Top 11 car rental destinations near Córdoba

A rental car opens up the stunning landscapes of central Argentina. These spots are perfect for day trips or longer stays. Most visitors start their journey at the airport for convenience. Remember to book your vehicle in advance to secure the best rates. Here is our list of the best places to visit and essential car rental in Córdoba tips for each stop.

We have mixed iconic sights with nature and local experiences. You will find trips near the city and deeper in the mountains. Explore these diverse locations to see why Córdoba is a top driving destination.

• Name: Aeropuerto Internacional Ingeniero Aeronáutico Ambrosio L.V. Taravella
  Type: transport hub
  Why go: Most international car brands operate here for easy pick-up.
  Best for: arrivals
  Where: North of the city
  Time: 30 minutes to get moving
  Cost: standard rental rates
  Getting there: Simply exit the terminal
  Tip: Book online at least two weeks before coming to see more choices.
• Name: Villa Carlos Paz
  Type: sight
  Why go: It is the most famous lake town near the city.
  Best for: families
  Where: 40km west of the city
  Time: Half-day to full-day
  Cost: free to visit the town
  Getting there: Follow Route 20 (The Highway)
  Tip: Traffic is heavy on summer weekends, so depart early in the morning.
• Name: Alta Gracia
  Type: experience
  Why go: Explore the Che Guevara museum and Jesuit history.
  Best for: history buffs
  Where: 35km southwest of the city
  Time: 4-5 hours
  Cost: small entry fees for museums
  Getting there: Take Route 5 south
  Tip: Park near the Tajamar (the old pond) for easy walking access to sights.
• Name: Villa General Belgrano
  Type: experience
  Why go: This Alpine-style village offers great local craft beer and German food.
  Best for: foodies
  Where: Calamuchita Valley
  Time: Full-day
  Cost: 15-30 USD for a nice meal
  Getting there: Drive south on Route 5
  Tip: The drive through the Los Molinos Dam area is very scenic.
• Name: La Cumbrecita
  Type: nature
  Why go: It is a pedestrian-only town set in a dense pine forest.
  Best for: couples
  Where: 38km from Villa General Belgrano
  Time: Full-day
  Cost: parking fee at town entrance
  Getting there: Winding mountain road from Route 5
  Tip: Check your brakes before this drive because the descent is very steep.
• Name: Mina Clavero
  Type: nature
  Why go: It has some of the best river beaches in the country.
  Best for: swimming
  Where: Traslasierra Valley
  Time: Full weekend
  Cost: free river access
  Getting there: Cross the Altas Cumbres mountains via Route 34
  Tip: Fuel up in the city as gas stations are scarce on the mountain pass.
• Name: Quebrada del Condorito National Park
  Type: nature
  Why go: See giant condors flying over a massive canyon.
  Best for: hikers
  Where: Route 34
  Time: 6-8 hours
  Cost: national park entry fee
  Getting there: Drive to the "La Pampilla" entrance
  Tip: Bring plenty of water as there are no shops inside the trekking area.
• Name: Estancia Santa Catalina
  Type: sight
  Why go: This is a massive, well-preserved Jesuit estate from the 1600s.
  Best for: photographers
  Where: Near Ascochinga
  Time: 4 hours
  Cost: modest guided tour fee
  Getting there: Route E-53 or Route 9 north
  Tip: The road to the church is unpaved; drive slowly to avoid tire damage.
• Name: Camino de las Altas Cumbres
  Type: experience
  Why go: One of the most beautiful scenic drives in all of South America.
  Best for: viewpoints
  Where: Between Carlos Paz and Mina Clavero
  Time: 2-3 hours of driving
  Cost: one small toll
  Getting there: Route 34
  Tip: Fog can appear suddenly, so always use your low-beam headlights.
• Name: Jesus Maria
  Type: sight
  Why go: Home to the famous national folklore festival and Jesuit history.
  Best for: culture
  Where: 50km north of the city
  Time: Half-day
  Cost: free to walk around
  Getting there: Route 9 north
  Tip: Visit during January if you want to experience the vibrant horse festival.
• Name: San Clemente
  Type: nature
  Why go: A quiet mountain village perfect for relaxation and river walks.
  Best for: peace and quiet
  Where: Paravachasca Valley
  Time: 5 hours
  Cost: free
  Getting there: Route S-271
  Tip: The local trout in the village restaurants is fresh and highly recommended.

Practical driving advice for Córdoba roads

Driving in this province is generally safe if you follow some specific car rental in Córdoba tips. The city center can be crowded and confusing for new drivers. Try to avoid driving in the city during rush hours between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Many streets are one-way and might change direction without much warning. Using a GPS app is essential for staying on track.

You must keep your headlights on at all times on highways. This is a strict law in Argentina, even during a sunny day. Police checkpoints are common on major routes like Route 20 and Route 5. Always have your license, insurance papers, and rental agreement ready. For more info on the area, check the Agencia Córdoba Turismo website.

Gas stations are frequent in the city and large towns but rare in the mountains. We recommend filling your tank before you head into the Altas Cumbres. Most rental cars use "Nafta Super" or "Premium." Check with the rental agency about which fuel your specific model needs. Paying with a credit card is usually fine at larger stations.

Parking in Córdoba city can be tricky. Look for signs that say "E" for Estacionamiento. Some areas use 24-hour paid lots called "Playas de Estacionamiento." These are safer than leaving your car on the street overnight. If you park on the street, you might see people called "Naranjitas." They watch cars for a small tip, which is a local custom.