Time for a rest in Cordoba

We could not get an economy seat and so we finished off a great week here with a Business class flight back to Santiago! It is time to go back To Argentina for a much deserved months rest in la Falda. Retracing our route for the third time it was no less spectacular on the snake road or on the stunning view in the Paso Libertadores. It was even more stunning in the evening light on the way to Uspallata. Camping here was 6$ for both of us.

From here we headed north 421 km from Uspallata to Chepes. The first 115 km was paved to Barreal and then there was 36 km of mostly ripio on the 149. Coming south from here the ride along the river. When we got near to San Juan at 5 we said we would stop at the next “spot”, but we did not like San Juan, and then after this there was nothing except a few shacks on the road for 200 km. We luckily found an ACA Motel in the town of Chepes.

Today we rode 377 km to Cordoba. There were several police checks for paperwork. The last 60 km from La Falda over the mountain to Cordoba in on the Comino del Cuadrado.

Cordoba is a nice city and is famous for the number of churches. There is the large main square with the statue of San Martin as usual in Argentina.

The Cathedral here is very beautiful and inside it spectacular with the gilding. We were here on the weekend so there were services on and so we did not take photos.

An interesting thing they do here with the heritage buildings is to mirror the facade on the cobble street or square outside using marble.

The statue of the founder of the city in 1573.

Also a regular sight in this country is the Maldives are Argentinean signs.

The oldest university here is Jesuit and is over 400 years old.

This is the famous Capuchin church that is very ornate.

There is a large city park here with this centennial sculpture.

No day here is complete without a Malbec.

Thanks to Clive we had arranged a place in La Falda to hang out for a month at Walter and Dagmar’s place. It is a short 75 km from Cordoba over the mountains to El Chingolito at the base of the El Dragon mountain and overlooking the valley.

Walking in town we began to wonder if there might be something strange going on here???

They must get some serious rain here as some of the streets have crossing gates and water gauges. In fact a mother and child were washed away here last year when they tried to cross.

Hanging out here with the dogs we had time to get caught up on a few chores.