Los Pilones In The Jerte Valley, A Wonderful Corner
Los Pilones, in the Jerte Valley, are an authentic natural jewel in Spain. In fact, it is the most visited enclave of the Hells Throat. If you want to know more about this wonder, do not hesitate to continue reading. We offer you all the necessary information so that you enjoy your visit.
Go to the Pilones in the Jerte Valley
Los Pilones is a stretch of pools that water has carved into the hard granite over the years. They are the so-called giant kettles, which here are staggered and connected with small waterfalls.
To access it, you just have to go hiking. The route is six kilometers long (round trip) and begins at the Interpretation Center of the Garganta de los Infierno. It is not too complicated and is perfectly signposted. You can also get to Los Pilones by hiring the service of an off-road vehicle.
Either way you can enjoy this natural wonder. A place where the cold and crystalline waters of two streams meet, that of Tres Cerros and that of Collado de las Yeguas.
A refreshing bath
If you visit the Los Pilones area in summer, you should not miss the opportunity to take a bath in one of the pools. Of course, as we said, you must bear in mind that the water is quite cold, since we are in a mountain area.
On the other hand, although the bathroom does not carry risks, it is advisable to respect minimum safety standards. It is important to use common sense to avoid slipping or falling. And if you wear water shoes with a non-slip sole, much better.
On the other hand, before reaching Los Pilones there is a detour to the Chorrero de la Virgen viewpoint, the other great attraction of the Garganta de los Infierno Natural Reserve. From it you can see the impressive waterfall of the same name, although during the summer it is possible that its bed is dry.
Practical information to visit the Hells Throat
The Hells Throat, where Los Pilones hide, is in the Valle del Jerte region, between the municipalities of Tornavacas, Jerte and Cabezuela del Valle. Three kilometers from the latter you will see a signposted access that will take you to the interpretation center, located next to the N-110 road.
The place can be visited at any time of the year, although spring is one of the visitors’ favorites due to the flowering of the cherry trees in the valley. In this season, but also in autumn and winter, it is when the streams drop the most. Meanwhile, summer is ideal for bathing in Los Pilones.
What else to see in Hell’s Throat
In addition to visiting Los Pilones in the Jerte Valley and Chorrero de la Virgen, in the Garganta de los Infierno Natural Reserve you can do much more. And it is that this space covers more than 7,200 hectares full of fauna (wild cats, horsemen …) and vegetation (deciduous forests, riverside or alpine pastures).
To contemplate all the splendor that the Garganta de los Infierno offers, you can climb to one of its highest altitudes: the Cuerda de los Infiernillos or the Cerro del Estecillo. Both surround the Garganta de la Serrá, an old glacial valley, and exceed 2,200 meters.
Nor can the municipalities of the region be ignored. Cabezuela del Valle has a unique and interesting historical-artistic heritage. In Jerte you can try its most exquisite product, the cherry. And in Tornavacas you will walk through a town with typically mountain architecture.
As we have just seen, the Hells Throat offers multiple possibilities related to nature. But if there is a corner that you should not miss, it is Los Pilones. Therefore, what are you waiting for to organize an excursion to this beautiful corner of the province of Cáceres?
Lead image: Mario Gomez Maestre / Flickr.com
