THE BATUECAS NATURAL PARK, SALAMANCA
The Batuecas Natural Park is located in the Sierra de Francia, in the southern part of Salamanca province. This area of outstanding natural beauty contrasts plains with deep canyons carved by the river network, creating elevation changes of up to 200 metres compared to the surrounding peneplain. Declared a protected area in 2000, while the highest peak is Hastiala at 1735 metres, the most famous is Peña de Francia, standing at 1726 metres.
Four villages within this unique environment were also declared Historic-Artistic Sites: La Alberca, Miranda del Castañar, San Martin del Castañar and Mogarraz.
Hiking to El Chorro de las Batuecas
The Batuecas Natural Park together with Sierra de Francia offers countless opportunities for hiking experiences, with numerous trails crossing these landscapes. It's a major tourist attraction due to the wealth of traditional villages and sites to visit. One of the most renowned trekking routes is El Chorro de las Batuecas, near the border with Cáceres province, starting at the Monastery of San José de las Batuecas. Passing through a valley of dense vegetation, the tranquillity, seclusion and breathtaking beauty leave every hiker in awe.
The Batuecas Valley has a Mediterranean microclimate, so hikers will encounter cork oaks, holm oaks, strawberry trees, heather and rockroses along the trail. An ideal way to experience landscapes that nature provides and which would otherwise remain undiscovered.
On this hiking route, some of the most notable features include the cave paintings at "Canchal de las Cabras Pintadas" - a natural cave containing several Neolithic cave paintings known for their symbolic content, along with other paintings at "Canchal del Zarzalón" and "Canchal de la Umbría del Cristo".
History, culture, nature and adventure sports come together to offer a rewarding experience to enjoy alone or with company. Fancy exploring the area?
