Cascadas del Purgatorio

Cascadas del Purgatorio is a set of waterfalls at the head of the Lozoya valley in the Sierra de Guadarrama, near the village of Alameda del Valle. The falls are fed by the Arroyo del Aguilón, a tributary stream of the Lozoya river, which drops over a rocky barrier in two successive cascades. The tallest of the two, hemmed in by nearly inaccessible rock walls, plunges around fifteen metres and ranks among the most striking natural sights in this part of the Community of Madrid.

How do you get there?

Most routes to the falls start near the Santa María del Paular monastery, from where the path crosses the Puente del Perdón, a stone bridge built in the mid-18th century out of granite and carried on three semicircular arches. From there the track follows an old forestry road toward a spot known as Campamento del Aguilón, which marks the start of the final approach to the waterfalls. The trail then climbs through the narrow valley carved by the Aguilón stream, winding between pines and oaks with the sound of running water never far away.

Access to the falls is sometimes restricted during certain months of the year — typically from spring through autumn — and at peak times a free advance permit may be required. It is worth checking the current entry rules before setting out, since they can change seasonally.

What will you see?

The main draw is the pair of successive drops carved by the Aguilón stream as it spills over a rocky ledge enclosed by steep, largely inaccessible cliffs. The approach itself is scenic in its own right: a narrow valley cloaked in pine and oak woodland, the clear waters of the stream keeping pace with hikers for most of the route, and the historic Puente del Perdón, an attractive piece of local stone architecture in its own right.

When should you visit?

Spring, particularly April and May, is the best time to come, when snowmelt from the higher peaks of the Sierra de Guadarrama sends an unusually large volume of water down the Aguilón stream. During these weeks the falls run at full force and the roar of the water carries a long way — by far the most impressive time for the walk. In summer and autumn the flow drops considerably, though the route remains a pleasant walk through the mountain scenery of the Lozoya valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the hike to the waterfalls? Depending on the route and starting point chosen, the distance ranges from around five to a little over ten kilometres, with round-trip times of roughly two to four hours.

Is the trail difficult? The route is generally rated easy to moderate, suitable for hikers with average fitness, though the final stretch involves some climbing and uneven ground.

Do you need a permit to visit? At certain times of year, especially during periods of high demand, access can be regulated and may require a free advance booking — it is worth checking before you go.

When does the waterfall carry the most water? The falls are most impressive in spring, during April and May, when melting snow in the mountains feeds the Aguilón stream with its highest flow of the year.