Los Paredones
Rounded granite formations at the confluence of the Dolores and Calabalumba rivers. Ideal for swimming and picnicking.
Los Paredones is a natural area and wild swimming spot north of Capilla del Monte, in the heart of the Valle de Punilla. Its name comes from the imposing reddish granite walls that enclose the watercourses and form a canyon carved by erosion over thousands of years. It is the area where the Río Seco meets the Calabalumba, near the confluence with the Río Dolores, creating a landscape of rounded hills, fissures, and slabs that made it one of the best-known rock climbing sites in Córdoba. Among the walls, pools and clear-water plunge holes form, ideal for diving into, surrounded by native flora and fauna. Besides climbing, it is a quiet place for hiking, spending the day, and wild camping, far from urban noise.
What makes this place unique
- Imposing reddish granite walls and hills that enclose the rivers
- Clear-water pools and plunge holes for diving
- One of the main rock climbing sites in Córdoba
- Hiking among native flora and fauna along the Río Seco
- Confluence of the Seco, Calabalumba, and San Marcos rivers
A bit of history
The site takes its name directly from its geography: the tall vertical granite walls that the mountain rivers carved over millennia. Over time, it became a classic rock climbing destination in the Capilla del Monte area, adding sport, traditional, and mixed climbing sectors, attracting both climbers and visitors seeking contact with nature.
URI's tips
Wear footwear that can get wet, because to access several sectors you have to cross the river walking through the water. Do not drink water from the rivers: stock up at the spring near the parking lot. In summer, avoid stormy days due to the risk of flash floods, and watch out for snakes among the rocks. Nearby shops are in Capilla del Monte or Charbonier, so it's best to bring what you need.
What to bring
Drinking water (it is not recommended to drink water from the rivers; there is a spring near the parking lot), footwear that can get wet and has good grip because you have to wade across the rivers, sunscreen, hat, and food. If you are going to camp, wild camping gear. Caution with wildlife: venomous snakes (yarará, rattlesnake, coral) inhabit the area, especially in summer.
How to get to Los Paredones
6.5 km from downtown Capilla del Monte. About 10 to 15 minutes by car from the center of Capilla del Monte, plus a walk of about 700 meters from the parking lot.
From the center of Capilla del Monte, take National Route 38 north, towards Cruz del Eje, about 6.5 km to the bridge over Río Seco. There is parking on both sides of the road, in yards of private properties where a small fee is paid. From the parking lot, there is a walk of about 700 meters, passing under the bridge and following a trail along the course of Río Seco until reaching the area of rock walls, at the junction with the Calabalumba. You can also get there on any bus that goes to Cruz del Eje, as there is a stop on site (ask to get off at Paredones or Río Seco).
What everyone asks
How much does it cost to enter Los Paredones?
Entry is free. You only pay for parking in the private lots next to Ruta 38.
How far is it from Capilla del Monte?
The Río Seco bridge, the access point, is about 6.5 km from the center of Capilla del Monte along Ruta Nacional 38 toward Cruz del Eje. From the parking lot, you walk about 700 meters.
Can you camp?
Yes, wild camping is allowed on site. There are also lodging and camping options in Capilla del Monte, 6.5 km away.
Is it suitable for going with kids?
The walk and the pools are family-friendly, but you need to be careful: you cross rivers on foot, the rocks can be slippery, and in summer there is a risk of flash floods and the presence of vipers.
