The summit lagoon
Freezes in winter.
Patricio Watson — CC BY-SA 3.0 · gonzalo131313 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · gonzalo131313 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Matigrosso — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Tacunrc — CC BY 4.0
Champaquí is the highest peak in Córdoba province at 2,790 metres, at the western end of the Sierras Grandes, between the Calamuchita valley to the east and the Traslasierra valley to the west. Its name in the Comechingón language means «water on the head», after the small lagoon near its summit, which freezes from late April to about early August. The top gives a wide view over mountains, plains, forests, valleys and lakes, and the way up crosses granite rocks, mountain grasses and stream valleys, with birds such as the golden grosbeak. The surrounding area is protected as a Natural Monument. The climb is a long hike, usually two days with a night in mountain lodges, starting from villages in the Calamuchita or Traslasierra valleys. A guide is advised: weather changes fast, fog can cover the trails, and winter is cold with occasional snow.
Freezes in winter.
Valleys and plains.
Along the way.
Sierras Grandes, between the Calamuchita and Traslasierra valleys, western Córdoba
Usually two days with a night in mountain lodges; a guide is advised as weather changes fast.