La Cimbarra

La Cimbarra is a scenic waterfall on the Guarrizas River, located in the municipality of Aldeaquemada, in the province of Jaén, Andalusia.

Where is La Cimbarra located?

The Cascada de la Cimbarra Natural Area covers 534 hectares and sits just a few kilometers from Despeñaperros Natural Park. Here, the Guarrizas River cuts through rugged, rocky terrain, forming a series of waterfalls — the main one, dropping around 40 meters, is by far the best known. The site lies roughly two kilometers south of Aldeaquemada itself, a small village tucked into the Sierra Morena mountains.

How do you get there?

From Aldeaquemada, a signposted road leads toward Cimbarra for about three kilometers, with the final stretch running along an unpaved dirt track. A parking area with an information board marks the start of the waymarked trail into the natural area. The walk is short and easy, taking around half an hour to reach the falls. Entry is free and no permit is required.

What will you see along the trail?

At the ruins of an old mill, the trail splits in two directions. One path descends to the base of the waterfall, giving the best view of the water crashing down into the Guarrizas canyon. The other climbs higher, offering a panoramic view over the falls and the surrounding gorge from above. Nearby, two smaller but equally charming cascades are worth a look if time allows: Cimbarrillo, on the Martín Pérez stream, and María Antonia, on the Cimbarrilla stream.

What about the vegetation and cultural heritage?

The area supports remarkably diverse vegetation, with dense stands of holm oak and cork oak surrounded by thick Mediterranean scrub. Parts of the terrain have been reforested with stone pine and black pine, while riparian woodland lines the riverbanks, giving the whole place a distinctive, resinous scent. La Cimbarra also holds real archaeological value: around twenty significant prehistoric rock art sites have been identified within the natural area, including the Tabla de Pochico and the paintings at Monuera and Desesperada — part of the wider tradition of schematic rock art found across the Sierra Morena range.

When is the best time to visit?

Winter and spring are the best seasons, when the Guarrizas carries more water and the waterfall is at its most impressive. In summer, flow can drop considerably, so visitors hoping for a full-force cascade may be disappointed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee for La Cimbarra? No, access is free and no permit is needed.

How long does it take to reach the waterfall? The trail from the parking area is short and easy — about half an hour on foot.

Can you see the waterfall from both above and below? Yes. At the ruined mill, the trail splits, offering two different viewpoints: one at the base of the falls and one from higher up, overlooking the full canyon.

What else is worth visiting nearby? It's worth combining the visit with the nearby Cimbarrillo and María Antonia waterfalls, as well as Despeñaperros Natural Park, just a few kilometers away.