A great new viewpoint has been constructed above Panticosa which has allowed us to add a new option on day 3 of our Village to Village walking holiday. Cucuraza (1758m) sits high above Panticosa and gives fantastic views down onto the village and across the southern and western sides of the Valle de Tena.

From the viewpoint you link up with a footpath that passes into the northern end of the valley before descending into the village of Sallent de Gallego (the next stop on the village to village tour). It’s a fantastic option with great views throughout the day.

Views from the Cucuraza viewpoint

A good path heads fairly steeply up through the woods north of Panticosa. You initially pass through oak, box and beech before getting to some beautiful Scots Pine in the higher reaches. As you leave the woods the views are just fantastic and you take a short side trip to the viewpoint for birds eye views down onto Panticosa.

Looking down onto Panticosa

There were a dozen or so swallowtail butterflies around the viewpoint and I got a few good shots of these colourful butterflies with mountain backdrops.

Swallowtail at the viewpoint

From the viewpoint you head north and a griffon vulture flew very close overhead giving me a great view and really allowing me to appreciate the size of these huge birds (2.5 metre wingspan!)

Griffon vulture

After views to the south you turn a corner and get great views of the northern end of the Valle de Tena – down onto your destination Sallent de Gallego with the peak of Foratata behind.

The village of Sallent de Gallego and the embalse de lanuza with the peak of Forata above

A steep path descends down to Embalse de Lanuza and you follow the lake around to Sallent at the head of the valley.

The embalse de Lanuza

It’s a great days hiking and significantly improves the high level route between Panticosa and Sallent de Gallego.

The day was 15 km (nearly 10 miles) with 800 metres of accumulated ascent. Read the full itinerary for our Village to Village self guided walking holiday.

Profile of the Panticosa to Sallent de Gallego route

The embalse de Lanuza