Why You’ll Love Visiting Capilla del Monte
If you’re looking for a place where you can truly slow down and reconnect with nature, you’re going to love Capilla del Monte. Tucked away at the base of the Sierras Chicas in the Córdoba region, this town has a vibe that’s hard to find anywhere else. It’s small, laid-back, and famously known as the “hippie” capital of Argentina.
What we enjoyed most was how authentic and “untouristy” it felt compared to other spots in Argentina. You won’t find the intense, high-energy hiking crowds of El Chaltén here; instead, it’s all about a relaxed mood and UFO sighting. We spent hours in the garden of our accommodation, not looking for UFOs but just watching hummingbirds zip around. It was so peaceful that we almost didn’t want to leave!
But when you do head out, the landscapes are stunning. Whether you’re ready to tackle the climb up Cerro Uritorco (which was a huge highlight for us!) or you’d rather wander through the local markets with a pastry in hand, there’s something here for you. If you appreciate rugged views, quirky legends, and a community that marches to its own beat, you’ll find yourself feeling right at home.
Note: The prices indicated in Pesos are what we paid. Due to Argentina’s inflation, the price in Pesos may be much more, but it should be the same in euros or USD.
Best Things to do in Capilla Del Monte
Squeeze through Paso del Indio
One of the best things to do in Capilla Del Monte is hike the Paso Del Indio. To reach the beginning of this trail, you can simply walk from your accommodation as we did. We set off around 9 AM, and since it was a beautiful sunny day, the walk was perfect—not too hot yet, and a great way for you to take in the town’s scenery before hitting the actual trail. After crossing the highway, you’ll follow a dirt road leading to the trailhead. At the end of the road, we came across a small shop where a local told us that access requires a 50-peso entrance fee.
From there, you’ll head to the right where the trail begins. The path is short but definitely adventurous, winding over large rocks before reaching a narrow passage that you can only cross sideways!
The trek is well-marked with signs and arrows, making it easy to follow to the best viewpoints.
While you can continue further, pay attention to the signs that indicate where it’s best to stop. It’s not recommended for children, and if it starts raining, you should turn back immediately as the rocks become very slippery and unsafe.
Once you’re back, you can cool off in the freshwater river—it’s the perfect way to refresh after the hike!
Picnic at Los Mogotes
When you return from the Paso del Indio trail, if you’ve brought a lunch pack, you should take advantage of the natural rock formations here. They serve as perfect natural chairs and tables, making it an ideal spot for you to relax and enjoy a meal in the middle of nature.
We noticed many locals drive here just to picnic and chill during the afternoon, which creates a really laid-back and friendly atmosphere. It’s a great place for you to chill, soak in the rugged scenery, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before heading back to the center.
Visit El Zapato & its Legends
El Zapato” translates to “The Shoe,” and you’ll see why as soon as you arrive-the rock formation looks exactly like a giant shoe! It’s one of the town’s most unique landmarks and therefore one of the best things to do in Capilla Del Monte. According to local legend, this was a sacred gathering place for the Comechingones Indians. Hundreds of years ago, tribal chiefs and healers would meet here every thirteen moons (which is one year in our calendar) to meditate and discuss important matters under the protection of the rock.
The site is located about 30 minutes on foot from downtown, but you can also get there easily by car or bike. The road is flat and accessible for everyone, with just a few stairs at the end to reach the viewpoint. It’s a popular spot for photos, offering you a beautiful panoramic view of the entire city. It’s also a lovely place to just sit and relax for a while before you continue toward the lake.
Walk the Lake El Cajón Dam
Standing 39 meters high, this dam was built between 1987 and 1993 to supply fresh drinking water to the area. Today, it’s also a great tourist attraction where you can walk across the top to reach a small viewpoint.
From there, you’ll get a wide, panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
If you are already at El Zapato, the dam is very easy to reach—it’s only another 20 to 30 minutes of walking. We personally did and recommend combining it with El Zapato. It makes the perfect half-day trip.
Hike Cerro Uritorco (The High Point!)
