Itinerary

The week begins among the extraordinary conglomerate cliffs of Riglos before moving south to the limestone gorges and canyons of the Sierra de Guara. It gives us a lovely variety of landscapes, combining dramatic rock formations, historic villages, castles, vineyards and some excellent wildlife watching.

This is a moderate walking itinerary. Most walks are between 9 and 15 km, with around 450–750 metres of ascent. The distances are not especially long, but the terrain can be rocky, with some steeper sections and loose ground.

The itinerary below is a good example of the walks and visits we normally include. We keep some flexibility so that your guide can make the most of the weather, conditions and the interests of the group.

Day 1 – Arrival in Murillo de Gállego

Arrive in Murillo de Gállego following our transfer from Zaragoza. After checking into the hotel, we’ll meet with your guide for a welcome briefing about the week ahead before enjoying the evening meal.

Day 2 – Mallos de Agüero

Riglos is not the only place in the area with spectacular mallos, or conglomerate cliffs. Today we explore the Mallos de Agüero, which rise dramatically above the village of the same name.

Our circular route makes a complete circuit of these extraordinary rock formations. There is also the option of a steeper side trip to the summit of Punta Común, which has superb views north towards the main Pyrenean range.

Distance: 10.2 km (6.3 miles) · Ascent: 550 m (1,805 ft)

Day 3 – Mallos de Riglos

Walking among the Mallos de Riglos

Even more impressive than yesterday’s cliffs, the Mallos de Riglos are the most famous rock formations in the area. A superb trail winds its way up through the cliffs before following a ridge high above them.

Our return route passes directly beneath the towering rock walls, where climbers tackle some of Spain’s best-known routes and griffon vultures often soar overhead. It is one of the standout walks of the week.

Distance: 11.5 km (7.1 miles) · Ascent: 650 m (2,130 ft)

Day 4 – Loarre Castle and Puchilibro

Today’s walk begins at the magnificent 11th-century Loarre Castle, one of the great medieval fortresses of Aragón. We’ll have time to visit the castle either before or after the walk.

From Loarre we climb towards the summit of Puchilibro at 1,595 metres. It is one of the higher peaks in the area and gives superb views across the plains of the Hoya de Huesca and north towards the Pyrenees.

Distance: 13.6 km (8.5 miles) · Ascent: 750 m (2,460 ft)

Day 5 – Somontano wine and transfer to Alquézar

Bodega Sommos in the Somontano wine region

Today we leave Murillo de Gállego and head towards Alquézar, travelling through the Somontano wine region.

On the way we visit the striking Bodega Sommos, where we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the winery, a wine tasting before continuing to Alquézar, our base for the final part of the holiday.

Day 6 – Vero Canyon and prehistoric cave art

We begin at the Portiacha viewpoint, with spectacular views down into the Vero Canyon. From here we walk back towards Alquézar, passing several caves containing prehistoric rock art dating from approximately 8000 to 3000 BC.

The route crosses a succession of side canyons before descending into the Vero itself. We cross the river at the beautiful Puente de Villacantal before climbing back up towards Alquézar.

Distance: 9.3 km (5.8 miles) · Ascent: 480 m (1,575 ft) · Descent: 580 m (1,900 ft)

Day 7 – Mascún Canyon

The dramatic rock formations of the Mascún Canyon

Our final walk explores the extraordinary Mascún Canyon, where erosion has created a landscape of towers, arches and overhanging limestone cliffs.

We walk through the lower section of the canyon before climbing higher for views into the upper Mascún. The route then takes us towards the abandoned village of Otín before returning by a different branch of the canyon and passing a prehistoric dolmen.

It is a varied and spectacular final walk, and a fitting end to the week.

Distance: 15.5 km (9.6 miles) · Ascent: 650 m (2,130 ft)

Day 8 – Departure to Zaragoza

Enjoy a free morning in Alquézar before our transfer back to Zaragoza train station or airport. If time allows, you may want to walk the short but excellent Pasarelas del Vero route before departure.