Source of the Cuervo River

Source of the Cuervo River

The nearby municipality of Vega del Codorno is a beautiful mountain village, divided into neighbourhoods, inhabited by strong and welcoming people. In the Barrio del Perchel you can find the Interpretation Centre "Casa de la Herrería".which should not be missed, preferably before the visit to the Nativity itself.

The birth of the Cuervo River was declared Natural Monument in 1991and covers an area of 1709 hectares. Here, the water (when it flows) gushes from a travertine spring and flows through enormous stalactites of calcareous rock (tuff) covered with moss, forming long streams that freeze in winter, offering a beautiful sight that is photographed thousands of times every year. At the source, caves can be seen behind the waterfalls and chasms in the surrounding area, and it is relatively common for the tuffaceous barriers to collapse naturally.

Its particular location means that this place has a humid continental microclimateIt is home to a unique flora, a good example of which are the various species of orchids present in the area.2 The other notable species are the varied riparian vegetation of shrubs and trees such as lime trees, hazelnut trees, black maples, yews and holly trees that accompany the specimens of laricio pine and sessile pine typical of the Cuenca mountain range.

Inside the Monument there are three itineraries for the visit:

– The Cuervo River Source Trail: circular route of approximately 1.5 km. which allows you to visit the waterfalls and the source. The route to the waterfalls is accessible for the disabled.

– Path of the Turbera: starts about 150 m. before the source of the river and runs for about 1,500 m. through a calcareous peat bog and ends at the car park, the starting point of the footpaths.

– Path of the Pine Forest: A signposted route of 11 km. which is accessed via the Sendero de la Turbera. It takes you through the Scots pine forest and allows you to enjoy panoramic views.

In the area surrounding the monument there is a network of footpaths of the Serrania de Cuenca Natural Park which contains 11 routes suitable for hiking and environmental education. All of them are signposted and have different levels of difficulty.