In the province of Malaga, on the eastern border of Los Alcornocales Natural Park, is the Cañon de las Buitreras, an impressive chasm created by the strength of the Guadiaro river and the action of the rains on the rocks. With a depth of more than 328 feet and walls that surprise by their verticality, this gorge is a challenge for every adventurer.
Under the flight of the vultures
Located between Cortes de la Frontera, Benalauria and Benarraba, this spot declared Natural Monument of Andalusia, owes its name to the griffon vultures that nest here. Contemplating the flight of these birds when descending the canyon, facing unevenness and crossing the waterfalls of the river, becomes an unrepeatable experience for lovers of canyoning.
Olm oaks, juniper trees and carob trees are the plant species with the highest presence in the environment of the gorge, where palm hearts grow to over 6 feet in height. This place of Malaga is also a refuge for animals like the water blackbird or the otter, that lives in the waters of the Guadiaro.
Next to the Cañon de las Buitreras you can find a spring that can be accessed through a forest track, starting from Cortes de la Frontera. A path that runs between the river and the railway line built by the Algeciras and Gibraltar Railway Company in 1892. The beauty of the place and its proximity to the gorge make it an inescapable stop in our adventure.
Another point of interest during the visit is the Puente de los Alemanes. Located in one of the most picturesque places in this area of the Serrania de Ronda, this bridge was built 164 feet above the bottom of the ravine. From there, you can get spectacular views of the river and the gorge enclosed between the mountains, with its cavities and passageways.
Sports in nature
The Cañon de las Buitreras and the landscape of the Angosturas del Guadiaro have an enormous attraction for the practice of hiking and canyoning. The abundant vegetation that dominates the landscape, the curious karstic formations and the waterfalls will accompany us in our journey through this corner of Malaga.
For lovers of climbing, Benalauria also has a via ferrata in the upper Genal Valley. Although if you prefer to lose yourself in forests of gall oaks, oaks and cork oaks, do not miss the opportunity to visit Benarraba. Both towns of Arab origin await you after an exciting excursion to the Cañon de las Buitreras.
