Argentina Travel Planet

Ascochinga

Ascochinga, in the province of Córdoba, is a small town, known for its welcoming people, beautiful landscapes, excellent services and wonderful estancias. It is considered the closing point of the Sierras Chicas region, and is a must-see in a number of different tourist circuits.

It is just a small town, but its urban area adds a number of attractions to its natural surroundings. A small river runs through the constant freshness of the trees, and through the heart of the city, making Ascochinga one of the most precious landscapes of the Sierras Chicas, where tourism developed in harmony with the countryside, allowing the natural assets to guide the industry.

The town itself sits among estates and large country homes, welcoming you to come relax and enjoy some fresh air. The roads of and around the small city can be traveled on by horseback, a great way to enjoy the day and see some sights, in a very Cordobes way.

There are two major hotels in Ascochinga, set among all the local country homes. They are, of course, open to the public, and offer an excellent golf course. There are also natural spas and campgrounds, just outside of the town. Estancia La Paz is another option, just 4 kilometers along the paved road to Jesús María.

While the town itself is lovely to visit, the area surrounding the town is equally, if not more, visited. There are many organized circuits that leave from Hotel Parque Ascochinga, which allow you to discover the historical and cultural richness of the region, all along the Camino de la Historia, or the Path of History. Here, you can see the Capilla de Candonga, and the Capilla de Santa Catalina, both churches from the Jesuit period. You won’t want to miss the caves of Ongamira, the Sinsacate post, or any of the different estancias that once belonged to Presidents Justo and Roca.

If you’re searching for adventure, there is plenty of that, as well. The waterfall called La Estancita can be reached along the El Cuadrado road, and Las Tres Cascadas is also near the hotel. There, beneath the old trees, you can find another way to enjoy the countryside — more relaxed but still comfortable — by tasting the salami and wines of the area, homemade and guaranteed to delight your tastebuds. There are several circuits around the area; different ways to explore the beautiful region. El Camino del Pungo is for those who want some serious hiking: 31 kilometers connect Ascochinga with La Cumbre along a mountain road, and you can find some gorgeous sights along this route. It is recommended to leave early in the morning and return mid-afternoon; you can go by horseback or on foot. This is a top non touristic destination, check for more in this Argentina travel guide.

Río Ascochinga is a 5 kilometer course that will lead you to Las Tres Cascadas, where you can enjoy a natural hydromassage under the crystal waters. This can be done in about three hours if trekking, two hours by horse, or 20 minutes in a car.

Piedra Blanca is another famous site nearby. Here, you will ascend the highest mountain in the area, at 1,800 meters, where you will find a large cross and a great white rock, still painted by the locals in the same tradition that a doctor once started, long ago. It is quite the trek, but the views will reward your efforts tenfold.