Cascada Las Golondrinas
Waterfall hidden in the Huertas Malas area.
The Las Golondrinas Waterfall is a 15-meter waterfall hidden in the Quebrada de Huertas Malas, on the eastern slope of Cerro Uritorco, in Capilla del Monte. It forms when the Huertas Malas stream slides between large boulders, surrounded by lush vegetation that thrives thanks to the area's watercourses. It's one of the prettiest and least crowded spots in the Córdoba sierras, a full-day trekking destination combining nature, physical effort, and mountain scenery. Along the way, you usually visit the Cueva del Ermitaño, steeped in local legends. Getting there involves hiking several hours from Balneario La Toma, so the waterfall serves as a resting point and reward at the end of the climb up the gorge.
What makes this place unique
- Waterfall of about 15 meters formed by the stream between large boulders
- Very lush vegetation fed by the ravine's waterways
- Visit to Cueva del Ermitaño, steeped in local legends
- Views of Cerro Uritorco and Cerro Overo during the ascent
- Off the beaten path, a secret postcard of the Uritorco hillside
A bit of history
The Quebrada de Huertas Malas and its waterfall are part of the natural heritage of the Uritorco hillside, one of the areas in Córdoba most steeped in myths. The site most associated with the history of the place is the nearby Cueva del Ermitaño, a stone shelter in the gorge where, according to the oral tradition of Capilla del Monte, a solitary man lived for about twenty years, coming down to the village to trade dried fruits for clothes and food. That story turned the cave, and the route to the waterfall, into a place full of legends. The name Las Golondrinas refers to the birds that frequent the waterfall. There is no formal, verified historical record of the origin of the name or the figure of the hermit beyond local tradition.
URI's tips
Leave early to finish the day with daylight. The trail is not well marked and it's easy to get lost in some sections, so the safest option is to hire a licensed guide in Capilla del Monte. Access is usually regulated at the Balneario La Toma checkpoint, where they may require you to go with a guide and restrict camping. Bring plenty of water and don't leave any waste.
What to bring
Plenty of water, food or packed lunch, sunscreen, hat, trekking shoes, comfortable clothing, and a light jacket; a licensed guide is recommended, especially from Cerro Overo onwards where signage is scarce.
This is what Cascada Las Golondrinas looks like
How to get to Cascada Las Golondrinas
4.5 km from downtown Capilla del Monte. About 10 to 15 minutes by car to Balneario La Toma, plus 3 to 4 hours of hiking to the waterfall.
From the center of Capilla del Monte, head to Balneario La Toma, on the Calabalumba River, about 4 to 4.5 km away, accessible by car. From there, the trek starts on foot (or on horseback), crossing the bridge over the Calabalumba and taking the trail that climbs toward Dique Los Alazanes. The first section is the ascent of Cuesta del Toro, at the foot of Cerro Overo; after about 40 minutes of climbing, you traverse a U-shaped section and turn left along a ridge that ascends to a mountain pass, from which you descend to the Huertas Malas ravine. Following the stream, you reach Cueva del Ermitaño and, finally, Cascada Las Golondrinas. The hike takes about 3 to 4 hours each way.
Hiking routes around Cascada Las Golondrinas
Data from the Wikiloc community. Always check conditions and entry hours.
What everyone asks
How long does it take to get to Cascada Las Golondrinas?
From Balneario La Toma it's a 3 to 4 hour hike each way, so the full round trip takes about 7 hours, making it a full-day outing.
Can you go without a guide?
A certified guide is strongly recommended. The trail is poorly marked, especially past Cerro Overo, and at the access checkpoint they usually require you to go with a guide.
How tall is the waterfall?
Cascada Las Golondrinas is about 15 meters high and forms where the Huertas Malas stream descends between large boulders. It's a great spot to rest.
