Garganta de los Infiernos Car Park

This is the car park at the main entrance of the Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve, beside the N-110 roundabout that leads to the reserve, between Jerte and Cabezuela del Valle. Close by are the reserve's interpretation centres, and from here the trail to Los Pilones starts, the granite pools that are the valley's best-known outing. As cars cannot drive inside the reserve, for most visitors this car park is where the road ends and the path begins.

Charges and season

According to the regional tourist office, the car park is paid from mid-March to late October, and free the rest of the year. The office does not publish the charge or the hours when it is collected: if you want to know before going, ask at the valley tourist office (927 472 558, also by WhatsApp on 609 414 796) or at the reserve's interpretation centres (927 014 936 or 927 472 053; [email protected]).

Where not to park

The tourist office is clear: parking is prohibited between Jerte's football ground and Camping Valle del Jerte, and on the access track above the car park; anyone who does so may be fined. The track linking the N-110 with the campsite and the village of Jerte is open to traffic, but not for leaving the car. Motor vehicles may not enter the reserve except authorised ones: only a few companies have permission to take their customers up by four-wheel drive, such as the 4x4 tour to Los Pilones.

What there is from here

The Garganta de los Infiernos is a nature reserve of about 7,226 hectares on the southern slope of the Sierra de Gredos, spread between Tornavacas, Jerte and Cabezuela del Valle, declared in 1994. From the car park, the trail to Los Pilones is 3 km each way, about 45 minutes and 234 m of ascent; with the return and a while at the pools, count on two hours. If you want more, the 16 km Garganta de los Infiernos circular walk starts from Los Pilones, via the Charles V bridge. Dogs may enter, but always on a lead.

Tips

At summer weekends and in the cherry blossom season, arrive early: it is the time of most visitors in the valley. To sleep next door, Camping Valle del Jerte offers accommodation right at the entrance to the reserve. Take your rubbish back with you and don't drop cigarette ends, as the reserve itself asks. After your swim, Jerte is a step away for lunch, for example at Las Tenerías, beside the village's natural pool.