High-mountain nature reserve with waterfalls, river forests and rich biodiversity.
Municipality
Jerte
Suggested visit time
Not available
Access
Not available
Protected natural area located in the Jerte Valley covering 7,226 hectares of outstanding ecological value. Declared a Natural Reserve in 1994, it preserves some of the most representative habitats of the Central Mountain Range, including riverside forests with alders, willows and ashes, as well as oak forests, chestnut groves and high mountain shrublands. The reserve hosts a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna with numerous endemic species adapted to the altitude, humidity and temperature conditions of the area. Notable wildlife includes more than one hundred species of butterflies, many amphibians and reptiles, birds such as the golden eagle and long-eared owl, and emblematic mammals like the Iberian ibex and the Iberian desman. The protected area ranges from about 600 meters above sea level along the Jerte River to 2,342 meters at Canchal de Ballesteros in the Sierra de Tormantos. The reserve offers several hiking routes and nature activities, making it one of the most visited natural areas in the Jerte Valley.
Address
Ctra. N. 110, km 368, 10612 Jerte, Cáceres
Secondary municipality: Cabezuela del Valle
High-mountain landscape with waterfalls and granite potholes, network of gorges and streams, riverine forests and a regulated conservation framework under a specific management plan.
The main access to the reserve is located at the Los Arenales area, next to the N-110 road between Jerte and Cabezuela del Valle, where the Nature Interpretation Centre and several car parks are situated. From there, marked trails provide access to key points such as Los Pilones and other areas of the reserve, following established routes within the protected area.
The reserve can be visited throughout the year, offering different attractions depending on the season, from peak water flows and winter snow to spring blossom and autumn colours. In all cases, it is advisable to check trail conditions and current regulations before planning the visit.
Not available
Resource access level
It is recommended to follow only authorised routes, respect signage and adhere to the guidelines of the Master Plan for Use and Management, avoiding leaving marked paths to protect vegetation and wildlife. Visitors should wear mountain footwear, bring water and sun protection, and check official information sources in advance regarding access conditions and possible restrictions.
As a protected natural area with high-mountain conditions and a complex hydrographic network, risks such as sudden water level rises, snow, ice or fog may occur, so extra caution is required and visitors should not venture outside recommended routes. Certain activities may be restricted or prohibited in specific areas (such as bathing, camping or off-track movement), so it is essential to be aware of and respect the regulations of the protected area.