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Monday 5 April 2010

Cordoba

Cordoba is a city of about one million inhabitants which was named ‘Cultural Capital of The Americas' in 2006. Not only is there a great many places of cultural interest to visit in Cordoba but also Cordoba has a great nightlife (thanks to a massive university student population) and nearby there are many adventure activity possibilities.

The center of Cordoba is quite compact. It is a short walk from the bus terminal to the city center and most of the accommodation options. The central plaza is San Martin Plaza. Near the central plaza there are several beautiful churches to visit including the Iglesia Catedral and the Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus. The Iglesia de Santa Teresa has a museum of religious art. Very close to Cordoba Backpackersis the Museo Provincial de Belles Artes Emilio Caraffa which has free admission to a stunning collection of paintings. On Rosario de Sante Fe Street is the Museo Historico Provincial Marques de Sobremonte. It was built in 1752 and is one of the oldest buildings in Cordoba.


For those who enjoy a few drinks and a dance at the weekend there are bars, restaurants, nightclubs and salsa clubs a plenty to enjoy. Most of the nightlife is centered on two areas – Nuevo Cordoba and Abasto. Remember that in Argentina they don't go out until 12am and that is very advisable to catch a taxi back to your accommodation after a night out.

Many visitors to Argentina choose Cordoba as a place to stop for a few weeks to study Spanish. There are several Spanish schools in the city offering a variety of courses at reasonable prices. Furthermore, the cost of living is less in Cordoba than in the capital Buenos Aires.

For those people who love the outdoors and adrenalin rushes there are several possibilities. A number of companies offer horseback riding, trekking, paragliding, rock climbing, mountain biking and rafting excursions. For more information about adventure activities in Cordobaclick the link.

There is a good variety of accommodation in Cordoba and the prices are reasonable.Cordoba Backpackers offer dorm beds for under $8 a night. It is a well run hostel with a magnificent view of the Basilica de Santo Domingo. The Alvaer Hostel is also recommended it is very close to the center but remains a very quiet hostel. It is a stylish place with guest use kitchen, free wifi and 24 hour security. A dorm bed costs about $10 a night.

For those heading north from Buenos Aires on the way to Bolivia, Cordoba is an obvious choice for a stopover for a few days to either visit churches and museums, study Spanish or do a few all-nighters.