Merlo

Villa de Merlo sits on the western slope of the Sierra de los Comechingones, and Argentines know it for its climate: sheltered air, high negative ion counts and stable pressure have given it a national reputation as a place people go to feel better, whatever the science ultimately says. The town has grown accordingly, with hotels, spas and restaurants spreading up the hillside among old carob trees. Above it a road climbs to the Mirador del Sol and on to the Filo Serrano, the ridge crest at around 2,000 metres, with wide views over the plains toward Córdoba. Around the town are waterfalls and streams, paragliding launches, horse riding and the Rincón del Este nature area, and the summit road is the classic outing.

What to look for

• The Filo Serrano - the ridge road and viewpoints above the town.
• Mirador del Sol - the popular overlook on the climb.
• The waterfalls and streams - swimming spots in the hills around town.
• The paragliders - launches from the ridge on stable days.

When to go

Year-round; spring and autumn are the most pleasant, summer brings holiday crowds and afternoon storms, and winter is mild by Argentine standards. The ridge road is best in clear weather, which is common here.

What to expect

Merlo is a developed resort town with heavy holiday traffic and building along the slopes, and travellers seeking wilderness will not find it. Claims about the climate's health effects are marketing as much as measurement. The summit road is narrow and busy in season.

Nearby

La Carolina and the sierras of San Luis lie west; Córdoba province begins over the ridge.