![BALCÓN DE DESPEÑAPERROS](https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/documents/255035/5669882/1654_SS_01.jpg/3868fda4-9def-8db4-279b-2f16df6996c6)
DESPEÑAPERROS - Ventana del Visitante
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Despite the fact that Despeñaperros is one of the smallest natural parks in Andalusia, it boasts extraordinary geological, natural and historical heritage. Its gorges, for example, have witnessed epic moments such as the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa.
The erosion of the Despeñaperros river created this natural pass that connects the Castilian plateau with Andalusia. The action of this flowing water, running from north to south eroding the rocks, has created spectacular landscapes such as Los Órganos, with its solid quartzites and gigantic vertical tubes. El Salto del Fraile and Las Correderas are other sites where you can find these interesting formations.
In this rugged environment with virtually vertical walls, there are deep canyons and faults, with fascinating plant species sheltered by the ravines. Hikers can marvel at these plants on routes such as the one that runs through the Valdeazores Ravine, where the Mediterranean forest spills over with wild pear and strawberry trees and laurustine, filling the land with different colours throughout the autumn. Another option is to explore the more shaded Collado de la Estrella. The tones are different here, taking their colours from a grove of Portuguese and Pyrenean oaks.
The sunny areas, however, are the land of the holm oak, alongside pine trees, kermes oaks and rock rose. Deer and wild boar find refuge in the vegetation. They are hunted species and share their habitat with majestic birds of prey, such as the Iberian imperial eagle and the griffon vulture.
Because of its strategic location, these lands have been inhabited by numerous cultures since prehistoric times, signs of which can be found in the area. For example, the Iberians would make offerings in the form of small bronze statues, known as muñecas (dolls) by the locals. Religious offerings were carried out in places considered sacred such as the Sanctuary of Collado de los Jardines, where you can find the Cueva de los Muñecos (Doll Cave). In addition, earlier, unusual samples of rock painting can be found, which confirm the mystical beliefs of the ancient civilisations held with regards to this area. Other examples of these paintings can be found in caves such as Santo or Vacas de Retamoso.
The ancient Roman paved road, which runs alongside lush natural vegetation, is also part of the history of Despeñaperros. Visitors can walk it thanks to the Empedraillo trail, which is sure to work up an appetite, leaving visitors ready to sample the rich gastronomy of the area; dishes which are inspired by typical mountain produce such as game, mushrooms (especially chanterelles), and asparagus.
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Provinces Jaén
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The routes in Despeñaperros show off a wealth of natural and cultural diversity. For this reason, it is an excellent location for lovers of hiking and cycling. The Cueva de los Muñecos trail allows you to walk in the footsteps of the past as you encounter an Iberian sanctuary. It is one of many fantastic trails in the area. The Barranco de Valdeazores trail also stands out for its botanical interest and opportunities for observing fauna. The Estrechos de Miranda and La Campana trails will bring you closer to varied riparian vegetation, while the El Empedraillo and Molino del Batán trails will show you the purest Mediterranean mountain, scattered with pine forests, and traces of bygone civilisations. Finally, for more experienced hikers, the Barranco de la Niebla trail allows you to traverse altering altitudes while admiring the evolution of the Despeñaperros pass from its days as a first-order communications hub on land between Andalusia and the plateau.
In the beginning of autumn, the abundance of game in this protected area makes it an attractive destination. You might witness and hear the unique sound of deer fighting during the mating season. This event is known as the “bellowing of the deer”. There is also the possibility of doing a guided visit to the archaeological sites of the Neolithic rock paintings. For example, in the Cueva de las Vacas del Rematoso and others.
![Go to our visitor centres, information points and ecomuseums to get the most out of your visit.](https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/documents/255035/3745532/centros de informacion.png/60780e65-181f-7445-7af7-d2d09665ec8e)
Go to our visitor centres, information points and ecomuseums to get the most out of your visit.
