Around Montejaque, the Gaduares River flows through Cueva del Hundidero and re-emerges at Cueva del Gato, more than four kilometres from the entrance. This is a striking introduction to a region where karst landscapes, caves and architectural landmarks offer different ways to plan a trip.
Karst Landscapes and Architectural Landmarks
Cueva del Hundidero lies at the bottom of a gorge and is itself more than 50 metres high. Its significance is also reflected in the course of the Gaduares: the river passes through the cave and resurfaces at Cueva del Gato. The distance of more than four kilometres refers to the route from the entrance to this exit. This makes it possible to consider the caves and watercourse as a connected natural feature, without conflating the two caves.
Presa de los Caballeros also brings together technical and landscape features. When it was built, it was a pioneering European civil engineering project of the arch-dam type. It is 83.75 metres high. The complex is located in the natural park and the ZEC Sierra de Grazalema. As a protected area, it is part of the Red de Espacios Naturales Protegidos de Andalucía (RENPA), is a Site of Community Importance (LIC) and a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA), and has been a Biosphere Reserve since 1977.
A Route Across the Plains and a Via Ferrata
The Los Llanos de Líbar route runs between Montejaque and Cortes de la Frontera through enclosed plains among limestone mountains. The landscape can be read through its karst features, including poljes, shafts, karren fields and sinkholes. It also includes features of upland pastoral farming, including the raising of Retinta cattle. Anyone interested in geology and the use of high-altitude pastures will find more here than just a route description.
In Montejaque, the route can be started via the track by Bar La Cabaña or along a narrow lane from the central square. As local access conditions can change, it is advisable to check the situation before setting out. The Vía Ferrata Presa de los Caballeros, also called Vía Ferrata Hundidero, offers a different focus. It is located near Cueva del Hundidero in Montejaque, Málaga, and opened on 22 June 2024. Its features include a 60-metre zip line and a 70-metre Tibetan bridge; both run parallel to the dam. Check the applicable operating conditions before visiting.
Churches, Local History and Speleology
Iglesia de Santiago El Mayor was built in the late Gothic style in the 16th century and rebuilt in 1773. Details that have been preserved include an 18th-century mural decoration and the bell tower: two square levels are topped by an octagonal one, crowned by an octagonal spire. Ermita de la Escarihuela marks another point in local history. It was built in the first half of the 17th century at the start of the historic ascent along the old road to Ronda.
Lavadero Fuente Vieja offers a glimpse into everyday life in the past alongside these buildings. The recently restored washhouse was once used by the women of Montejaque to do laundry. Those interested in caves and the area’s geology can also visit the Centro de Interpretación de la Espeleología: it explains Montejaque’s karst geology, caves, speleology and cave exploration techniques through information panels, display cases and audiovisual media. It also serves as an information centre for Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.
Traditional Cuisine and Festivals
Montejaque’s traditional cuisine is based on products from Iberian pigs and local ingredients. Dishes and drinks include olla, guiso de tagarninas, lomo and chorizo preserved in lard, torta de chicharrones, homemade jams and mistela. What is available during a trip varies by establishment and season.
The patron-saint festivities include Carnival, the fair and pilgrimage in May, the Verbena de Santiago and the fair in August. Check the specific event dates and programmes before travelling. These options bring together different interests for trip planning: karst formations and caves, engineering history, ecclesiastical architecture, as well as regional cuisine and festivals. You can choose which ones shape your stay according to your own interests.
Discover more destinations: Alhaurin De La Torre, Los Puertas, El Mopagán, Los Llanos, Cuevas Bajas, El Sexmo, Villanueva De La Concepción, Marina de Casares
For the main travel overview: Málaga.
