Hoces del Río Riaza Natural Park
This is one of the most impressive spots in the Iberian Peninsula, which is crossed by Riaza river and features a series of incredible gorges, canyons and ravines.
It is located in the northeast of the province of Segovia and is bordered to the north by Burgos and to the east by Soria. Its main feature is the 5.5-kilometre-long, 150-metre-deep and 300-metre-wide gorge that crosses it. Its special geomorphology has turned it into a refuge for birds of prey and steppe species, while a colony of griffon vultures lives on its slopes.The river Riaza forms the longitudinal axis of this area, which has three large zones. The first spans across Maderuelo, a medieval village, and Linares del Arroyo dam, an enclave where different species of aquatic birds spend the winter. The second area, between the dam and the stream of El Casuar, presents a canyon of difficult access where the observation of birds of prey is an exciting spectacle. And finally, from the stream of El Casuar to Montejo de la Vega, where the river forms a valley offering a beautiful panoramic view.
Hoces del Río Riaza Natural Park
What you need to know
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Cultural information
The three municipalities of the natural park have an interesting historical and artistic heritage. Don't miss a visit to Maderuelo, where the remains of its walled enclosure, its Romanesque church and the Vera Cruz hermitage stand out.
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Environmental information
This area has a variety of vegetation and fauna. Alongside the Spanish juniper and holm oak, the riverbank vegetation is dominated by poplars, willows, alders and ash trees. The scent of aromatic plants, such as thyme and lavender, will accompany you on the routes you take.With regard to wildlife, visitors will mostly see birds, the most common being the Egyptian vulture, the common kestrel, the rock thrush, the red-billed chough, the eagle owl, the western Orphean warbler, the partridge and the golden eagle. It is also worth mentioning the presence of a striking colony of griffon vultures made up of more than 150 pairs.
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Information for visits
The park has seven hiking trails of different levels of difficulty. Several are circular and some are adapted for people with disabilities.The municipality of Montejo de la Vega is home to Hoces del río Riaza Nature Reserve Visitor's Centre (calle Las Eras, 18. 40542. Montejo de la Vega, Segovia), where you will receive information about the different routes, activities and areas of interest during your visit.
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