Mallos de Riglos & the Canyons of the Sierra de Guara
Price
£1495
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13 October 2024
–
20 October 2024
Wonderful hiking amongst the amazing cliffs of Mallos de Riglos and the spectacular canyons of the Sierra de Guara
Country
Spain
Grade
Moderate
Duration
7 nights
Style
Guided
Type
Twin Centre
Price
£1495
The sunny foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees make for the perfect place to go hiking in the Spring
This is a twin centre holiday based in the sunny foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees, about 120 km north of Zaragoza. First, we’ll stay in Murillo de Gallego with superb views over the wonderful cliffs of Mallos de Riglos. After three rewarding days hiking amongst the Mallos and its cliffs, we’ll then head to the ‘hidden’ canyons of the Sierra de Guara. Here we stay in Alquezar – a beautiful hill top village whose winding streets are overlooked by the collegiate church of Santa Maria.
The area is steeped in history and was the frontier early during the Reconquista. The landscape is dotted with Christian and Moorish castles, and we’ll hike to cave paintings dating back to 5000 BC! There are huge colonies of griffon vultures roosting in both areas and we’re sure to get close-up views.
This holiday boasts excellent accommodation in two lovely hotels, both with pools and small spas. In Murillo, we eat at the hotel’s restaurant which has wonderful views over the cliffs which glow red in the setting sun, and in Alquezar we’ll eat out in fantastic restaurants in the village (all within close walking distance).
Gallery
At a glance
Dates
13 – 20 October 2024
(8 people max)
Price
£1495
Single Supplement – £225
Grade
Moderate
Expect to walk for 4-6 hours each day, with between 480m – 750m ascent and 258-750m descent.
What’s Included
7 Nights Half board (4 nights at 4* Aguas de los Mallos and 3 nights at the 2* Hotel Villa de Alquezar) including bed & breakfast and 3-course dinner (drinks excluded)
5 Guided Walks led by a qualified mountain leader
Packed Lunches each walk day (5 days, but not Day 8)
Wine Tasting and a guided tour of the Bodega Sommos
Entrance Ticket for the Pasarelas
Transport to/from trail heads each walk day
Transfers to/from Zaragoza airport or ‘Delicias’ rail station
Excess baggage storage (luggage will be transferred to Hotel Villa de Alquezar for your final two nights)
Lunch, dinner, transport and activities on your rest day (Thursday) are not included.
Spa access at either hotel is optional and costs €20 (Hotel Aguas de los Mallos) or €30 (Hotel Villa de Alquezar) per visit.
Travel
The best option is to into Zaragoza Airport and join our transfer (80 mins, included), which meets the inbound Ryanair flight which departs Stansted Airport at 13:50 and lands at 1705.
If however you plan to be in Zaragoza already, or to arrive by fast train from either Madrid (1 hr 20 mins, approx €80 return) or Barcelona (1 hr 25 mins, approx €100 return), you can also join a transfer at the ‘Delicias’ rail station at 16:30.
Outbound Transfers – these drop off at Zaragoza Delicias rail station at 15:15, and at Zaragoza Airport at 15:45 in good time for the Ryanair flight which departs at 17:40. Please bear this in mind when booking onward travel.
Itinerary
Sun - Arrive & Settle in
Arrive in Murillo de Gállego from Zaragoza early evening. Briefing about the week ahead followed by the evening meal in the hotel’s restaurant.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel Aguas de los Mallos
Mon - Mallos de Aguero and Punta Comun
Route statistics: 10.5km, 600m ascent/descent
The cliffs of Mallos de Aguero tower above the village. This circular route takes us on a complete circuit of these fascinating rock formations. Halfway round, we make a side trip to Punta Comun, from the summit we can see north, to the snow-capped peaks of the main Pyrenees range.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel Aguas de los Mallos
Tue - Mallos de Riglos
Route statistics: 11.5km, 650m ascent/descent
Even bigger than yesterday’s cliffs, the Mallos of Riglos are the most famous and most spectacular of the area. A wonderful trail winds us up through the cliffs and then along a ridge above them. Our return route takes us underneath the cliffs and we’ll get sore necks as we gaze up at vultures and climbers above!