Cerro Uritorco is the highest peak of the Sierras Chicas and one of the best things to do in Capilla Del Monte, reaching 1,949 meters above sea level. Although the site is privately owned, it is open to the public for hiking.
We absolutely loved the mood here; it was one of our favorite parts of the trip. The Sierras Chicas stretch for about 250 km and are the “sister range” to the Sierras Grandes. Climbing it gives you a real sense of the diverse, rugged landscape of central Argentina. Even if you aren’t looking for UFOs, the hike itself is amazing and rewarding
Read: The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Cerro Uritorco
Discover Los Terrones Park (Quebrada de la Luna)
The Los Terrones Park is a private nature reserve located about 14 km from Capilla Del Monte and is famous for its bizarre, reddish sandstone formations that date back 180 million years. One of the coolest things you’ll notice is the microclimate; it supports subtropical flora because the towering walls retain moisture.
This feeds the Los Terrones stream, creating natural fountains and small waterfalls. At the entrance, you’ll see a building that was originally a 120-year-old ranch. It was a museum in the 90s but is now a restaurant, giving you a nice place to relax after you’ve finished exploring the park.
Read: Exploring Los Terrones: The Ultimate Guide from Capilla Del Monte
Shop the Feria Artesanal
You have to spend some time at the artisanal market in the main plaza. It’s the heart of the town’s “hippie” vibe. You’ll find handmade crafts, local herbs, and jewelry. It’s the best place to feel the local energy and pick up something unique that you won’t find in a typical souvenir shop.
The Ferria artisanal is one of the best things to do in Capilla Del Monte, and a place where we returned many times.
P.S.: The best handmade cereal bars are found here—honestly, the best in all of Argentina!
Walk Calle Techada
This is the famous “roofed street” in the center of town. It’s a great place to wander, grab a coffee, and people-watch. It’s very central and gives the town a unique character you won’t see in other parts of Argentina.
Seek out the Hummingbirds
This might not sound like one of the best things to do in Capilla Del Monte. But one of our personal highlights was simply sitting in the garden of our accommodation. We spent hours watching hummingbirds fly around—there’s something so magical about them. We highly recommend finding a quiet spot with some flowers to see if you can spot them too; it really fits the slow pace of the town.
Explore San Marcos Sierras
While it’s a bit further away from Capilla Del Monte, this neighboring “hippie” town is worth a visit if you have the time. It has an even more alternative vibe than Capilla and is famous for its honey.
Visit the UFO Information Center
For those of you who love history and legends, Capilla Del Monte is full of stories about UFO sightings and spiritual energy. Even if you’re a skeptic, visiting the center is a fun way to understand why this town is considered one of the most intriguing destinations in Argentina.
The Perfect Itinerary: How to Spend Your Days
Day 1: Hidden Trails and Iconic Landscapes Welcome to Capilla!
Once you’ve settled into your accommodation in Capilla Del Monte (and hopefully spotted a few hummingbirds!), start your adventure with a walk to Paso del Indio. The “sideways squeeze” through the rocks is the perfect way to kick off your trip. For lunch, head back into the town center to grab a bite near the main plaza—we recommend trying a local vegan pie or one of those famous handmade cereal bars.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely 30-minute walk to El Zapato. After you’ve snapped your photos of the “Shoe” and taken in the views of the city, keep walking for another 20 minutes to reach the El Cajón Dam. It’s a great spot to watch the sun start to dip over the water.
Day 2: The Mighty Uritorco
Today is all about the mountain. We suggest starting your climb of Cerro Uritorco early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds. It’s a challenging but beautiful trek that will likely take up most of your morning and early afternoon. Once you’ve made it back down and rested your legs, head into town for the late afternoon. This is the perfect time to wander through Calle Techada or visit the UFO Information Center to dive into the local legends while the town starts to liven up for the evening.
Day 3: Red Rocks and Local Crafts
On your final day in Capilla Del Monte, take a taxi or drive 14 km out of town to Los Terrones. The 180-million-year-old red rock formations are breathtaking and feel worlds away from the town center. Spend your morning exploring the trails and natural fountains there.
