The Sierras Chicas, in the province of Córdoba, form the perfect surroundings for a multitude of outdoor activities – from horseback riding to moutainbiking, from international parapente competitions to world rally races. Among other rallies, the Dakar Rally 2009 and Dakar Rally 2010 passed the Sierras Chicas. An ideal starting point for all this is the tranquil lodge "El Puesto", situated between Jésus María and Ascochinga, north of Córdoba city, where Maximo and Jacqueline welcome their visitors and from where they arrange all open-air activities.
Lodge El Puesto in Central Argentina – a Holiday Destination with History
El Puesto is a hundred-year old, small farm that around the 1900s belonged to the wealthy Estancia La Paz, once owned by Argentinean President Roca. In time the Estancia was divided among different families and when Maximo and Jacqueline bought this farm, they turned it into a warm and welcoming accommodation for local and foreign visitors.
This young and dynamic couple goes out of its way to make their guests feel at home and will organize any requested outdoor activity. Only one group of up to six persons will be accepted at the time. This means there is no need to compromise with other guests and being secure that Maximo, and not somebody else, will be the guide. "Personal attention to our guests is our top priority," Maximo states with conviction.
Accommodation and Facilities of Lodge El Puesto in Ascochinga
The secluded farmhouse has three bedrooms, homely and well equipped with two comfortable beds, gas heating and a bathroom. The central room is the small but cosy kitchen, where breakfast is served with locally produced bread and jams. The large garden in front of El Puesto offers excellent views of Argentina's Sierras Chicas.
Outdoor Activities Around the Sierras Chicas in Córdoba Province
Since most activities consist of active, outdoor programs, a visit to El Puesto is recommended for persons over 16. The mountains offer excellent opportunities for horseback riding, mountain biking and trekking. There are several golf courses in the surrounding areas and is it possible to take part in a polo clinic.
For the fearless there are the options of parapente in La Cumbre or motor crosses and car rallies in the Sierras Chicas; for the culturally inclined Maximo offers tours along the Jesuit Estancias and for admirers of natural phenomena he will drive to National Park Talampaya and Valle de Luna – also called Provincial Park Ischigualasto. Those who visit El Puesto in January may want to attend Argentina's largest festival Doma y Folklore in Jesús María.
The range of outdoor activities is wide and still expanding, and personal wishes are at the centre of the packages Maximo and Jacqueline offer – what to think of a day of horseback riding in the stunning mountains where halfway a delicious traditional asado [BBQ] is prepared amid solitude and splendid scenery. Therefore each package will be different and priced accordingly. A package includes accommodation, food and beverages and activities.
El Puesto lies 14 kilometres west of Jesús María, about 50 kilometres north of Córdoba city via Ruta 9. More details on the lodge and its outdoor activities can be found on El Puesto's website.
Lodge El Puesto – a Holiday Destination with Tranquillity and Outdoor Activities
The rustic lodge El Puesto in Argentina's central province of Córdoba is a perfect holiday destination for travellers who enjoy a tranquil natural scenery as well as outdoor activities like hiking and horseback riding. The owners Maximo and Jacqueline will provide all that is needed for a unique stay. El Puesto is not just a hotel, or a bed and breakfast, it is an experience to enjoy.
Karin-Marijke Vis - Karin-Marijke Vis is a bilingual writer (Dutch-English) who has been traveling in Asia and South America since 2003.
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