Accommodation: 4* Hotel Aguas de los Mallos
Wed - Sierra de Santa Domingo
Route statistics: 13.6km, 750m ascent/descent
Our hike today takes us through the narrow rocky valley of Foz de Salinas to the abandoned village of Salinas which once produced salt for the region. A landslip caused the village to be evacuated but we can still visit the church and see the remains of other buildings. Past the village we head to the pass of La Osqueta from which we have tremendous views both south and north. The route makes a loop, and we head back via pine woods.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel Aguas de los Mallos
Thu - Transfer to Alquezar, Vineyard tour of Bodega Sommos
Today we leave Murillo de Gállego and head to Alquézar which lies in the centre of the Somontano wine region. We’ll visit the spectacular vineyard of Sommos where we’ll have a tour around the vineyard, wine tasting and lunch before heading onto Alquézar. When we arrive in Alquezar there will be time to check in before we do a short walking tour around this fascinating village.
Please note: lunch at the vineyard is not included
Accommodation: 2* Hotel Villa de Alquezar
Fri - Vero Canyon
Route statistics: 10km, 480m ascent and 258m descent
After a short transfer to the spectacular viewpoint of La Portiacha – where get great views down into the Vero Canyon – we hike right back to Alquezar, along the way passing three caves with neolithic cave art dating back to more than 5000 BC. To get to the cave paintings, you will need to go up or down some ladders (which are quite exposed), but this is optional if you would prefer to avoid these.
We continue and cross several canyons, the prettiest being the Vero, where we cross the idyllic Puente de Villacantal before the final climb up to Alquezar.
Accommodation: 2* Hotel Villa de Alquezar
Sat - Mascun Canyon
Route statistics: 15.5km, 650m ascent/descent
Today we explore the wonderful rock formations of the Mascun canyon where the river has carved spires and arches. We hike up out of on branch of the canyon to the abandoned village of Otin, beautifully set on a hill on a high plateaux with panoramic views. We then hike back to the edge of the canyon where we get incredible views of the rock spires below us, before a long descent back to the canyon floor. As we hike back along the canyon, we’ll see climbers dangling from overhanging cliffs and arches.
Accommodation: 2* Hotel Villa de Alquezar
Sun - Pasarelas and departure
Route statistics: 2.8km, 270m ascent/descent
In the morning, we’ve just enough time to squeeze in one last short hike on the ‘pasarelas’ of Alquezar. This metal walkway winds along the cliffs of the canyon and is a beautiful way to finish you’re week in the area. Lunch in the village (not included) before leaving for the transfer back to Zaragoza train station or Airport.
Accommodation
4* Hotel Aguas de los Mallos
The magnificent views over the Mallos de Riglos, which glow red in the evening light, are a highlight of this lovely spa hotel. You can swim in the pool, have a wine on your balcony or relax in the jacuzzi, all while gazing at these mesmerising cliffs.
A modern hotel with 27 rooms and excellent facilities. The outdoor pool is heated and open year-round. The spa features a spa pool with waterfall, and massaging waterjets, jacuzzi, sauna and Turkish bath. The hotel also offers massages and other treatments (at additional price paid locally).
All rooms are a generous size, en-suite and have a private balcony or terrace with views of the cliffs. Meals are taken at the hotel’s excellent restaurant with views over the cliffs.
Please note: spa sessions are 1hr 30 mins and 20€ per person
Hotel Villa de Alquezar
An ancient royal palace at the top of the village with great views over Alquezar, the collegiate church and the surrounding countryside.There is a small outdoor pool (open in May depending on the weather).
All rooms are a generous size, en-suite and have a private balcony with lovely views, perfect to relax on after a day in the mountains.The hotel serves excellent breakfasts and evening meals will be taken at a variety of restaurants in the village. The final nights meal will be at the wonderful La Pardina restaurant which specialises in local dishes.
*Please note the hotel has a very small spa which is 30€ per person and NOT included in holiday price.
Need to Knows
Itinerary – Please note that while this is the intended itinerary, the exact programme may differ slightly if trail or weather conditions necessitate.
Terrain – We grade this trip as moderate because whilst the paths are good and easy to follow, they are generally quite rocky underfoot. There are some short steep sections, of which a couple of them are a bit loose underfoot. To get to the cave paintings, you need to go up or down ladders (which are quite exposed), but this is optional if people would prefer to avoid the ladders. Previous hiking experience, surefootedness, and a good level of fitness are essential.
Booking Conditions – be sure to read our full terms and conditions here before booking.
At Your Own Risk – please read the important notes here.
Travel Advice – check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice here.
Passport & Visa – any questions should be directed to the relevant embassy of your destination country; find out more here. It is your responsibility to be in possession of a full passport, valid for your chosen destination.
Travel Insurance – having adequate and valid travel insurance is a condition of booking with us. Details of our insurance partner, Campbell Irvine, are here.
Health Information – You should carry either an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) Neither is an alternative to adequate travel insurance. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice and https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/
ABTA – Independent travel advice and help is always available from ABTA by calling 020 3117 0599 or visiting www.abta.com.
