In Villa Tulumba, history comes to life in its buildings and streetscapes: cobbled lanes, old streetlamps and houses dating from the 18th and 19th centuries shape the town. Villa Tulumba is designated a Poblado HistĂłrico Nacional (National Historic Town) and is part of the historic Camino Real. The old route was once the main link between Upper Peru and the Viceroyalty of the RĂo de la Plata. Other highlights include the church architecture of San Pedro Norte and activities at Estancia Guayascate. You can explore cultural history and outdoor activities as distinct themes when planning your trip.
Villa Tulumba: Buildings and History
The Antigua Capilla was built in the last years of the 17th century in honor of the SantĂsima Virgen del Rosario. The land was donated by Don Antonio de Ataide, considered the first settler of the area. Construction of the Santuario Mariano Diocesano de Nuestra Señora del Rosario began in 1882 and was completed in 1892. The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario houses an old Baroque-style tabernacle and paintings by the artist MartĂn Santiago.
The Casa de la familia ReynafĂ© is also connected to an important event in Argentine history: the Barranca Yaco massacre, in which General Facundo Quiroga was murdered in 1835, was planned there. In 2022, the Antigua Capilla was designated a national archaeological heritage site and the Casa de los ReynafĂ© a national historic heritage site. That same year, the Edificio de PolicĂa and the Escuela Obispo-Olegario Correa were designated national architectural heritage sites.
Other cultural details offer their own points of interest. The Casona de Cultura is one of Villa Tulumba's oldest buildings. El Tabernáculo is made from a single piece of Paraguayan cedar and painted with gold leaf. The Cristo de los Granaderos is considered the first religious monument erected in the country. It honors the Granaderos a Caballo of General San MartĂn who fell at the Battle of San Lorenzo, including JosĂ© Márquez, who was from Tulumba.
Places to Explore and Religious Traditions
The Territorio Museo presents the history and cultural heritage of Villa Tulumba. Behind the church, the Centro de InterpretaciĂłn del Antiguo Camino Real uses interactive displays to explain the history and culture of the old route. Infographics and timelines complement the movie theaters and a multimedia room with touchscreens. If you want to make a visit part of your itinerary, check the current visiting options in advance. The Pasarela de Ingreso offers an elevated viewpoint overlooking all of Villa Tulumba.
An excursion heads west to the Ermita del Cerro. The walk there from Villa Tulumba takes no more than an hour; the Ermita is about five kilometers from town. It was built in 1945 on one of the area's highest peaks. The chapel honors the Virgen del Cerro, whose statue was carved from a single block of stone. The rosary is prayed at the Gruta de Lourdes on the 11th of every month. Peñas and Semana de Tulumba festivals take place at the Plazoleta Granadero José Márquez; check the specific dates before planning around them.
Local cuisine is another discovery: popular dishes include homemade colaciones, puff-pastry empanadas and grilled kid goat. In Cuatro Esquinas, in the historic center of Villa Tulumba, several artists have found inspiration for their work. Both offer another perspective on the architectural heritage, through local traditions and art.
San Pedro Norte and Estancia Guayascate
In San Pedro Norte, the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Merced combines Gothic architecture with the town's colonial style. Its tall cross can be seen from far away. The municipal Balneario is on the Los Tártagos River. The site includes a swimming pool, shade trees, restrooms, a kiosk and a sports court for basketball and volleyball. If you plan to swim or play sports, check that the facility is currently open before setting out.
Estancia Guayascate is in Tulumba Department and within the Reserva Natural y Cultural del Cerro Colorado. Activities there include horseback rides by day and night, an 11-hole footgolf course and a 350-meter zipline with three sections. On night rides, guests can take in the stars or the moon. As activities may change, check the latest information before making plans.
Discover more destinations: San Pedro Norte, Villa Tulumba, RĂo Segundo Department, Cruz del Eje Department, Santa MarĂa Department, Cruz del Eje Department, IschilĂn Department, San Javier Department.
For the broader travel overview: CĂłrdoba.
