Round the Waterfront

If Córdoba has something that the rest of the provinces certainly envy, there is no doubt it is its rivers.

And if there is one in particular that can perfectly represent a typical river in Córdoba, it is the Santa Rosa River, which flows across the city from its source and then gets lost on the horizon.

In the summer, the river becomes alive with the arrival of thousands of tourists that invade its banks. It also welcomes the local denizens, mostly youngsters, who enjoy its waters all through the day.
Almost a dozen of outstanding swim holes appear on the Santa Rosa River, each featuring its own attractions.

Piedras Rosadas (Pink rocks), Santa Rita (Saint Rita) and Ruphay are three ideal swim holes for the family to rest. As they lie somewhat away from the urban shell, the possibility of enjoying the water and losing contact with the hustle and bustle of the city becomes real. “We only hear the birds singing here”, the locals assert and they are far from wrong.

Upon entering the city through José María Gómez Avenue or through the so-called Dr. Dell Acqua Avenue, we came across the ford called Viena, which immediately unveils a dreamed-of place: La Choza swim hole.

Already in the downtown, on both banks, the road displays other swim holes frequented by crowds of people. In general, it is the young population that takes hold of these ideal areas to spend the day.
Equipped with grills, fire pits, camping areas and especially beaches, these spots include El Puente Colgante (The Suspended Bridge), El Remanso (The Backwaters), El Puchuquí and the famous Playa Soleada (Sunny Beach).

As a result of the geographical features of the Santa Rosa River in this area, Playa Soleada is one of the favorite spots among women to sunbathe. In consequence, it becomes one of the most popular spaces during the summer season.

Dancing, music and diverse outdoor activities are part of the repertoire of many beaches that year after year contribute their rhythm to these areas of the river.

Not only is this singular attraction enjoyed by the locals but also by young visitors from nearby cities that come along to spend the day, camp and even spend the night at some disco or pub that come to life when the clock strikes midnight in Santa Rosa.

In the outskirts of town, following the river course and heading for Río Tercero, Villa María or Río Cuarto, one of the most peaceful swim holes in the area appears: La Rinconada. As it has very few visitors, it may surprise anglers by letting them catch some important trout specimen.

The ford at La Rinconada let us cross to the other side and start touring swim holes again, so as to return to our starting point following the opposite bank of the river and unveiling each one of its secrets while we complete our tour around the waterfront.

A typical river in Córdoba, there is absolutely nothing missing at this gorgeous city named Santa Rosa del Valle de Calamuchita.