HikingActive natureHiking route

Alta Extremadura – La Covacha High Mountain Traverse

Distance

23 km

Duration

9 h

Difficulty

High

Elevation gain

+1,270 m

Elevation loss

-1,400 m

Description

The Alta Extremadura – La Covacha High Mountain Traverse is a demanding route that follows part of the watershed between the provinces of Cáceres and Ávila. The itinerary starts at the Puerto de Tornavacas and continues along high ridges and mountain crests, crossing summits such as Castilfrío, Canchal de los Ballesteros, and other peaks of the range. The route offers wide panoramas over the Gredos and Béjar mountain ranges, passing through broom scrub and rocky high‑mountain terrain. It is a long, technical traverse designed for experienced mountaineers.

Observations

General observations

Linear high-mountain traverse from Puerto de Tornavacas (1,272 m) to Guijo de Santa Bárbara (870 m), crossing Extremadura's highest peaks. Reaches 2,342 m at Canchal de Ballesteros, staying around 2,000 m for most of the route. Requires good fitness and navigation skills. An alternative variant heads to La Covacha (2,399 m) and back from Las Azagayas: 24 km, 8.5 h, 1,300 m total ascent and descent.

Points of interest

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Safety tips

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Municipality

Tornavacas

Start

Puerto de Tornavacas

End

Guijo de Santa Bárbara

Route type

Lineal

Address

Inicio en Puerto de Tornavacas, carretera N-110 / EX-203 (Cáceres)

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