Cordoba is Argentina's colonial capital, a picturesque city of a million on the edge of a mountain range known as the Sierra Chica. Because of its proximity to the mountains, Cordoba is a perfect base for excursions into the natural beauty of the Andes, or even the Pampas 100 km to the south.

Prior to the rise of Buenos Aires, Cordoba was Argentina's center of arts and learning, a place of scholars and priests, churches and universities. Though in terms of national importance the city has fallen behind the capital, it still retains and independent spirit and distinctive grace. Its name comes from the surrounding province, which embraces an unusually scenic section of the Andes, the Sierras de Cordoba.

The Primero, or Suquia River forms Cordoba's main natural landmark. The physical center is the Plaza San Martin, named after Argentina's great liberator and the site of the city's cathedral. South of the Plaza is Calle Obispo Trejos, an easily walkable avenue filled the some of the city's most illustrious colonial buildings including the Church Compania de Jesus, which was built in 1645 and is known for its unique roof.