Top Reasons to Go

The Second City: Argentina's second-largest city has a beautifully preserved colonial downtown, great restaurants, a vibrant art scene, and hopping nightlife.

Jesuit Estancias: Grandiose stone buildings and stark colonial churches, set up by the Jesuits, stretch from the city to the mountains.

Golfing and Gliding: The region's hills and flats mean golfing and paragliding are huge—the former even more since Córdoban Angel Cabrera won the U.S. Open in 2007.

Rivers and Mountains: Small hill towns are within a short drive of Córdoba City. Soak in nature on foot, on horseback, or in a 4x4—but don't miss splashing in the region's crystalline rivers and lakes.

The Musical Muse: Córdoba produces music and musicians that define genres; evidence ranges from the annual folk-music festival in Cosquín down to the lilting cordobés accent itself.