Cinco Lagunas

Cinco Lagunas is a group of five glacial lakes in the municipality of Zapardiel de la Ribera, in the province of Ávila, in Spain's Castile and León region. They sit in the headwaters of the Garganta del Pinar gorge, on the northern slope of the central massif of the Sierra de Gredos, at altitudes between 2,050 and 2,130 metres. It's one of the most remote and least accessible corners of the entire Gredos range, which is exactly why the landscape has stayed so untouched.

What will you see there?

From lowest to highest, the route strings together five lakes: Laguna Bajera (2,073 m), Laguna Brincalobitos (2,074 m), Laguna Mediana (2,097 m), Laguna Galana (2,101 m) and Laguna Cimera (2,103 m). Each has its own character — some are shallow pools ringed with grass, others deeper granite basins holding glacial meltwater. Around them rise jagged ridges, old moraines and the steep slopes typical of Gredos' high-mountain glacial terrain. In winter the lake surfaces regularly freeze, producing one of the more striking high-altitude scenes in this part of Spain.

How do you get there?

The easiest way in on foot is via the PR-AV 35 trail, which follows the Garganta del Pinar gorge from the village of Navalperal de Tormes. The one-way route runs roughly 13 km with almost 1,000 metres of elevation gain, taking around four hours of walking. It's a demanding approach that calls for solid fitness and proper trekking footwear — not a route for beginners, but for experienced hikers it's one of the most rewarding walks in Gredos.

When should you visit?

Late spring and summer are the best windows, once the trail has cleared of snow and the lakes are running full from the melt. Autumn brings quieter, cooler conditions and fewer hikers on the path. In winter and early spring the route can turn hazardous, with snow and ice lingering on the steeper stretches — anyone attempting it then should carry winter gear and have high-mountain experience.

Who is this hike for?

Given the distance and elevation gain, Cinco Lagunas suits hikers already comfortable with long day treks in the mountains. Start early, carry enough water — there are few reliable sources on the upper stretches — and check the forecast beforehand, since conditions in the higher reaches of Gredos can shift quickly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to reach Cinco Lagunas? The one-way walk from Navalperal de Tormes along the PR-AV 35 trail takes about four hours, making the round trip a full-day outing.

Is the route suitable for beginners? Not really — a 13 km one-way distance combined with nearly 1,000 metres of elevation gain demands good physical condition and prior hiking experience.

Which lake sits at the highest altitude? Laguna Cimera is the highest at 2,103 metres, while Laguna Bajera, at 2,073 metres, sits lowest.

Do the lakes freeze in winter? Yes, in the colder months their surfaces commonly freeze over, creating a distinctive winter high-mountain scene — though reaching them at that time of year is far harder and riskier.