San
Marcos Church
Built in 1691, this church shows the traces of indigenous work.
The original structure is symmetrical with a central bell gable
and arch at mid point of the main entrance. In 1734 a tower was
built on to the church causing it to loose its symmetry. Inside
the church is a statue of patron saint San Marcos made of polychromed
wood. The original main door of this temple is conserved at the
old flour mill located 3 kilometers upstream the San Marcos River.
|
 |
 |
San
Marcos River
Walking along the banks of the river you can see the Indian mortars
carved in stone and the old irrigation canal (La Atalaya). The mortars,
also found on Monteagudo street just off the river, were used for
pounding and grinding and when full of water, were used as mirrors
for star gazing. The banks of the river provide shade and picnic
and sunbathing spots. The river and its beauty form part of a Nature
Protection Zone, created so that they may be preserved. Further
upstream passed the reservoir is the Old Flour Mill built in the
seventeenth century. |
Grande
(Big) Mineral Waters (hot springs)
Located at approximately 6 kilometers (4 miles) from town, (2 1/2 hours
walk from Los Quijotes), upstream the San Marcos River. These hot springs
are rich in iron salts, calcium, magnesium and alkaline metals. These
mineral waters have not be industrialized due to the various spillways
and leaks that scatter and the high gasification and impurities. This
particular spring has an average depth of 1.5 meters (4 - 5 feet) and
a diameter of approximately 2 meters (6 feet). The temperature is 22°
C (75° F). The excess water flows out forming a stream that flows into
the San Marcos River. The volume of this water is about 360 liters (90
gallons) per hour. Comments: This spring, which the towns people call
"El Agua Mineral Grande" was discovered by Dr. Padula.
Chica
(Small) Mineral Waters
This hot springs has similar characteristics as the other, though, smaller
in size. The diameter of the pool is 60 centimeters (a little over 2
feet) and has an average depth of 20 centimeters (8 inches). The towns
people call this the "Agua Mineral Chica". It is located about 3 kilometers
(1.5 miles) from town, following the San Marcos river upstream, then
approximately 200 meters (600 feet) following Las Cañas Stream (about
a one hour hike from Los Quijotes).
El Mogote
This landmark formed from stones is located at 2 1/2 km (1 1/2 mile)
from town, in La Banda, on the road to El Rincón. It can be reached
on foot, on bicycle, or car. El Mogote has also been declared a "Nature
Protected Zone".
Casa
de Piedra
This
site has been declared archeological monument of cultural interest for
it's important and varied pictographs. Located on the Quilpo river approximately
12 km (8 miles) from San Marcos. "Casa de Piedra" means "House of Stone"
in Spanish.
Mont
Alfa
It's summit can be reached by car, bicycle, or on foot. Special energetic
powers are attributed to this mountain, making it an ideal spot for
UFO sightings.
Quilpo
River and Lime Quarry
Here you can visit the town of Quilpo, an old mining and quarry town,
bridge and swimming area. The Quilpo River is one of the longest rivers
in the province, extending 120 km (80 miles) through the sierras along
which there are many swimming and picnic spots.
Cruz
del Eje Dam and Reservoir
This reservoir holds the waters of the Candelaria, Quilpo, San Marcos
and Cruz del Eje Rivers. Boating, swimming and smelt fishing are some
of the activities realized while enjoying the uncrowded banks of this
man made lake.
San Marcos
and its areas points of interest make up a series of varied tourists
circuits that include guided visits to artisans workshops and small
farm/cottage industry establishments.
Important:
This is a "Nature Protected Zone". Please, take care of it.
For other
circuits see: Adventure
Tourism
Go
back 
Complejo Turístico "Los Quijotes"
San Martín 501
San Marcos Sierra - Córdoba - Argentina
Telefax: 54-3549-496128
