Overview
The Cerro Uritorco is the highest point in the
Sierras Chicas de Córdoba range. It is well known in Argentina because of UFO sightings there in 1986 and also because it an easily accessible peak in one of the country's major tourist destinations, the Punilla Valley.
The "normal route" up the peak is an easy hike (1000m up, some 5Km long) on a good path. It can easily be organized in the absence of maps and with public transport.
Alternative routes are numerous, some of them involving some scrambling and even serious rock climbing if that's what you are looking for! However, the mountain is a private property and not all these alternatives are allowed.
You can choose to scramble or climb to the top of Cerro Uritorco, but it might involve trespassing... Getting There
The mountain towers above the small town of Capilla del Monte, in the valley of Punilla, in the province of Córdoba.
From Capilla del Monte, you can follow the road signs to "La Toma", "Base Uritorco" or "Cerro Uritorco" and you will get to the trail-head for the normal route, a few Km away from the town square. You can also get a cab there for some 7 pesos (US$ 2.5).
Capilla del Monte is on the RN38 road, some 2-3 hours away from the provincial capital Córdoba. Numerous bus companies offer transport to Capilla del Monte from Córdoba.
Red Tape
The mountain is a private property and access to the normal route requires registration and a 10 pesos/person fee (= US$ 3.5). This pays for the maintenance of the foot-path as well as some sort of rescue system (but it is not an insurance and they will charge you in case you need to be rescued). Check out their web-site (in Spanish, see external links below) for more information.
Alternative routes might require trespassing.
Accommodation
Capilla del Monte offers numerous possibilities for accommodation. It is a very popular place and reservations are probably a must in the high season (December, January & February).
External Links
Check out the mountain's website (managed by the owners who charge you for the ascent of the normal route):
www.cerrouritorco.com.ar