Cerro Champaquí

The basics

You can access Cerro Champaquí from five different trailheads: two in Calamuchita Valley and three in Traslasierras Valley. The most popular way to reach the summit is via the Villa Alpina trail, which typically takes climbers three days and includes overnight stays in refugios (mountain huts) or tents. Unless you’re a very experienced hiker, it’s recommended to join a tour with a guide to climb Cerro Champaquí; conditions can be challenging for anyone who’s not familiar with the area.

Things to know before you go

• You need to register to climb Cerro Champaquí, which you can do online or at the information center at the base of the mountain.

• There are several refuges along the Cerro Champaquí trail, which have facilities of varying levels. Many require you to bring your own camping equipment.

• There are no litter bins on the trail, so bring a bag to collect all your trash.

How to get there

The start of the 3-day Villa Alpina trail is 77 miles (125 kilometers) from the city of Córdoba. It’s a 2.5-hour drive along the RP5 road or you can take a coach departing from Córdoba’s main bus terminal. If you join a guided hike or tour, transport is often included.

When to get there

You can visit and climb to the peak of Cerro Champaquí year-round. From June through September, expect there to be snow at the summit of the mountain. For the most pleasant conditions, climb the mountain during South America’s spring (September to November) and early fall (March and April).

Other ways to summit Cerro Champaquí

With its mountainous landscapes, Córdoba is heaven for hiking enthusiasts. If you’re keen for a quicker and more challenging hike, approach Cerro Champaquí from Traslasierras Valley. You can tackle the San Javier trail in a day, but it features an extremely steep slope—known as the Goat’s Slope—so you’ll need professional-grade equipment such as shoes, crampons, and hiking poles.