Cumbrecita

When you start researching La Cumbrecita, you’ll see it graced by such words as a hamlet or “Bavarian outpost,” which couldn’t be more accurate. This enchanting little Swiss & Deutschland plopped in the middle of the rolling hills of central Argentina was founded in 1934 by two German brothers and it feels like being transported to another meticulously developed world. And, of course, it’s also a fraction of the cost and crowds!

But, the best part about La Cumbrecita? It’s all wonderfully pedestrian!! It’s the only village of its kind in the country. 

La Cumbrecita translates to “Little Summit.”

It’s easy to see how it got its name based on the surroundings. Walking down into the village from the parking lot took about 10-15 minutes, and fortunately, we also now know that we can go back anytime because there is access by bus! 

It was really fun to be in “Europe” for the day in picture perfect weather in November.

Cell towers meet may poles.

The village felt beyond lush after our time in the desert. And remarkably, a lot like Germany 

One of the Swiss restaurants. The prices were definitely not Swiss. Not surprisingly, most of the food was also German/Swiss inspired.

It was quite crowded the day we went because it was a holiday weekend, also known as Election Day. In Argentina, election days are always on Sundays so everyone can vote. Imagine that. We later found out that the holiday weekend was not for Election Day itself but for “Sovereignty Day.” 

La Cumbrecita was stereotypically kitschy, but we immediately loved it and wanted to return for awhile. Must be our German roots. 🤣 It’s easy to see why so many kraut-starved Latinos flock here for a little slice of Bavaria.

The alpine architecture is endless and the streets incredibly strollable. It truly is a fairytale setting 

Even this guy makes a jolly appearance in the woodwork. 

Like father, like son 

We loved all the hand painted signs around the town. And of course, loads of souvenir shops

But our favorite part, and what makes us interested in returning, was the abundance of hiking trails draped with a green blanket around the village. And…Mr. 78-year-old Larry had no problems keeping up. 

The adorable chapel atop the hill.

The trees draped in Spanish moss was an added treat. 

And like any town with German engineering, the wood working was exquisite. Like this statue made from the remains of a tree trunk. 

Eating lunch at Edelweiss, which was owned by the granddaughter of one of the original founders. Her grandfather Helmut Cabjolsky, was a Berliner by birth who was working as a civil engineer for the German industrial giant Siemens when he was transferred to Buenos Aires in 1932. He and his family weren’t impressed by the beaches near the capital, and they yearned for the mountains of home. So along came this little Alemania. 

They had lots of German delights, including delicious beer, and Greg’s spatzle goulash. Mandy had a similar dish but with a cream sauce in place of the meaty bits.

Lana el perro wishing Mandy would have donated her portion and begging for Greg’s instead. Also, Grace coordinating the whole crew for a photo at Edelweiss. It’s one of her many special gifts.

One shared bottle of Malbec later…

One of many natural features in La Cumbrecita.

After half a bottle of wine, Mandy was in a rare shopping mood. She considered the amarillo clogs, but opted for a sensible bucket hat for $4 instead. 

Father and son

Indeed we’re in gaucho country!

After pulling ahead on the walk back to the car, Mandy met Diego who wanted to make sure we proudly showed off his Messi Tshirt to our fans. Oh, those Argentinians…

Villa General Belgrano

Surrounded by flowing streams and crisp forests, the next mountain commune on our Córdoba road trip was another one inspired by Germany called Villa General Belgrano, population 8200. But this beery wonderland not only has an air of Deutschland, it also hosts the third biggest Oktoberfest in the world after Munich’s and Blumeneau, Brazil’s, which considering the cost and quality, just might be worth returning for one day. 

We loved seeing all the families lounging and picnicking near the babbling brook, and a magical little covered pedestrian bridge.

Yes, sounds like something we may need to check out!

The settlement was named after Manuel Belgrano, Argentine independence hero and designer of the flag.

Always, some of the best woodcarvers. The details on this tree trunk are incredibly impressive, which can be seen from further afield as well.

A very German-y church

Beervana. You can suck it, Portland, with your $8 beers.

Or, in case you’ve got a sweet tooth, you can pop in a shop like one of these or…

Planeta Helado!! A Star Wars themed ice cream shop, which had one of the most extravagant collectors’s displays we’ve ever seen. At least one of us was very excited. 😆 

Street scenes VGB.

A beautiful widespread lake near VGB sets the atmosphere perfectly.

Our room at the adults-only Harmonie Hotel de Montana…quite a luxurious upgrade from our usual digs! And we finally got to enjoy an outdoor pool after our post-massage bliss. The massage was 30 minutes and cost about $8 as the blue dollar rate continues to improve more and more. To top it off, it was one of the best we’ve ever had!