- Region: Andalucia
- Province: Jaén
- Declared a Natural Park: 1989
- Park surface area: 7,649 hectares
Points of interest
Despeñaperros is a natural mountain pass connecting Andalucia with Castilla la Mancha through the Sierra Morena mountain range. The rock structure forms a dramatic landscape with vertical cliffs and unusual rock formations. Los Organos is one such formation of quartzite rock taking the form of giant organ tubes.
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The river has cut a deep, spectacular gorge in the eastern part.
Just a few kilometres from Despeñaperros and close to the village of Aldeaquemada is the Cascada de la Cimbarra Natural Area. This is a beautiful place with rugged terrain where the Guarrizas River flows into a narrow gorge to form a series of waterfalls. La Cimbarra is the most beautiful and spectacular of them, and the local people give this name to the whole section of waterfalls.
An impressive exposed vertical wall made up of rocky strati that are highly resistant to erosion. This rock is called Armorican quartzite and is also visible in other parts of the natural area. On the surface of the rocks you can sometimes see fossil remains and spectacular ripples produced by the action of waves. These marks belie the marine origin of the rocks, going back 500 million years.
Other waterfalls famous for their unique beauty are El Cimbarrillo, on Martín Pérez river, and María Antonia, on La Cimbarrilla river.
Flora
The naturally forested areas have a selection of oaks: Gall oak (Quercus faginea) Holm’s oak (Quercus rotundifolia) Cork oak (Quercus suber) and Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica). Many pine trees have been planted and consist of Stone pine (Pinus pinea), Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), and Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis).
The typical scrub is made up of Strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo) Tree heather (Erica arborea), Mastic tree (Pistacia Lentiscus), Rockroses (Cistus ladanifer), Myrtle (Myrtus communis), Wild olive (Olea europea), and Sloe (Prunus spinosa).
My favorite hotel in the area
When I visit this area I always stay at the El Mesón de Despeñaperros. it has easy access to the A4 Motorway and is located inside the Despeñaperros Nature Reserve. It offers air-conditioned rooms and a terrace with great views of the mountains for wildlife watching.
Fauna
Numerous species of birds live in the park, from the Griffon vulture to the smaller Rock thrush, Blue rock thrush and Black wheatear. Five eagles can be seen here; Booted, Short-toed, Golden, Imperial and Bonelli´s.
Iberian lynx is thought to be here in small numbers as is the wolf although rarely seen. Other more common carnivores are the fox, ichneumon (mongoose), genet and the wild cat. Wild boar and red deer also inhabit the quiet areas.
Also in the Despeñaperros area
- In 1212 the Christians fought the Muslim Almohads in the battle of las Navas de Tolosa. This was an important step in the re-conquest.
- Important archeological remains within the park are at the Muñecos cave in Santa Elena which contains extremely valuable Neolithic sculptures. In the Las Vacas del Retamoso ancient cave paintings can be viewed.
- This protected area is also outstanding for its rich cultural heritage, with some twenty major prehistoric remains. Interesting examples are the Tabla de Pochico panel of rock art, on La Cimbarra Hill, and those at Monuera and Desesperada. Valuable examples of prehistoric art have been found at these sites, and they have received the UNESCO World Heritage designation as a result.
Guided tours and activities in the province of Jaen
Information/Visitors Centers
Centro de Visitantes: Llano de las Américas
Address: Ctra. JA-7102 Santa Elena – Miranda del Rey, km 2.
The interpretative material on display highlights some of their most emblematic places to visit and there are knowledgable staff on site who can provide visitors with any information you may need so that you can get the best out of a visit to the area
Ronda Today
Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/
Visit Cádiz
Planning on visiting Cádiz? Tourist information. Monuments. Hotels. Activities. City guides: https://visitingcadiz.com/
The Caminito del Rey
Find tickets for the Caminito del Rey: https://www.caminodelrey.es/
Wildside Holidays – Spain
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.
Iberia Nature Forum
Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum! https://iberianatureforum.com/
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!