Spring in the mountains

SHORT TRIPS
bandoleros_11
  Saturday, 01 January 2000

A route of 3 days and 2 nights in the middle of nature, from village to village, crossing the Vulture Gorge, the Líbar mountains and plains and the Sierra de Grazalema. An unforgettable experience

bandleros orchid

Each time of the year has its own beauty, but spring in the mountains is simply spectacular, and April is the month of the year where colors seem to explode, everything is in bloom. The valley of the Guadiaro river and the mountains that we cross on our way, have an incredible botanical wealth, from cork oaks, chestnut trees, oaks, palm hearts, Spanish firs to more than 30 species of orchids.

The beauty of the landscape and the diversity of the regions along the two rivers is dominated by the karst rocks of the Sierra de Líbar and Sierra de Grazalema; by fertile valleys along the rivers, by the climate, with a very high annual rainfall, despite the extreme heat in summer, responsible for the lush green meadows, which turn into shiny gold carpets in the fall and last but not least, the breathtaking views of the Andalusian coastline, from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean, the Strait of Gibraltar and the coast of Africa.

The three days of the route are demanding, you have to be in shape, but we also have enough time to enjoy the day, it is not about running, but about enjoying. The accommodations in the two villages are simple but comfortable and with very good food.  


1st day: Colmenar to Cortes de la Frontera

bandoleros buitrera

The route starts gently along the river and leads along an impressive gorge, where we may see the first examples of the huge vultures that the canyon is named after, and cross the gorge over an old stone bridge. At the end of the route, we reach a little village at the train station of Cortes de la Frontera, called Cañada del Real Tesoro, nestled between the Grazalema Natural Park and the Cork-forest. Dinner at the guest house.

Walking time: 5 hours, 14,5 km Elevations: ↑683m, ↓530m

  

2nd day: from Cortes de la Frontera to Benaoján

Los Llanos de LíbarThe steep climb this day tour starts with, will be rewarded by spectacular views. You look down over the coast to the Rock of Gibraltar and across to Africa. From here you can also see the peaks of the Sierra Bermeja, the villages of Cortes de la Frontera, Gaucin and Jimena de la Frontera. The two plateaus which we cross, surrounded by mountains, are reminiscent of meadows in the Alps. Between rugged rocks and over an old Roman Road, we walk down to Benaojan. Drive back in the SUR-walks van to our Rural Hotel in Cortes, where a delicious dinner is waiting for us.

Walking time: 6 hours, 16,5 km, Elevations: ↑1065m, ↓532m

 

sierra pinos

3rd day: Sierra de los Pinos 

Another spectacular hike that takes us across the rugged cliffs of the Grazalema mountains, with their bizarre rock formations that are an ideal retreat for mountain goats and other animals. We start again from Cortes, this time for a circular hike in the Sierra de los Pinos, a varied, beautiful hike with a view as far as the coast of Cádiz.

sierra pinos Walking time: 6 hours, 12.7 km, Elevations: ↑ ↓680m

  

 PRICE :

Por person in double room: 310€

Included:

  • 2 nights in Hotel with half board (breakfast and dinner)
  • Transfer from Marbella / Estepona to the starting point and back at the end of the route
  • Luggage transport (1 piece per person - you only have to carry your day pack)
  • Guide
  • Insurance 

Not included:

  • drinks and other meals