Santa Rosa de Calamuchita

In the heart of the valley that bears its name, this mountain resort is extremely popular with porteños. In summer several nearby rivers provide welcome relief from the heat. Things can get rowdy during Oktoberfest and the more unusual local strudel festival (which takes place on or around Easter weekend). The rest of the year Santa Rosa is fairly sleepy, visited mainly by outdoors types: climbing and hiking are the main activities—the summit of Cerro Champaqui is a three-day trek from here—but horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, and paragliding are also popular. Tucked into a bend in the Santa Rosa River, the town doesn't have a central square; Calle Libertad is the main drag, with most restaurants and hotels either on it or an intersecting street.