Las Buitreras Canyon
On the east side of the Los Alcornocales Natural Park and between the Cortes de la Frontera, Benarrabá and the Benalauría municipalities lies the spectacular national monument of the Cañon de las Buitreras with its surprising verticality of its sides that drop down more than 100 metres and extending to 200 metres at the Garganta de las Buitreras.
The Guadiaro River with its incessant and quiet flow has worked over the limestone in this narrow cut to form to the Ronda and Grazalema mountains we see today. The erosive force of the river, together with high rainfall levels have moulded the twisted passages and incredible cavities used by the Karstics. The various changes in elevation that the river has to navigate gives rise to numerous impressive waterfalls enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings. The name of this canyon is not fortuitous as an important colony of Griffon Vultures nest in the rough cuttings. Using binoculars, you can observe other birds such aszurita and bravia pigeons or the aquatic blackbird. Additionally, otters can be seen living in the canyon’s waters. The journeys both to and from the gorge can be difficult for two reasons: the gradient underfoot and the heat. But once in the riverbed there is a radical change in temperature leading us to understand the need to wear a good neoprene suit. Descending the Las Buitreras gorge is not excessively vertical, and the sections that need to be abseiled are few and short. Water is present during most of the route, with jumps to potholes that have both views and interior light that are difficult to find in any other place. Also we will pass what can be described as a chaotic number of rock blocks and we will slowly reach the water level again until we reach the last zone. The landscape changes again and the Guadiaro river erupts from nothing with crystalline water where we can make our final jumps. Our monitors are highly qualified to be able to accompany you on this marvellous journey through one of the most beautiful natural gorges in the region. All you have to do is worry about enjoying yourself.Please note!
- Difficulty: Medium to High.
- Duration: 7 to 8 hours
- Distance: Approximately 3 kilometres
- Included: Monitors and all necessary approved safety equipment. A gorge kit bag and a waterproof bag (one per 3 or 4 people). Neoprene suits and boots. Energy bars. Support vehicle. All necessary insurance. Permits and passes. Photographs. VAT.
- What you need to bring Sports shoes (preferably mountain/walking boots), swimwear, 1,5 litres of water or isotonic drink, dry fruit snacks or chocolate, sandwiches. Change of clothes and dry shoes (change after descending the gorge). It is recommended that you bring sun block or protection particularly for the hike.
- Requirements: Ability to swim (other than summer months), minimum age of 12 years
Meeting point Meeting point is the crossroads on the A-373 with the road to Colmenar railway station. This road joins Cortes de la Frontera with Ubrique.
Ver la localización del punto de encuentro Buitreras en un mapa más grande