Camping y Balneario Municipal de Cortaderas

Start your hols by exploring the scenic villages in the foothills of the Sierra de los Comechingones: Camping y Balneario Municipal is in Cortaderas (try some of the local eateries for a taste of Argentina), and Merlo, Villa Elena and Villa Larca are all within 20 minutes and all worth having a nose around. Turn back the clock with a stop at Yucat theme park (15 minutes away), where you can learn what life was like for the early settlers of the Conlara valley – follow the wooded paths to ancient homes, get a closer look at their beaded clothing and hear about the shamanistic magic that was a part of their ceremonies. Once you’ve exhausted all the trails, parks and beach days nearby, venture further afield: the Merlo nature reserve (30 minutes) is a pretty spot for sedate walks to swimming holes, and you can continue through to get to the viewpoints about the town. If you’re up for longer car-bound jaunts, make tracks for the city of San Luis, a little over two hours away, for museums, shopping and a casino, and to explore the neighbouring villages where you’ll find the Potrero de los Funes racing circuit and the gold mines of La Carolina.