Huerta Grande: Botanical Garden, River Landscape and Sierras

Huerta Grande reveals several facets of nature: a private botanical garden devoted to plants, while river landscapes, rocks and trails shape the character of the Sierras Chicas. There are also places to relax beneath large trees and protected natural areas. If you’re travelling with children, you can decide together whether plants, rocks or waterscapes are of particular interest to you. This can help you determine which nature experiences will influence your choice of destination as you look for a holiday rental in Huerta Grande.

Plant diversity at the Jardín Botánico

The Jardín Botánico “Dr. Miguel Culaciati” covers 24,000 m². It includes more than 200 classified species, as well as around 100 more species that are under study. Together, these two groups give an idea of how plant diversity and the study of plants come together in the garden. The grounds also include a reference library, a herbarium and a nursery. A stereomicroscope and a collection of fossils and minerals complete these facilities. If you’re comparing nature-related topics with children, you can contrast the plant species and collections here with the large rock formations at Piedras Grandes.

River, rocks and trails in the Sierras

A route along the Río Grande de Punilla connects natural pools and old willows with the striking Peñón del Águila, which rises above the landscape. This is a different natural setting from the botanical garden: here, the river and the surrounding landscape take centre stage. Balneario Municipal La Escondida has its own character, too. It’s a place to relax and enjoy leisure activities beneath large trees.

Other notable natural destinations include Cascada de Olmos and Piedras Grandes. Cascada de Olmos lies at an elevation of 1,107 metres, in the heart of the Sierras Chicas. Piedras Grandes is a natural area with large rocks in highly varied and unusual shapes. If you enjoy comparing landscapes by their features, rocks, river pools and the elevation at Cascada offer different starting points for planning your outings.

Camino del Dragón is a winding, unpaved road at the foot of the Sierras, with uninterrupted views of the valley along the way. The surroundings of the Reserva Natural, Forestal y Arqueológica “Naguán Tica” have been preserved in an almost untouched state. Near Piedras Grandes, Las Muyunas is also a protected natural area with a river bathing spot, various services and opportunities to observe native flora and fauna. Each place offers something different: a trail with valley views, an almost untouched setting, or nature-watching at a river bathing spot.

Discover more places

Other destinations include Cosquín, Tanti Nuevo, El Durazno, Villa Garcia, Villa Parque Lago San Roque, Cavalango, San Esteban and Tanti.

For the broader travel overview: Departamento Punilla.