![Follow the recommendations and comply with the regulations at all times](https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/documents/255035/3745574/no dejes huella.png/0d59798d-51ed-c851-8e7b-fc2f8ce9a16a)
Follow the recommendations and comply with the regulations at all times
![Respect the facilities put at your disposal. We all pay for its maintenance.](https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/documents/255035/3745598/respeta instalaciones.png/539463fa-bf3b-c95e-790f-49e53e29d4c1)
Respect the facilities put at your disposal. We all pay for its maintenance.
![Help prevent fires. Do not throw cigarettes or any other object that produces combustion.](https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/documents/255035/3745556/evitar incendios.png/de43bc31-9485-e3d7-e75f-faaf0925848c)
Help prevent fires. Do not throw cigarettes or any other object that produces combustion.
![Trash doesn't come back alone. Take it with you to the nearest container. Reduce, reuse, recycle.](https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/documents/255035/3745568/llevate la basura.png/445761ad-99f8-c6e3-9d0b-cf8db1c3d52d)
Trash doesn't come back alone. Take it with you to the nearest container. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
![Noise is another form of pollution. In silence you will enjoy your experience more.](https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/documents/255035/3745604/ruido contaminacion.png/c6d0926d-8e47-e345-8a00-a9367f43e46e)
Noise is another form of pollution. In silence you will enjoy your experience more.
![Live respectfully with the locals and other users. Respect private property.](https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/documents/255035/3745544/convive gente del lugar.png/55f53812-6051-84b1-20fd-24e4e23dfbfc)
Live respectfully with the locals and other users. Respect private property.
![Facilitate use for people with special needs.](https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/documents/255035/3745586/personas necesidades especiales.png/7c78077b-004d-bdf8-2ca8-b5a547170c5d)
Facilitate use for people with special needs.
![By consuming local products and counting on local companies, you will contribute to rural development.](https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/documents/255035/3745592/productos locales.png/a49a2c0e-2075-47ea-0bc4-a3d08e4cd444)
By consuming local products and counting on local companies, you will contribute to rural development.
![Practice responsible tourism and committed to the environment. Be a true ecotourist!](https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/documents/255035/3745550/ecoturista.png/6f5a4df9-e04c-9bb7-d0c9-436364e5f9de)
Practice responsible tourism and committed to the environment. Be a true ecotourist!
![Never leave your pet in the wild. It would endanger the flora and fauna of the place.](https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/documents/255035/3745526/abandonar tortuga.png/b779cc7c-9410-4bdd-57ec-981184a1c83f)
Never leave your pet in the wild. It would endanger the flora and fauna of the place.
![Get around in a sustainable way: public transport, bicycle, on foot, electric or shared vehicle ... Park in the designated places](https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/documents/255035/3745616/transporte publico.png/993ee046-8f11-7327-94d3-70b41835eac8)
Get around in a sustainable way: public transport, bicycle, on foot, electric or shared vehicle ... Park in the designated places
![Do not leave a trace of your passage through nature. The best memory you can take with you is your own photograph.](https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/documents/255035/3745562/fotografia.png/3fee4525-159e-091c-6460-66bf1df13129)
Do not leave a trace of your passage through nature. The best memory you can take with you is your own photograph.
![Your safety is our concern, but it is your responsibility.](https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/documents/255035/3745610/seguridad responsabilidad.png/c279166a-ba22-7682-2ee8-8e295fa62ee8)
Your safety is our concern, but it is your responsibility.
![The conservation of natural spaces is also in your hands. Thank you for your collaboration!](https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/documents/255035/3745538/conservacion espacios naturales.png/bda2745b-5b67-7c4a-a6e2-2692fde9abf9)
The conservation of natural spaces is also in your hands. Thank you for your collaboration!
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Thursday, 15 August 202433°C
- WIND SPEED 0km/h
- PERCENT OF HUMIDITY 40%
- CHANCE OF RAIN 0%
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Friday33° max.19° min.
- WIND SPEED 10km/h
- PERCENT OF HUMIDITY 70%
- CHANCE OF RAIN 0%
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Saturday35° max.19° min.
- WIND SPEED 0km/h
- PERCENT OF HUMIDITY 75%
- CHANCE OF RAIN 0%
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Sunday37° max.19° min.
- WIND SPEED 10km/h
- PERCENT OF HUMIDITY 40%
- CHANCE OF RAIN 0%