Source of the Mundo river Roots in the Mountains

Nature observation Geology

WATER IS LIFE… After this well-known phrase, our imagination evokes places where water is born. One of those magical places is the source of the River Mundo and, when we look at it, we all recognise that image genetically engraved in our DNA.

Our day will allow us, in a dynamic route, to walk enjoying the nature of this beautiful natural enclave, which will take us from the bottom of the valley to the mouth of the cave itself. A vertiginous waterfall, it cascades in a spectacular waterfall, which can reach 85,000 litres per second.

The meeting point will be the Puerto del Arenal. Depending on the characteristics of the group, we can walk down from there or with our 8-seater van.

Descending, either on foot or in the vehicle, we will be flooded with light and shadow, filtering through the leaves of the enormous variety of plant species, which kindly coexist in a mixture of Mediterranean and Pyrenean species, depending on the slope of the valley on which we find ourselves. Yew, holly, hazel, maple, juniper, holm oak, oak, etc., will accompany us throughout the day. Meanwhile, in the skies, griffon vultures will glide over the valley at all times. Mountain goats, deer, fallow deer and other animal species are frequent companions in these places.

Once in the car park of Los Chorros, we will leave our vehicle and after an explanation of the rules of the Natural Park, we will go to the Boca de la Cueva. The ascent up the shady slope of the valley will take us about an hour, and after equipping ourselves with the technical safety equipment for a section of the route, we will reach the mouth of the cave. There, equipped with our spotlight, we will enter the first room to see the enormous galleries that are created inside the mountain.

After descending back to the Los Chorros car park, we will walk to the base of the waterfall that jumps from the cave, for a better interpretation. There we will see the “Calderetas” and climb to the second viewpoint where we can see the famous “Pinguicula mundi”, a carnivorous plant endemic to this place.

We can differentiate between two routes depending on our capabilities or motivations:

Tour Boca de la Cueva/ Hueco de los Chorros: High Difficulty – Duration 4 hours.
Hueco de los Chorros trail: Low Difficulty – Duration two hours.
Hueco de los Chorros/ Charco de las Truchas: Difficulty Low/moderate – Duration three and a half hours.
Possibility of speleology inside the cave. (other activity)

1. 3-day activity package (2 nights – Weekend)

DAY 1 FRIDAY: Arrival and reception.

Video presentation of the experience and the surroundings accompanied by a glass of homemade arbutus liqueur. Dinner and accommodation at Hotel de Sierra Madrona.
Baths of “Baños de Fuencaliente” (thermal bath 30′) NOTE: only in season 2022 from April to 10 December. Please enquire by reservation.

DAY 2 SATURDAY: From Fuencaliente to Solana del Pino.

Photographic safari “Berrea y más” by Alma Wild Nature, a photographic activity in which the deer during the rutting season will be the main protagonist but not the only one. These are 4×4 routes in small groups (3 pax) whose main objective is to observe and listen to the bellowing of the deer. NOTE: reservation is required between 19 September and 7 October during sunrise and sunset. Two different itineraries are available (according to choice)
Observation and learning about wild fauna and flora. Together with ÁGata Verde we will spend most of the experience getting to know emblematic species of the area such as the mountain goat, the deer, the mouflon, the wild boar, or birds as interesting as the griffon vulture or the black vulture, the golden eagle, among other endangered bird species, such as the black stork, etc… and we will go on foot to collect the seasonal fruits of autumn “the strawberry tree or “emborrachacabras”. If it is not the strawberry tree season, the observation and identification of the shrub and the Mediterranean flora that accompanies it, heather, mastic, cornicabra, holm oaks, gall oaks and oaks will be carried out. (4h)
Traditional meal in local restaurant “Anka Loren” with a typical local main course with a touch of arbutus “arbutus deer meat” and as a vegan option “aubergine with arbutus jam”
Visit to Embutidos Artesanos El Lucero, a family business for more than 50 years, specialised in sausages with game meat. There will be a workshop demonstration of the preparation and tasting of local sausages “hamburger of bush meat with strawberry tree” (1h)
Return to Fuencaliente and evening “Stargazing – Starlight Viewpoint” (2h), a guided tour to discover the secrets of the night sky of the Alcudia Valley and Sierra Madrona with ÁGata Verde as an accredited Starlight Foundation instructor. Journey through the stars and planets, observing galaxies millions of light years away, the marvellous rings of Saturn, the lunar surface, Jupiter and its moons, enjoying the Milky Way. Unique experiences to enjoy in nature, learning in a fun way

DAY 3 SUNDAY: Scenic route. Sierra Madrona and Solana del Pino.

Guided tour “Cave paintings in Peñón del Águila” (1h) The Alcudia Valley and Sierra Madrona Natural Park is home to a large number of shelters with cave paintings. It is thought that most of them may have been made between approximately 4,500 and 3,000 years ago. While the most famous and best preserved are certainly those of Peña Escrita, we will talk about other more modest and less known paintings: those of Collado del Águila, in Solana del Pino, a paradise of biodiversity and geodiversity. The paintings are located on a quartzite rock wall, facing north. And beyond the wall, absolutely fascinating views of the Alcudia valley. Simply intoxicating, to spend a minute absorbed, observing the grandeur of the landscape, while with luck, the vultures glide several tens of metres above our heads
A holm oak bath against stress, “The power of the forest” all the keys to this exercise of contemplation in which the five senses are involved and whose aim is none other than to find health and happiness through the trees. During the forest bath we will walk about one kilometre for two hours, making stops and doing exercises that reconcile us with Mother Nature. We are going to see, smell, taste, feel and listen to our surroundings (1h) We will walk along the Robledillo river board for about 1km round trip. Art therapy workshop, healing in nature through the five senses. Appreciation of flora, tracks, remains and signs of fauna.
Workshop of elaboration of jams and preserves “La Alacena de la Abuela” (2h), we will carry out together with ÁGata Verde a workshop of traditional preserves, we will elaborate different recipes and delicious jams, compote or ratatouille. In arbutus season, “Chutny de madroño”.
Traditional lunch in local restaurant Anka Loren to taste “Migas manchegas”, and as a vegan option “gachas de pito” with aromas and flavours of the sierra.
Farewell and group photo.

Contact

625 47 29 28 Send email

Ecotourism commitment

Company in the process of adhesion to the System of Recognition of Tourism Sustainability in the Natura 2000 Network

Services

Price

Half day activity Boca de la Cueva/ Hueco de los Chorros:

Group of 7-8 people 25€ x pax
Group of 9- 16 people 22€ x pax

Half-day activity Hueco de los Chorros:

Group of 10 people 15€ x pax
Large groups (buses) CONTACT

Half day activity Charco de las truchas/ Hueco de los Chorros:

Group of 7-8 people 25€ x pax
Group of 9- 16 people 22€ x pax

Services included

By collaborating with accommodation and restaurants in the area, we bring to the experience all the necessary services.

Additional services

From the Puerto del Arenal car park, we will take our clients to the Los Chorros car park on the routes that are contracted.

Minimum and maximum group size

The maximum groups per monitor at the mouth of the Cave are regulated by the park to a maximum of 10 people. Two ascents can be made with this number of participants each morning.

In the case of a visit to the “Hueco de los Chorros” only, groups may be larger.