Cerro Overo
Summit at 1,886 m with one of the best panoramic views in the region. Full-day trekking for the most adventurous.
Cerro Overo is one of the most demanding peaks in the Sierras Chicas range, in Capilla del Monte, Córdoba. At almost 1,900 meters high, it falls just short of the famous Uritorco, but its ascent is considerably more challenging: the route is long, gains a lot of elevation, and past the pre-summit the trail is lost altogether, requiring you to advance cross-country through grasslands. The hike combines the Huertas Malas ravine, the Calabalumba stream, and open ridges offering panoramic views of Dique Los Alazanes, Dique El Cajón, and Uritorco itself. It's a trek designed for those who already have mountain experience, good physical condition, and the desire for a full day of walking in a high, little-traveled mountain landscape.
What makes this place unique
- Panoramic views of Dique Los Alazanes, Dique El Cajón, and Cerro Uritorco from the summit
- The passage through the Huertas Malas ravine and the Calabalumba stream
- Las Golondrinas waterfall, about 15 meters high
- The Cueva del Ermitaño and its local legends
- A little-visited high summit, wilder than the classic Uritorco
A bit of history
Cerro Overo is part of the Uritorco massif, in the Sierras Chicas, a region full of legends and mysticism within the imaginary of Capilla del Monte. The area crossed to reach it includes the Huertas Malas ravine and the historic path to Dique Los Alazanes, the highest hydraulic work in the province, built between 1939 and 1944 to supply drinking water to the town. Along the way there is also the Cueva del Ermitaño, associated with local tales of a man who is said to have lived there for nearly two decades.
URI's tips
It's a demanding trek recommended for people with experience and good physical condition. The trail is lost after the pre-summit, so it's best to go with a guide or a reliable GPS track. Definitely bring trekking poles for the descent and enough water since there's no water along the way. Leave early to complete the entire journey in daylight and check in at the area's park ranger station.
What to bring
Trekking poles (key for the descent on slippery grasslands), plenty of water since there is no water source on the ascent, food, sunscreen, hat, trekking shoes with good grip, warm clothing and windbreaker, and a downloaded GPS track
This is what Cerro Overo looks like
How to get to Cerro Overo
3 km from downtown Capilla del Monte. About 10 to 15 minutes by car to Balneario La Toma.
From the center of Capilla del Monte, go to the Balneario La Toma, the starting point of the trail (the same one used to climb Uritorco). From La Toma, walk upstream along the Calabalumba stream for about ten minutes to the junction with the Huertas Malas stream, where the trail begins. Continue toward the Dique Los Alazanes, then turn off along Huertas Malas and finally, once off the trail, take the ridge that leads directly to the summit.
Hiking routes around Cerro Overo
Data from the Wikiloc community. Always check conditions and entry hours.
What everyone asks
Is it more difficult than climbing Uritorco?
Yes. Although Overo is somewhat lower than Uritorco, its ascent is more demanding because the route is longer, has more elevation gain, and in a large part of the final stretch there is no marked trail.
Do I need a guide to hike Cerro Overo?
It is highly recommended. Past the pre-summit, the trail disappears among the grasslands, so going with a guide or with a downloaded GPS track helps avoid getting lost and makes the outing much safer.
Is there water during the ascent?
There is no safe water on the ascent, so you need to bring all the water you'll need for a full day of hiking, plus food and sunscreen.
Who takes you
Operators licensed to run activities at Cerro Overo.