Cerro Colorado

Parque Arqueológico and Natural Cerro Colorado is found approximately 170km north of Córdoba and 10km from the small village of Cerro Colorado slightly west of Santa Elena. The village is a collection of a handful of houses situated along the river. The surrounding area’s scenery is dominated by the three peaks called the Cerro Colorado (830m), Cerro Inti Huasi (772m) and Cerro Veladero (810m). These peaks are easily accessible by foot and provide excellent views of the Argentine wilderness. Many travelers visit the area to view the petroglyphs, which are a collection of thousands of drawings produced approximately 400-1000 years ago from the hands of indigenous inhabitants onto the rock at the base of the mountains, as well as in the caves higher up the mountain. Find a local guide in the village for this excursion at the guardería located at the entrance of the village. The Museo Arqueológico (daily 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.) is nearby and has free admission. There are some glyphs on display here that depict various figures such as cattle, horses, llamas, pumas, snakes and condors, as well as European figures. And it details the use of different pigments of chalk, charcoal and oils used in the paintings.

Cerro Colorado is best accessed from the city of Córdoba via one of the several daily buses that run to the town of Santa Elena. Upon arrival, hire a taxi to take you the final 10km to the Cerro Colorado village. This trip should cost approximately $25. Travelers with camping equipment can set up tent at the facility near the river. The Descanso del Indio (Tel: 0351-156466778) and the no-frills La Italiana (Tel: 0351-4246598). There are several local cafés serving local cuisine, sandwiches and empanadas.

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Other places nearby Cerro Colorado: Santa Catalina, Villa Tulumba and Jesús Maria.