Discover a remarkable variety of landscapes, from the Tagus River to the highest elevations of Alto Tajo Natural Park in the Sierra Molina range. The route begins beside the crystal-clear waters of the Tagus at Martinete Bridge, where you can admire the impressive limestone canyon inhabited by numerous bird species, including griffon vultures. Continue to the village of Peralejos to reach a beautiful waterfall with a natural swimming area. Then drive along one of the most scenic roads in the Natural Park until you reach the picturesque village of Chequilla, whose houses are built into the reddish sandstone formations. Pass through the charming village of Checa before entering the highlands, driving past a Celtiberian hillfort and the waterfall with tufa formations of Aguaspeña. Following a forest track, you will arrive at the point where the three provinces meet, where the Tagus is still only a small stream, before returning north towards the village of Orea through extensive Scots pine forests. The route can be driven in either direction, starting from Orea or Peralejos. If you enjoy hiking and have a long summer day available, you can also include the walk to Horcajo Gorge, located near Peralejos.
Martinete Bridge 1: From this bridge, which marks the boundary between the provinces of Cuenca and Guadalajara, you can admire the crystal-clear waters of the Tagus with its deep pools, as well as the spectacular limestone cliffs that are home to a large colony of griffon vultures and Egyptian vultures (the latter during summer), among many other bird species.
Molino Waterfall 2: A picturesque waterfall and swimming area on the Tagus River. A short circular trail of about 400 metres loops around the hostel and leads to the river and the small impounded swimming area.
Road from Peralejos to Chequilla 3: A beautiful scenic road passing through Scots pine forests and areas of creeping juniper. Warning: Not recommended during periods of snow and ice. An alternative is to drive via Molina on the CM-2111 road before turning towards Checa and Orea.
Village of Chequilla 4: A small village with white houses nestled against red sandstone formations. A short circular walk leads around its unique “natural bullring.” An excellent picnic spot with a spring providing fresh drinking water.
Checa 5: A beautiful village with traditional architecture crossed by a river that forms two attractive waterfalls. It offers good visitor services (bars/restaurants, accommodation and shops) and is home to the Traditional Livestock Museum, one of the Natural Park’s visitor centres, featuring an excellent exhibition on the area’s landscapes and pastoral culture. Check opening hours here.
Aguaspeña 6 and Castil de Griegos 7: A short walk to the tufa waterfall with its hanging garden, followed by a visit to the Celtiberian hillfort. If climbing to the hillfort feels too demanding on a hot day, it is still worth reading the information panel about this important archaeological site.
From Checa to the Chapel of San Lorenzo, the route follows approximately 20 km of forest track, which is normally in good condition. Warning: Not recommended during periods of snow and ice. Alternative: If you prefer to avoid the forest track, continue by road to Orea and rejoin the route there towards La Jícara Recreation Area, skipping the San Lorenzo Chapel and Three Provinces Bridge stops.
San Lorenzo Chapel 8: An excellent picnic location with wide panoramic views. Leave your vehicle beside the main track and walk the final 300 metres. Take great care not to drive onto the track if the ground is wet, as vehicles can easily become stuck in the mud.
Driving across the Sierra Molina track is an experience in itself, offering magnificent views of the high plateaus where wind and harsh weather favour the dominance of creeping juniper. Large groups of red deer and fallow deer are commonly seen early and late in the day.
Three Provinces Bridge 9: A picturesque recreation area among pine trees beside the Tagus River, which here is little more than a stream. Barbecues are permitted outside the wildfire season.
La Jícara Recreation Area or Orea Campsite 10:
Here you can enjoy a beautiful Scots pine forest crossed by the Hoceseca (Hoz Seca) River. You may choose between the campsite, with its seasonal bar and restaurant, or the recreation area equipped with picnic tables, a shelter and a spring. The village of Orea offers a bar, accommodation, a small shop and the Sequero de Orea Visitor Centre, featuring exhibitions on the traditional occupations of Alto Tajo as well as displays of the park’s flora and fauna. Check opening hours here.
Horcajo Gorge Hike 11: One of the most beautiful trails in the Natural Park, winding through pine forests alongside the Tagus River before following Horcajo Stream. Rather than completing the full circular route, it is recommended to hike into the gorge and return along the same path, taking approximately 90 minutes.
Hoz de Megina Gorge 12: Return drive towards Peralejos through a spectacular narrow gorge along an unpaved road that is generally in good condition, except during periods of snow and ice, when it is advisable not to drive this section.
Note: The route includes several picnic areas as well as bars and restaurants.
