Villa Giardino can be explored through a range of interests: natural areas with streams and forests sit alongside crafts, regional products and cultural sites. The landscapes and activities of the Punilla Department are another draw. The following highlights offer different starting points for planning your trip and looking for suitable accommodation.
Landscapes and water in Villa Giardino
Alto San Pedro is a former estancia covering 1,100 hectares and a nature reserve. It has streams, waterfalls and natural pools, as well as forests of cork oaks and almond trees. Its landscape features range from flowing water to wooded areas, giving the reserve a varied character. If nature is a key consideration when choosing a destination, you’ll find a clearly defined focus here.
Nearby, the natural swimming spot Los Quimbaletes lies northwest of the town, 20 minutes from the center. Its water flows south and forms the source of the northern watershed of Lago San Roque. These are two distinct natural attractions: Alto San Pedro is characterized by its size, forested areas and variety of water features, while Los Quimbaletes is also notable for its location in the Lago San Roque watershed.
Chapel, art and crafts
One historical landmark is the Capilla Nuestra Sra de Lourdes. It was inaugurated in 1947 in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Sala de George offers a different cultural experience, exhibiting and selling works by George Miciu. Together, the chapel and gallery represent different ways to discover culture in Villa Giardino—through a religious dedication with a specific date or through works of art on display and for sale.
The Camino de los Artesanos connects Villa Giardino and La Cumbre along a nine-kilometer route. The route is lined with shops run by artisans. Some work with looms, and artworks are also made there from wood, iron and metal. Businesses along the route also make homemade sweets and preserves. Crafts and local products can thus be seen as two sides of the same theme: one focuses on materials and artistic work, the other on food production.
More landscapes in the Punilla Department
The Punilla Department is home to other striking landscapes. At 1,979 meters, Cerro Uritorco is the highest point in northern Punilla. Quebrada del Condorito offers a marked contrast: the gorge is V-shaped, 800 meters high and 1,500 meters wide at its broadest point. Andean condors can be spotted from its upper edges; the national park is located partly in the Punilla Department. The elevation, the shape of the gorge and wildlife watching each offer a different perspective on the region’s landscape.
Reservoirs are also part of the regional landscape. There are five major reservoirs in the Punilla Department where visitors can fish. Sailing and motorized water sports are also available on the Punilla reservoirs. These options add water-based activities to the region’s natural attractions. When planning your trip, you can choose between natural areas, views of a striking gorge and activities at the regional reservoirs.
Discover more destinations: Villa Garcia, CosquĂn, Villa Parque SĂquiman, Tanti, Huerta Grande, Villa Parque Lago San Roque, El Durazno, Tanti Nuevo.
For the broader travel overview: Punilla Department.
