Coto-Ríos: Hiking Trails, Nature and Culture

Coto-Ríos lies in an area of pleasant vegetation in the heart of the nature park. Its history, hiking trails and wildlife-watching opportunities offer a range of starting points for planning your trip.

Hiking Trails and Routes

Stage 4 of the GR-7 begins in Coto-Ríos. At the start of the trail, red and white markings identify the long-distance route. Stage 2 of the GR 247.2 variant also starts in the settlement and reaches the Río Borosa at the starting point of the Borosa Trail. It is 15.75 kilometres long, with an estimated walking time of 5 hours and 41 minutes. Torre del Vinagre is located along this stage at kilometre 6.3. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The route along the Río Aguamulas offers a different landscape. It begins in Coto-Ríos and passes through ferns, moss and pine forests, following a short tributary of the Guadalquivir that rises below Las Banderillas. Coto-Ríos is also the closest access point to the summit of Las Banderillas.

The 21-kilometre Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente Route passes through the Coto-Ríos area and includes five viewpoints. The Río Borosa Route begins at the fish farm car park next to the Torre del Vinagre Visitor Centre. Its starting point is about five kilometres from Coto-Ríos. Access conditions for this route may change; check them before setting off.

Wildlife Watching and Breaks

The Chopera de Coto-Ríos is set in dense pine forest and features riverside vegetation. It has wooden tables and benches, a kiosk bar and a shaded pergola. If these facilities are important to your plans, check their current availability before visiting.

The Collado del Almendral Wildlife Centre is near Coto-Ríos, but not in the village itself. It offers a guided ride on a tourist train and a walking trail. The grounds of the Piscifactoría del Borosa have another circular trail, with springs, benches and several viewpoints. There, you can watch and photograph semi-free-ranging deer, ibex, fallow deer and mouflon.

There is also a botanical garden near the Piscifactoría del Borosa. Its carefully selected collection includes plants from the nature park, ranging from small herbaceous plants to large trees. The nature-related attractions thus range from watching free-ranging animals and exploring forest trails to viewing a variety of plants.

Local History and Architecture

Coto-Ríos was established in the 20th century as a settlement for residents of scattered farmsteads and small hamlets. Their relocation was connected with the creation of the Coto Nacional de Caza Cazorla–Segura and a new water policy. This history gives the village a different historical dimension from its nature trails and viewpoints.

The Church of San Miguel Arcángel is a white religious building with a striking façade of dressed stone and blue ceramic tiles. Santiago Apóstol is celebrated in Coto-Ríos. Traditional patron saint festivities include a communal meal organised by the brotherhood and local residents.

Visitor Centres and Landscape Interpretation

The Torre del Vinagre Visitor Centre features audiovisual presentations, an interactive topographic model, an exhibition area for children and five landscape interpretation areas. The centre also offers guided tours and workshops on the natural and cultural values of the protected area. Check current access and opening arrangements before your visit.

The Río Borosa River Interpretation Centre focuses on the nature park’s river network and the Río Borosa catchment. A graphic display and a topographic model illustrate these subjects. A walk along the river and through its sculptural-looking riparian forest also introduces visitors to aquatic wildlife. While Torre del Vinagre brings together several areas of landscape interpretation, this centre focuses on the river basin and aquatic habitat.

Discover more destinations: Santiago De La Espada.

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