Riópar, where the Río Mundo leaves the mountain in a waterfall.

Riópar is a village in the Sierra del Segura, in the south-west of the province of Albacete, in the Calares del Mundo y de la Sima Natural Park. Less than 10 km away the Río Mundo rises, and does so in a way that is hard to forget: the water comes out of the mouth of a cave opened in a sheer wall and falls 86 metres into a rock cirque covered with forest. It is Los Chorros, the most visited place in the district.

There is more around it: Riópar Viejo, the original stone hamlet, with the oldest church in the sierra; the Reales Fábricas, Spain's first brass factory, which gave rise to the present village; and a sky with Starlight certification.

How do you get there from Albacete and from Murcia?

By car. From Albacete it is about 120 km, an hour and three quarters, the last part along sierra roads with bends. From Murcia, about 160 km, a little over two hours. From Jaén, about two and a half hours. There is a bus from Albacete to Riópar, but only on Mondays and Fridays and with timetables that do not allow a return trip in the day.

Where to park for Los Chorros?

The Nacimiento has its own car park at the end of the road. On the busiest days, weekends and some public holidays, access by car is regulated by the natural park and a toll must be paid; the car park is small and fills up. The alternative that the town council recommends is to park free at the Puerto del Arenal, which is bigger, and walk down 4 km along a path and a tarmac track between pine woods. If you go by motorhome, Riópar has a free area open all year.

What to see and do?

Los Chorros. From the car park, a signposted path follows the river past the Calderetas, pools of clear water linked by small falls, to the foot of the waterfall; an adapted track allows you to arrive in a wheelchair. A second, higher viewpoint is reached by a path with rock steps. Mundo Aventura Riópar runs the guided visit for €20, free for under-10s.

The Cueva de los Chorros. It is one of the longest caves in the Peninsula. It can only be entered with a guide, with a single group of seven people a day under park rules: Mundo Aventura Riópar offers it from €70.

Riópar Viejo. 3 km from the village, at the top of a hill: stone houses, the 15th-century Gothic church of the Espíritu Santo, and the ruins of a castle of Islamic origin with views as far as the Nacimiento. At night, its Starlight viewpoint is the place to look at the sky, or you can sign up for an observation with a telescope.

The Reales Fábricas. Founded in 1773 by concession of Charles III, they operated until 1996. Their museum is closed for works in November 2026, but you can do a guided 3 km route through the buildings and the Caz de Cortes.

How much time?

Los Chorros is seen in two or three hours, more if you walk down from the Puerto del Arenal. With Riópar Viejo and a meal, it is a full day. For stargazing or caving, stay the night.

When to go?

In spring and autumn the waterfall carries more water; after heavy rain the Reventón can occur, when the flow multiplies. In autumn the forest of Los Chorros changes colour. In summer it is a cool refuge, but very busy at weekends. In winter, with snow, the landscape is beautiful, but the sierra roads call for caution.

Where to eat and sleep?

In Riópar there are several restaurants on Calle Maestro Galindo Arjona, such as the Mesón La Cuesta or the Restaurante San Juan; they do not publish their hours, so call ahead. For a special meal, La Teja, in Riópar Viejo. For sleeping, Un Tercio de Vida, boutique accommodation in Riópar Viejo; the La Cuesta farmhouses, a kilometre from the village, which admit pets; or the Río Mundo campsite, in Mesones, 12 km from the Nacimiento.