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  Marcelo Sola |
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We will get to know an unforgettable and heavenly place located on the western slope of the Sierras Grandes de Córdoba, 38 km from Villa General Belgrano, when we visit La Cumbrecita.
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This beautiful site of rest and recreation, ideal to enjoy with the family or a partner, is located 1,450 mosl and is the highest village in the province of Córdoba.
La Cumbrecita was born in 1934 in the total loneliness of the mountains, steep ravines, crystal-clear rivers and streams, in an area as wild as privileged for its natural conditions. Nowadays, it shows its visitors how to follow the steps of a firm innovative tradition, being the first pedestrian village in Argentina. In order to get to this singular site, we may hire an excursion at a travel agency in Villa General Belgrano, or simply go on your private vehicle to La Cumbrecita. In both cases, we have two options to get to this area. One is from the public swimming-pool along the rubble road towards the Cristo Grande, passing by Athos Pampa, Intiyaco, Villa Berna to La Cumbrecita. The second option -and the most used one- is leaving from Colonia S.E.T.I.A. towards Los Reartes along a paved road and from there on to Villa Berna along a rubble road to La Cumbrecita. Those who decide to use their private vehicles are to know that La Cumbrecita does not have a gas station. Therefore, we recommend that you should check on fuel, oil and tyres before leaving Villa General Belgrano. If you choose to visit the city on a excursion hired with a travel agency, you will only have to relax and enjoy the trip, while the guide enriches each section with historical and geographical data. The trip We will make our first stop at Los Reartes. There, we will visit the village chapel with the image of Immaculate Mother Mary. |
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We will get off the transfer vehicle to have a better view of the hundred-year-old building. You will see that its style presents a strong indoamerican influence due to the active participation of the comechingones in its construction.
Among the relics worth mentioning, you can see the entrance gate made of red quebracho wood, the carved prie-dieu kneeler in front of the altar, the bishop armchair, the missal and the holy water stoup - everything original. Once outside, you will notice the modest two-bell church tower. We will continue our march, always going up over sea level and we will pass by a large area afforested with pines, black wattles, evergreen vegetation, chañares, carob trees and eucalyptus. By the rubble road, we will see the pircas built by the comechingones. These one-meter tall and fifty-centimeter wide walls made of stone used to delimit the territories of the tribes. At present, some of them are used as corrals. As we continue with our trip, it is possible that we come by some animals representative of the local fauna, such as foxes, hares and partridges. We will pass by an area of considerable height where we will be able to see the lakes Los Molinos and De Embalse. We will learn that the Lake Embalse is the largest artificial lake in the province with 6,000 flooded hectares. On its shores lays the Central Atómica de Embalse, which generates electrical power for the provinces of Buenos Aires, San Luis, Mendoza and Córdoba. The Los Molinos Dam is the second biggest in the province, with 2,400 flooded hectares. Apart from being equipped to generate power, it is used at present to supply drinking water to the southern area of the province of Córdoba. After going along 38 Km. the transfer vehicle will have reached the 1,450 mosl, where the pedestrian village is located. We will leave the vehicle at the entrance and continue on foot. La Cumbrecita |
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| We will start to walk along the picturesque alpine-like village. The kind inhabitants of the place will welcome us and show us the paths we should follow to enjoy our experience to the utmost. |
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| We will reach the center of La Cumbrecita, where several craft shops, restaurants and stores in general are carefully settled to warmly assist potential customers. |
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We will walk along 200 m and turn left to visit the different areas of the place. We will pass by the Police Station, then by the small square which contains a chess board made in real size with metal pieces of considerable magnitude.
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Up ahead, we will cross the Plaza de los Pioneros and afterwards, the oak tree wood water fountain typical of firemen.
We will continue walking. The guide will provide some explanations about the history of the place, while we pass by the highest point in La Cumbrecita. At the end of Liesbeth street, we will find a wonderful 8-meter-deep pool formed by the Almach stream. This sector is used as a seaside resort during the summertime. |
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Later on, we will be able to visit the village museum, where we will find photographs and elements that witnessed the first steps of this place.
Another point we can visit is Mount Wank, which is 1,715 m high. In order to reach this place we will have to walk along a path for one hour. Once at the top, we will appreciate one of the prettiest sights of the Calamuchita valley and the area surrounding La Cumbrecita, where we will notice the presence of buzzards, condors and hawks. |
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We must not miss a visit to the village chapel, built by its inhabitants in the year 1967. As we enter, we will notice that, beyond the image of Christ that strongly stresses catholic faith, its style is ecumenical.
As we leave the chapel, we will follow the orange signals that will lead us along a path up to a beautiful 18-meter-high waterfall. |
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Before returning to the center of the village, we will pass by La Cumbrecita Tea House, where we will taste exquisite Viennese cakes.
In this way, we will finish our journey around La Cumbrecita. We will have known one of the most important, exclusive and selected spots in the country, located in a magnificent mountain range area. |
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See also: Hotels in Villa General Belgrano and other accommodation venues |
| Contact: Dapa Turismo San Martin 18 (5194) Villa General Belgrano - Córdoba Tel: +54 (3546) 46-3417 |
© 2003-2008 Total or partial reproduction forbidden. Derechos de Autor 675246 Ley 11723