the student district of Nueva Córdoba.
Photo: Alelazca, CC BY-SA 4.0
About 35km south-west, this town has a Jesuit estancia that is part of the UNESCO site, and the house where Che Guevara spent part of his childhood, now a museum.
Photo: Paco Martinez, CC BY-SA 3.0
A national park in the Sierras about 90km west of the city, where a deep gorge is home to Andean condors. A trail from the visitor centre leads to viewpoints.
Start early; the walk takes several hours.
Photo: Kevin Jones, CC BY 2.0
Try lomitos (steak sandwiches), empanadas and fernet con coca, Córdoba’s favourite drink. Parrillas serve grilled meat, and alfajores from the Sierras make good souvenirs.
Güemes and Nueva Córdoba have the liveliest bars and restaurants.
Córdoba’s airport has flights from Buenos Aires in about 1 hour 15 minutes, plus some international routes. Long-distance buses connect with Buenos Aires (about 10 hours), Mendoza and Salta.
Buses run from the city to Alta Gracia and towns in the Sierras. Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit Argentina without a visa for up to 90 days. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check current rules before you travel.
Argentina uses the peso (ARS), which has been very volatile, so prices here are given in US dollars as a guide. Foreign cards are widely accepted and usually get a market-based exchange rate; carry some cash for small purchases.
Prices change quickly with inflation and the exchange rate.
Colonial centre and the Sierras.
Visit the cathedral and Cabildo on Plaza San Martín and take a tour of the Jesuit Block.
Take a bus to Alta Gracia for the Jesuit estancia and the Che Guevara museum.
Hike in Quebrada del Condorito or visit the hill towns of the Sierras.
Bars and clubs are busiest late at night, especially in Güemes and Nueva Córdoba.
Many shops close in the afternoon.
Bring water and sun protection in the Sierras.
Watch your belongings in busy areas.
Quick answers for planning time in Córdoba.
Its Jesuit Block and Jesuit estancias were inscribed in 2000.
About 35km, under an hour by bus.
In Quebrada del Condorito National Park.
By plane in about 1 hour 15 minutes, or by bus in about 10 hours.
March to May and September to November.
Spanish is the main language; English is less common outside tourist areas.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Argentina travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.