For your final afternoon, stay local. Head to the Feria Artesanal in the main plaza to pick up some unique handmade souvenirs and soak in the bohemian atmosphere. It’s the best way to say goodbye to the relaxed, “untouristy” vibe that makes Capilla del Monte so special.
Psst, you can join Tina’s Yoga Studio and get access to hundreds of Yoga, Meditation, and Well-being videos.
The Best Time to Visit: Weather & Local Events
If you are wondering when to pack your bags for Capilla Del Monte, here is what you can expect from the weather in Capilla del Monte throughout the year:
- Summer (December to February): It’s the peak of the warm season with temperatures between 20°C and 32°C (68°F – 90°F). It’s great for the rivers, but be ready for some humidity and the occasional afternoon storm. But that’s when we visited it, and we were lucky in the end with the weather.
- Autumn (March to May): We think this is the ideal time for hiking. The air is fresh, and temperatures are comfortable between 10°C and 23°C (50°F – 73°F).
- Winter (June to August): Expect very sunny days but cold nights. Temperatures range from 2°C to 16°C (35°F – 61°F). It’s the quietest time to visit if you want the trails to yourself.
- Spring (September to November): Everything starts to bloom, and the hummingbirds are everywhere! Temperatures are lovely, ranging from 12°C to 26°C (54°F – 79°F).
Recommendations: If you can, try to time your visit with the Alien Festival in February-it’s apparently a hilarious and unique experience where the whole town celebrates its intergalactic reputation. Also, always carry a light jacket even in summer, as the mountain air can cool down quickly once the sun sets!
How to Get to Capilla del Monte
We spent quite some time finding a way to get to Capilla Del Monte. The closest major city to Capilla del Monte is Córdoba. Unless you are on a larger road trip through Argentina, you will likely start your journey from there.
By Bus: This is how most travelers arrive (and how we arrived in Capilla Del Monte). We flew from Puerto Iguaçu (where we discovered the breathtaking Iguaçu Falls) to Cordoba and then took the bus from Cordoba Airport to Capilla Del Monte. Buses depart daily from the Córdoba bus terminal (located near the city center). You’ll want to look for services operated by ERSA or Sarmiento. The journey typically takes between 3 to 4 hours, depending on how many stops the bus makes along the way. It’s a scenic drive, so try to get a window seat!
By Car: If you prefer more freedom, renting a car in Córdoba is a great move. The drive is straightforward and allows you to stop at smaller viewpoints along the route that the bus simply passes by.
Check all your bus options on Busbud — it’s simple to compare routes, prices, and book your tickets in advance.
Getting Around the City Like a Local
Capilla del Monte is a town that invites you to travel slow, and you’ll find that your own two feet are often the best way to see it.
- Walking: Since we didn’t rent a car, we mostly walked everywhere. Capilla Del Monte is quite compact, and walking allows you to stumble upon hidden murals, quiet cafes, and of course, those beautiful gardens. It’s the best way to soak in the “untouristy” atmosphere we loved so much.
- City Bus: These are a bit limited, but they all depart from the main plaza, where you can find a printed timetable. We took the bus from the base of Cerro Uritorco back to town, and it was very convenient and affordable.
- Taxis: You can find taxis waiting at the bus terminal. We used them occasionally when we were tired or staying slightly outside the town center. Taxis use meters here, so you don’t need to worry about negotiating a price—it’s very straightforward. A short ride usually costs around 110 pesos (though keep an eye on inflation!).
Where to Stay: Our Favorite Neighborhoods
Choosing the right spot in Capilla Del Monte is key to enjoying that peaceful vibe. We recommend looking for places with a garden-it’s the best way to ensure you get your daily dose of hummingbird watching!
(€): Hostel Falucho – Great for meeting fellow travelers and keeping costs down while staying close to the action.
(€€): Monoambiente Golondrina – A comfortable, private option that gives you a bit more space to relax.
