TREKKING
La Constantia is located in an ideal place for trekking through the mountains enjoying the scenery. We have several circuits within the ranch with different levels of difficulty being the most important the trek to the Champaquí hill through the west slope.
CLIMBING THE CHAMPAQUI ON THE "GOAT´S SLOPE"
- Following departure from the homestead, we cross the stream by the bridge and tale a well-defined mountain path. After going through a pine and thorn tree wood, gaining altitude, we come to a clearing where the woodland ends to be replaced with grasslands and low scrub. Once we reach the cross at 1,630 mts. above sea-level, vegetation is reduced to open grassland which continues all the way up to the top of the ridge. The views of the Traslasierra valley are magnificent, and here condors, turkey vultures and black-chested buzzard eagles (Geranoaeutus melanoleucuo) may be seen. One of the best hikes in Cordoba, or in all of Argentina for that matter.
- Difficulty: high. Strictly for people in good physical shape who have mountain experience.
- Time allotted for this trek: eight and a half hours – four and a half hours up and three hours down, including a rest at the top. The difference of altitude on this trek is 1.370 mts – from the homestead at 1,430 mts above sea-level to 2,800 mts at the top of the Champaquí.
- Points to remember: bring comfortable climbing boots, water (at least a litre per person) and food. Sunglasses, a cap, sun-block lotion, a forehead-mounted torch to leave hands free, and an anorak or windcheater. Don’t forget your camera. Depending on the time of the year, we may find snow on the ridge, so bring adequate clothing.
Clarifications
PICNIC IN THE QUEBRADA DEL TIGRE
- Departure is from the homestead, following upriver the course of the Arroyo San Javier, which leads us to the Quebrada del Tigre. The hike is on a mountain path where we will find copses of “tabaquillo” (Chelonathus alatus) – a tall medicinal herb which grows as high as 5 mts. as well as ferns and clumps of purple pampas grass. We will be crossing the stream several times, finding pools ideal for a spot of rest and refreshment. At the end of the arroyo course we will find a 15 mt, waterfall where the stream flows over the Champaquí ridge, making it an excellent place to partake of our picnic.
- Difficulty: medium / high. The difficulty on this hike is in the river crossings considering that we have to jump from stone to stone as we travel the pathway to the rising of the arroyo, and there is a distinct possibility of getting wet on some of the crossings.
- The allotted time for this hike is four and a half hours, taking into account the time we spend picnicking at the waterfall.
- The difference of altitude is 370 mts. considering that we depart from the homestead at 1,430 mts .above sea-level and eventually reach 1,800 mts.
- Points to remember: bring comfortable walking shoes, a rucksack, a change of socks in case of getting wet, sunglasses, a cap, long trousers which can be converted to shorts, a long-sleeved shirt, sun-block lotion, and warm clothing in case of cold winds. Do not bring woollens, as they tend to get snagged on the thorns and burrs. And, don’t forget your camera.
Clarifications
THE PUESTO VIEJO TREK
- We leave the homestead, crossing the stream by a wooden bridge, entering a pine and thorn-tree wood. Later, emerging into a clearing, we have a magnificent view of the Traslasierra valley. The hike follows the path, crossing open ground until we come to a gate and then to an old shepherd’s hut – a good place to have a rest. Then we follow the trail until we come to the road leading to the estancia which takes us back to the homestead.
- Difficulty: medium
- The time allotted for this hike is two and a half hours, including a rest in the Puesto Viejo.
- Points to remember: bring comfortable walking shoes and a minimum of half a litre of water per person, sunglasses, a cap, sun-block lotion, and, of course a camera.
Clarifications
THE EVENING AT THE CROSS
- Departure is from the homestead, crossing the river bridge on the trail to Champaquí. This is a well-defined mountain trail. The trail crosses a pine and thorn scrub woodland, gaining height continuously until it comes out into an open landscape composed of grassland with small scrub trees, to finally arrive at a standing stone topped with a white metal cross, where the unique views are not to be missed during your stay at “La Constancia”.
- Difficulty: medium / low – medium due to the periodic steepness of the slopes.
- The allotted time is one and a half hours – 45 minutes on the way up and 30 minutes down, with a rest at the cross. The total difference in height is 200 metres, that is, departure from the homestead which is at 1,430 mts. above sea level and climbing to 1,630 mts.
- Points to remember: bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, a cap, sun-block lotion and warm clothing in case of cold wind, and don’t forget to take along a camera and water.
Clarifications
A TURN AROUND THE HOMESTEAD GARDENS
- Departure from the homestead down the main entrance road as far as the path which begins at a stone horse corral in front of the tack-room. This takes us through a pine wood, and, crossing a gate we go down a gentle slope and cross a stream. Then a stiff climb until we come to a clearing, again walk through a pine wood following the stream, until, crossing the wooden bridge, we return to the homestead.
- Difficulty: low.
- Time taken: 30 minutes
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
