Rio Grande Trail

The trail you are about to follow begins and ends in this very village in the Alpujarra Alta. As you pass through, take note of the architecture; the buildings retain a style of Berber origin that is characteristic of this region south of the Sierra Nevada. Upon reaching the public washhouse, continue along the path—maintaining a northerly direction—as it heads up the valley of the Río Grande. You will pass through terraced orchards and gardens planted with fruit trees, vegetables, walnut trees, and chestnut trees.

The route climbs further into the valley, entering a secluded area known as "Tajos del Reyecillo"—a site once the scene of fierce conflicts involving the Moriscos. At a certain point, you will leave the main path and descend toward the river via a smaller trail. Once on the opposite bank, turn south and enter the pine forest in the area known as "Las Umbrías," which lies within the National Park.

The trail continues to ascend through a shaded forest until it reaches the highest point of the route (1,750m). The spectacular views over the Tajos del Reyecillo will reward your efforts. Before beginning the descent toward the west, look to the opposite hillside, where you can spot the villages of Bérchules and Alcútar. On the way down, you will pass by the hermitage of Córtes. A little further on, the trail joins the GR-7—a long-distance path connecting Mecina Bombarón and Bérchules—which you will follow for the remainder of the route.