Argentina – Ecological Restaurant in Candonga
Estancia de Candonga Lies Amidst the Sierras Chicas in Córdoba
Feb 13, 2009
Beautifully located amidst the green undulating hills of the Sierras Chicas in Córdoba Province, Candonga offers a splendid outing for families. An enthusiastic team goes out of its way to show the beauty of the valley, where well-tended vegetable gardens provide the ingredients for excellent ecological meals. And after the meal there is the swimming pool for a refreshing dip.
History of Estancia de Candonga in Las Sierras Chicas
In the 18th century Estancia de Candonga [Candonga Ranch] was bought by Don José Moyano Oscariz, who renamed it "Estancia del Rosario de Santa Gertrudis". It was an important stop on the "Camino Real", the Royal Road, along which wealth was brought from Buenos Aires to Lima – the South American capital of the Spanish empire. The name Candonga is an indigenous word, meaning "Tired Mule" or "Old Mule". Transportation during these days was by mules and at Candonga mules were fed and rested – or changed for fresh ones.
It was during Oscariz' ownership that the estancia started the layout of a vegetable garden and an orchard, and began to keep live stock, all of which provided ample nourishment for the travelers on the Camino Real. Furthermore, he had a chapel constructed as well as a watermill to grind wheat.
Capilla Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Candonga
In 1936 Arturo Bouquet, the owner at the time, gave the estancia's chapel, and one hectare surrounding it, to the government. The chapel was in such excellent condition that it was given the status of National Monument. Mass is no longer said in the chapel but marriages and baptisms can be arranged on request. The chapel holds the statue of the Virgin del Rosario de los Milagros, while in the sacristy there is a Virgin de Luján – the oldest of Argentina's Virgins.
Watermill of Candonga
The watermill has recently been reconstructed according to the old blueprints. While it is no longer ecologically sensible to grind wheat using a watermill, the guide will be happy to show how the grain mill functioned – using the water from the Río San Vincente, which cuts through the Candonga valley.
Ecological Restaurant at Estancia Santa Gertrudis
Over time the estancia fell into decay, until it was bought by three ambitious men last year. With a team of twenty employees, shareholders in the estancia, they have turned it into a place for one of the most pleasant family outings in the region.
The vegetable garden and orchard were brought back to their former state and ecological farming now produces all the fresh food necessary for the delicious meals in the restaurant. A main course costs about 30 pesos [US$ 9], desserts around 15 pesos. Ecological food includes meat as well as fish dishes. Adjacent to the restaurant is a swimming pool, entrance fee 15 pesos [50% discount when eating in the restaurant].
Included in the price is a guided tour to the gardens, the chapel and mill. From the fruit in the orchard marmalades are made which are sold in the shop. On request it is possible to go horseback riding in the vicinity, free of charge.
Candonga – Location, Transportation and Accommodation
- Candonga lies northwest of the town of Córdoba and airport. Following Ruta E53, take a left turn at the town of Agua de Oro, which will lead to Candonga.
- Another option is to drive the scenic route from Jésus María [about 50 kilometres north of Córdoba town], via Ascochinga to Candonga.
- There is no public transport going to the estancia.
- Cars can be rented in Córdoba or at the airport.
- The estancia doesn't provide accommodation. An excellent accommodation is the nearby lodge of "El Puesto" in Ascochinga.
Website of Candonga
Unfortunately, the website of Candonga is terribly slow, full of gadgets that guarantee a long wait for each page to open. This slowness isn't representative of the location, which is thriving and led by an enthusiastic team that can't wait to share this beautiful location with you.
Activities in Córdoba Province
- In the vicinity of Candonga are several Jesuit Estancias to visit.
- Nearby La Cumbre is a paragliding paradise
- When visiting the region in January, spend a night at Argentina's largest festival "Doma y Folkore" in Jésus María.
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