Argentina Guide
Córdoba and the Central Sierras
La Cumbre
LA CUMBRE, a small, leafy town just east of RN-38, 13km north of La Falda, is a great spot for fishing, exploring the mountains, participating in adventure pursuits or just relaxing. Over 1100m above sea level, it enjoys mild summers and cool winters, and has been known to be blanketed in snow. Several trout-rich streams rush down the steep mountains and gurgle through town, among them the Río San Gerónimo, which runs past the central Plaza 25 de Mayo. A British community was established here when the railways were built in the nineteenth century, and La Cumbre's prestigious golf club, its predominantly mock-Tudor villas and manicured lawns testify to a long-standing Anglo-Saxon presence. But despite the resort's genteel appearance it has become synonymous with hang-gliding; every March international competitions are held here. Cerro Mirador, the cliff-top launching-point for hang-gliding and parasailing, is near the ruined colonial estancia and chapel of Cuchi Corral, 10km due west of La Cumbre and worth visiting for the views alone.
The bus station is at Caraffa and General Paz; services to and from Córdoba and Capilla del Monte are half-hourly. La Cumbre has a good choice of upmarket accommodation, including the Posada San Andrés, at Benitz and Monteagudo ( 
03548/451165, 
www.posadasanandres.com ; Price: $90-150), which has excellent breakfasts and a swimming pool; the very comfortable Posada Los Cedros, Argentina 837 ( 03548/451028, 
posadaloscedros@arnet.com.ar; Price: $150-210); and the Gran Hotel La Cumbre, near the golf course at Posadas s/n ( 03548/451550, www.granhotellacumbre.com ; Price: $90-150) – a rather old-fashioned but cosy place, with great views. There's less choice at the budget end – Posada de la Montaña, 9 de Julio 753 ( 03548/451867, www.posadadelamontania.com.ar ; Price: $45-75), is probably your best bet. La Cumbre's top campsite is the El Paso, up near the Cristo Redentor statue at Monseñor Pablo Cabrera s/n ( 03548/452545). The finest restaurant for trout and other regional specialities is La Casona del Toboso, Belgrano 349. Delicious cakes are on offer at Dani Cheff, opposite the tourist office at Avenida Caraffa and Belgrano.
Should you be tempted by the prospect of something a bit adventurous, try Escuela de Montaña George Mallory ( 03548/492271) for rock-climbing, or Aero Club La Cumbre ( 03548/452544) for hang-gliding.