Reserva natural Garganta de los Infiernos

Reserva natural Garganta de los Infiernos is a protected natural area in the northern part of the province of Cáceres, in Extremadura, covering part of the Jerte Valley across the municipalities of Tornavacas, Cabezuela del Valle and Jerte. The reserve was established in 1994 and spans roughly 7,226 hectares, making it one of the larger protected areas in the region.

What shapes the landscape here?

The reserve's character is defined largely by its dramatic altitude range, which stretches from around 600 metres up to more than 2,000 metres above sea level. This gradient packs a wide variety of vegetation zones into a relatively compact area: valley orchards and cherry groves give way to deciduous woodland, which in turn climbs into rocky, high-mountain terrain near the Sierra de Gredos and Sierra de Tormantos. This mosaic of habitats is one of the main reasons the area received protected status.

What draws most visitors here?

The reserve is known for its dense network of streams, which carve waterfalls, cascades and distinctive natural rock pools locally called "marmitas gigantes" (giant cauldrons). The best known of these are found at a spot called Los Pilones, where flowing water has gradually hollowed out smooth, deep basins in the granite over centuries. These formations are the main draw for visitors, especially in summer, when the natural pools become a popular spot to cool off after a hike.

How do you get there?

The main access point to the reserve is at the Interpretation Centre, signposted along the road between the villages of Jerte and Cabezuela del Valle. From Cáceres, the route runs via the N-630 to Plasencia and then the N-110 toward the Jerte Valley, covering about 124 kilometres in total. Tornavacas, one of the three municipalities within the reserve's boundaries, serves as an alternative starting point for some of the trails.

Which trails are worth choosing?

The reserve offers routes of varying difficulty. The most popular and relatively short option is the Ruta de los Pilones, leading to the natural rock pools mentioned above — around 5 kilometres long with a modest elevation gain, making it accessible to most visitors. For those looking for a longer challenge, the much longer Ruta de Carlos V covers several dozen kilometres, connecting Jarandilla de la Vera with Tornavacas and following the route traditionally associated with Emperor Charles V's journey through the mountains.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit? Spring, during the cherry blossom season in the Jerte Valley, offers particularly striking scenery, while summer is when the natural pools at Los Pilones see the most visitors looking to swim.

Is entry free? The area is open to the public, though during the summer peak season access to the Los Pilones trail is sometimes limited for safety and conservation reasons.

Are the trails family-friendly? The shorter route to Los Pilones is manageable for most people with average fitness, while the longer mountain routes require proper preparation and hiking footwear.