(€€€): Leyenda Posada – If you want to lean into the “mystical” and quiet side of the town, this is a beautiful choice with a lot of charm.
Pro-tip: If you can, try to find an accommodation slightly away from the main road. The silence at night in the Sierras is one of the best parts of the experience.
What to Eat: Iconic Local Dishes
The food scene in Capilla del Monte reflects its bohemian spirit. You’ll find a lot of organic, vegetarian, and artisanal options that fit the “hippie” vibe of the town.
Handmade Cereal Bars: We aren’t joking when we say these are the best in all of Argentina! You can find them at the dieteticas (health food stores) or the local markets. They are packed with nuts and honey—perfect for your Cerro Uritorco hike.
Vegan Pies: Keep an eye out for the food trucks around the main plaza. We found one that makes an amazing vegan pie that was both filling and delicious.
Alfajores de Córdoba: You can’t visit this region without trying the local version of Argentina’s famous cookie. Unlike the chocolate-heavy ones in Buenos Aires, these are often glazed and filled with local fruit jams or dulce de leche.
Dieteticas: If you want to eat like a local, head to a dietetica. They have a much better selection of grains, seeds, and healthy snacks than the standard supermarkets.
What No One Tells You (The Practical Bits!)
We wanted to share a few things we learned during our stay in Capilla Del Monte that you won’t necessarily find on a typical tourist map. These little details made our trip much smoother!
Siesta is Very Real: Like many traditional towns in Argentina, Capilla del Monte takes its afternoon break seriously. Between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, almost all shops, the UFO center, and even some cafes will close their doors. Plan your grocery shopping or museum visits for the morning or late evening!
The Best Fruit isn’t in the Supermarket: If you go to the main supermarket and the produce looks a bit sad, don’t worry. In Argentina, the best fruit and veg are always found at a dedicated frutería. Look for the small, independent shops with crates stacked on the sidewalk-that’s where you’ll find the juicy stuff.
Health Food Heavens (Dieteticas): For all your hiking snacks, look for a dietetica. We found they have a much better selection of organic grains, nuts, and those incredible handmade cereal bars than the regular stores.
Cash and Exchange Secrets: You will definitely need cash for the artisanal market and local taxis. There is a BANCORR bank in the main plaza, but ATM fees in Argentina are notoriously high. If you have USD or Euros, head to Nahuan (a tour operator opposite the bank). They officially take USD, but they were kind enough to exchange our Euros too!
Respect the “Energy”: Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, the locals take the spiritual and “alien” history of the town very seriously. It’s part of the local charm, so embrace the stories of portals and sightings—it makes the atmosphere feel even more unique.
The Wind Can Bite: Even if it’s a scorching day in the plaza, the wind at the top of Cerro Uritorco or out by the Dam can be surprisingly cold. We always recommend throwing a light windbreaker in your bag, just in case.
Hummingbird Watching is a Sport: Honestly, one of our favorite “amenities” was the garden at our accommodation. If you find a place with flowers, just sit still for a while. Watching the hummingbirds was the highlight of our mornings and perfectly captured the slow, peaceful vibe of the town.
About the authors
We are Alex and Tina, a French-Serbian couple who met in China back in 2014. We spent three incredible years there before making France our home. Our shared passion for travel has been the heartbeat of our relationship for over 12 years, taking us across 44 countries and counting.
We launched TheDailyPackers in 2019 as a way to document our adventures. In 2026, we reached a major milestone by officially turning our blog into our full-time job. While we are still growing toward financial independence through this platform, every article we write is fueled by our mission to make your voyages easier through in-depth guides, honest advice, and the lessons we’ve learned from our own mistakes.
Our journey has not been without its storms. In 2023, our world changed forever when our first son, Poppy, was stillborn on November 25th. It was, and remains, the hardest chapter of our lives. In 2025, we were blessed with our second little boy, Milo. He has since joined our traveling tribe, and you’ll be seeing him—and the reality of traveling with a little one-on the blog more and more.
We hope to inspire you to explore the world with curiosity and resilience. Thank you for being part of our story.
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