Cascada de la Cimbarra

Cascada de la Cimbarra is one of the most striking waterfalls in the province of Jaén, located roughly 2 km south of Aldeaquemada in northern Andalusia. Here the Guarrizas river drops over a rock wall of considerable height, creating a scene that draws both nature lovers and families looking for an easy day trip.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The waterfall sits inside the Paraje Natural de La Cimbarra, a protected area of more than 500 hectares designated by the regional government of Andalusia for its geological and scenic value. From the center of Aldeaquemada, a dirt track of about 2 km leads to a parking area; from there it's roughly a five-minute walk to the viewpoint known as Plaza de Armas. The site lies only a short drive from Despeñaperros Natural Park, within the Sierra Morena range, so it's easy to combine with other stops in the region.

What will you see there?

The main feature is a drop of around 20 meters, formed where a transverse fault cuts across the bed of the Guarrizas river. The water falls over a vertical wall of extremely hard Armorican quartzite, rock estimated at around 500 million years old — a visible record of the region's geological past. The Guarrizas river and the neighboring Martín Pérez stream together create a whole sequence of cascades and natural pools, including the nearby falls of Cimbarrillo and Negrillo, so a single visit lets you take in several different water formations in a small area.

From a spot called Collado de La Cimbarra, two paths branch off. The right-hand trail (Vereda Derecha) leads to a point called Calderetas, giving a close-up view of the falls. The left-hand trail (Vereda Izquierda) leads to Plaza de Armas, offering a frontal view of the whole cascade — the better option if you're after photos.

Prehistoric rock art nearby

The area around La Cimbarra holds around twenty sites with prehistoric rock paintings, a factor that contributed to Aldeaquemada's archaeological sites being included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Among the best-known rock shelters are Tabla de Pochico, Poyos de La Cimbarra, Cimbarrillo del Prado de Reches, Cueva de la Mina, Garganta de la Hoz, Prado del Azogue, and Cueva de los Arcos. For visitors interested in archaeology, these make a natural extension to a visit at the waterfall itself.

Is it suitable for families?

The trail leading to the main viewpoints is short and relatively easy, which makes it a popular choice for a family outing. Keep in mind, though, that the area is not set up for swimming — despite the natural pools, it isn't an official bathing spot, so caution is advised near the rocky edges.

When should you visit?

The best time to come is when the Guarrizas river is running higher, typically in spring or after autumn rains, when the waterfall is at its most dramatic. In summer, flow can drop considerably, though the surrounding rock formations and vegetation still make for a pleasant outing.

Frequently asked questions

How far is the waterfall from central Aldeaquemada? About 2 km along a dirt track to a parking area, followed by a short walk of a few minutes to the viewpoint.

Can you swim there? No — despite the natural pools, the site is not equipped or designated for bathing.

Is it worth combining with anything else nearby? Yes, the Cimbarrillo and Negrillo waterfalls are close by, along with numerous prehistoric rock art shelters and Despeñaperros Natural Park.

Is the trail suitable for children? Yes, the path to the main viewpoints is short and accessible, making it a common choice for family visits.