First up the paradisal waterfalls, one of our best kept local secrets. I’m almost loath to tell you all about this heavenly place for fear that you’ll all rush out and I’ll have to share my newly discovered corner of paradise. But, being the caring sharing kind of girl that I am, I shall continue. Tucked away just beyond Otívar, the turn off for the windy road that takes you down to the cascading waters is marked by stoic, bright yellow gate posts on your left, near kilometre marker 43 and although the waterfalls are public, the road crosses private land so you have to pay a small admission fee (or brave a short-cut cross country if you’re feeling particularly adventurous).
It’s a bit of a bumpy ride but I should expect you’ll be too busy feeling at one with nature to notice too much, especially as you pass over the bridge and through the breathtaking rocky canyon. As you reach the end of the track there’s plenty of space to leave the car (and not a blue zone in sight) as you’ll have to walk up on foot to reach the first of many crystalline paddling pools.
As you traverse the river bed track on your right (there are two, hence the Junta de los Ríos) you’ll find beautiful blue waters surrounded by lush green vegetation of the Chorrera. Bliss! But don’t stop there, the funs only just started. At this point I recommend a combination of paddling upstream, wading through the water as you go, and climbing up the rocky overhangs.
If you’d prefer to walk rather that swim however there are alternate paths running alongside the river joined at various intervals by Indiana Jones style footbridges. (Note, apparently these are incredibly scary for our four legged friends and some time may be spent coaxing the little ones across).
About a hours journey upstream you will eventually come to the rather impressive ‘Y-waterfall’ the point where you can go no further. The birth place of the Río Verde is not far above – about 3 km.
This waterfall is a perfect place to take a breather before making your way back down. Skinny dipping optional mind, as you may well be surprised by groups of abseilers taking the slightly riskier route down, descending over the rock face above you. If you fancied joining them however there are many companies that offer organised trips that start off at the top of the valley and involve some pretty adventurous canyoning trips down the rapids of the Chorrera.
What to bring: Swimming costumes, towel, picnic, sunscreen and footwear that you don’t mind getting wet!
Cost: 5 euros per vehicle and remember, the gates close at seven!
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