Sierra de Guara Walking Tour

Sierra de Guara Walking Tour

Day 1 Arrival

Your tour begins in the lovely hilltop village of Alquézar, meaning “the castle” in Arabic. The idyllic village is surrounded by sprawling farmland and irrigation channels and home to magnificent architecture, reminiscent of its Christian and Moorish roots.

If your arrival time permits, head out on a short loop, introducing you to the lovely village and the sweeping Rio Vero gorge.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Alquézar
Distance: 1.5 hours, 3 km, 125m of ascent, 125m of descent
Meals: None

Day 2 Choice of Circular Walks from Alquézar

There are two circular route options to choose from today.

Option 1:
A loop via the Rio Vero gorge, taking in its ancient Romanesque bridge. You will walk among almond orchards and olive groves, making your way to the village of Asque.

Option 2:
A loop through the gorgeous countryside surrounding Alquézar, with breathtaking views of the Pyrenees in the distance accompanying you for much of the walk. This route leads you to a prehistoric site comprised of ancient caves and fascinating cave paintings.

Both routes conclude in Alquézar, where you’ll spend another enjoyable evening soaking up the charm of this picturesque village.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Alquézar
Distance: Option 1: 4 hours, 10 km, 300m of ascent, 300m of descent
Option 2: 6 hours, 12 km, 550m of ascent, 570m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 Strange Rocks and the Village of Lecina

If rocks are your thing, you’re in for a treat today, and if not, you’re still guaranteed to be awestruck!

Today’s route introduces you to the karst stone rock formations that jut up from the ground in strange and fascinating ways throughout this gripping landscape. Before this walk, a little research is recommended, as you’ll note that each formation has a unique name, like “Mallata” and “Arpan.”

Further on, you’ll enjoy fabulous views of the gorge before descending towards its crystal-clear waters.

The route ends in the gorgeous medieval village of Lecina, known for its quaint and traditional stone houses.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lecina
Distance: 5 hours, 11.5 km, 530m of ascent, 410m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 Walk to Almazorre, Paules and Santa Maria de la Nuez

Today your exploration of charming Aragonese villages continues as you set out on a scenic path towards the pretty hilltop village of Almazorre.

The trail guides you past an ancient olive oil and grain mill, which is worth a short stop to explore before you continue the path lined with oak groves and hilltop villages.

Crossing the Rio Vero twice, you’ll then reach a sprawling green valley and the village of Paules, where you’ll find tonight’s accommodations. Check out the nearby holy place of Santa Maria de la Nuez if you still have some walking left in you!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Paules
Distance: 4.5 hours, 12 km, 340m of ascent, 250m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 A Ghost Village and Ancient Ruins

This morning a short transfer will take you to today’s start point deep inside the park grounds. The trail unfolds in a scenic area, where you’ll soon spot the abandoned village of Bagüeste, with its ancient church spire still intact.

The route then guides you to the ruins at Letosa, an ancient milling operation, before a rewarding drink at a bar in Otín to end the day!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Rodellar
Distance: 6 hours, 15.5 km, 420m of ascent, 730m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 Views of the Balcez Gorge and the Pyrenees

Today you’ll trace an old charcoal makers’ path, enjoying superb views from the edge of the Balcez Gorge. Here you’ll have the chance to spot majestic vultures soaring high above the valley and nesting in the towering cliffs.

With the summits of the Pyrenees on the horizon, you’re bound to feel like you’ve found paradise on earth. Soak it up!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Las Almunias
Distance: 4.5 hours, 11 km, 600m of ascent, 670m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Walk from Las Almunias to Alquézar

This morning you’ll set out on a trail that will bring you full circle as you return to your start point in Alquézar. Navigating a steep but well-marked path, you’ll set out from Las Almunias, passing through a narrow gorge before making your way through the village of San Pelegrin.

The path into Alquézar is a known feeding ground for vultures. If you’re lucky, you may bear witness to some hunting action on your way into town!

There is an option to shorten the route to 15 km by descending to Radiquero and taking a taxi to Alquézar.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Alquézar
Distance: 6 hours, 18 km, 560m of ascent, 600m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Departure

This morning following breakfast your walking tour in Sierra de Guara comes to an end. Until next time!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 3 hours, 9 km, 130m of ascent, 550m of descent
Meals: Breakfast