Villa Carlos Paz

By Laura Granfortuna

Villa Carlos Paz is situated in the Punilla Valley, 22.4 miles (36 km) West of Córdoba by highway. The city sprung up around San Roque Lake, which was originally built as a reservoir for Córdoba in the 1890s. The lake has become one of Carlos Paz' main attractions, with activities like sailboating, jet and water skiing, fishing and canoeing. One of the lake’s main tributaries, the San Antonio River, also runs through the city.

Carlos Paz is known, too, for its crowded nightlife, mostly geared towards young people, and for its active theatre and cinema scene.

Many of the non nature-related attractions tend towards kitsch - amusement parks, fair-type rides, shopping complexes and a giant cuckoo clock that claims to be the largest in the world.

This city is probably the most popular tourist destination in the Punilla Valley, and rooms fill up fast.  So if you´re going during the high season, usually December - February, you might want to book ahead of time. One of the main reasons for Carlos Paz’ popularity its centralized location - close to Córdoba and surrounded by a great number of nature-based attractions and activities that range from mild to extreme adventure. To the North lies the rest of the Punilla Valley, to the South Calamuchita Valley and Alta Gracia, to the southeast Traslasierra Valley, and to the West the Los Gigantes mountains.

Telephone Code: 0351

Altitude: 2,133 feet above sea level

Population: about 60,000

Money and Communication: Av. San Martín is populated with ATMs, telecentros and places for internet use.  The Argentine Mail (03541-421910) is also located here.

Tourism Office: Located at Av. San Martín 1000 next to the bus station, here you can get information on restaurants, locate available hotels and plan activities.

Hours of operation: summer 7 a.m. - 9 p.m., winter 7a.m. - 11 p.m.

Tel: 3541/43-6688 or 0810/888-2729