Camping in La Cumbrecita -1st night

Camping in La Cumbrecita

Andrey and I have not been on holiday together since January 2009. So we decided to take a hiking trip to Mount Champaquí. Champaqui forms part of the Sierras de Cordoba (Cordoba mountain range).

What makes this mountain special is the fact that it is the  highest peak in the province, with a height of 2,790m. At the top of the mountain there is a small lake which is frozen from late April to early August. You also have an incredible view of the Calamuchita Valley.We couldn’t get a direct transfer to Villa Alpina (entrance to Champaqui). They only take groups. This left us little choice but to go to La Cumbrecita and from there hike to Villa Alpina across the forest and mountains.

Andrey read a blog about the hike but we couldn’t figure out how long it would take to get there. Today is National Census day in Argentina and everything was quiet. We took the 11am bus  (Pajaro Blanco) to La Cumbrecita.

Map of La Cumbrecita

It is a very scenic ride and takes +- 45 minutes. You make 1 quick stop in Villa General Belgrano. We have been to La Cumbrecita many times but never really explored the northern part of the reserve. There are waterfalls and many hiking routes. So we decided to camp the night and start our hike early the next morning. It will only take a couple of hours to get to Villa Alpina.

It was a little difficult to find the camping ground. It is a private camping ground at the back of a house with a large garden.

Luna y Sol camping in La Cumbrecita

The women that helped us was very friendly. We paid 30 pesos for the night with very basic facilities. There is an outside  kitchen with gas, a shower (with hot water) and toilet. A few horses were watching us with interest as we got settled.We met some other travellers from Buenos Aires.

Luna y Sol Camping in La Cumbrecita

We found a nice quiet spot to pitch our tent. We had a beautiful view of the mountains. We made some enquiries about the route to Villa Alpina and they told us it is a hike of  +- 2 1/2 hours .It seemed easy enough. Everything was closed until 8pm.

While we were busy talking to the people at the tourist office, a British couple came in and the asked for something. I only overheard part of the conversation but couldn’t help to giggle when I heard this part: No tenemos……..(long silence looking for the words)…nothing to eat! The people couldn’t speak a lot of Spanish and were looking for a place to eat.  It reminded me of my early days when I was also lost for words.

Camping in La Cumbrecita Cordoba

It was time to stretch the legs and we took a walk next to the river. There was a beautiful spot where you could sit and it actually looked like a beach! Here in Argentina they call it a “playa”.

La Cumbrecita in Cordoba

Then we hiked into town and sat down on the rocks at the river. There was a really cute dog! His owner threw a stick into the water and he was actually diving to find it.He was adorable and I already started to miss Ru!

River in La Cumbrecita and funny dog

From there we took a walk to a charming, little chappel that was built in 1967. I am not sure if the chapel is of any historical value but  I will read up about it later.

Chapel in La Cumbrecita Cordoba

We continued our hike to the 3 waterfalls. It was a tough hike but worth it. We got there, rested for a little while and left again because the weather turned bad all of a sudden. It looked like rain!

Waterfall in La Cumbrecita

We hiked +- 3 kms today. I took a shower, while Andrey waited behind the door and passed me my clothes because there was no place to hang them up and no light! We cooked our first packet of instant noodles ( white sauce with brocoli) and listened to the artisans playing Argentinian folklore. They were really good. They lead a very different lifestyle, almost like the hippies of the olden days. They make  different things which they sell in the markets. I enjoyed talking to them. They played anything from Argentinian folklore to John Lennon. We went back to the tent. It was getting dark and they cut the electricty after 10pm.

Camping in La Cumbrecita -1st night

I have been fortunate to have done quite a bit of travelling. By heart I am an adventurer and I love exploring new places, cultures and food. Travelling can become stressful and expensive. Over the years I have learnt to travel as cost effective as possible, simply by travelling more clever. Nelmitravel.com is a Adventure and Budget Travel site where I review Airlines, Accommodation, Transport, Restaurants and give helpful travel information.

6 Comments

  1. La Cumbrecita… que bello lugar de las sierras de Cordoba!!!Siempre que podemos ir a la provincia nos damos una vueltita por allí y por Villa General Belgrano…Sin dudas la experiencia que vivieron fue única, felicitaciones.Un gran saludo, desde Rosario, Argentina.Muy lindo su blog!!!

    1. Hola nuevamente Esteban y Lia! Nosotros vivimos en Santa Rosa de Calamuchita. Que lugar muy lindo! Hemos estado viviendo aquí durante 2 años y somos dueños de un hostel.Queríamos subir Champaquí, pero no teníamos tiempo suficiente. La vista del valle es increíble.Si ustedes vienen a Santa Rosa de nuevo en contacto conmigo y podemos tener unos mates juntos.Saludos desde Santa Rosa de Calamuchita.Nelietahttp://www.tinktinkie.com

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