On the outskirts of Collanzo, the recreation area lies beside the San Isidro River. There is a viewpoint and an area with tables; the area is accessible by road, including for coaches. This makes it a convenient starting point for getting your bearings before excursions. If you are visiting specifically to use the facilities, check their current condition before your visit.
Scenery and trails
The Hoces de Río Aller are in the vicinity of Collanzo. In this gorge, karst erosion by the Aller River has shaped the limestone slopes of Pico La Panda and the Sierra del Campanal. The Collanzo–Río Aller route follows the AE-6 towards Casomera, continues to Río Aller and passes through the Hoces. The AE-6 also connects Collanzo with Casomera, La Paraya and Río Aller. To reach the recreation area from Cabañaquinta, take the AS-253 towards La Raya and Puerto de San Isidro. Road conditions and signage may change; check the route before setting off.
The Coto de Llanos route starts in Collanzo and ends in Llanos. It follows a broad valley that drains towards the villages of Llanos and Collanzo; the peaks of Salengues and Cuchu are nearby. This route therefore offers a different landscape from the trail through the Hoces: here, the valley shapes the route, while there, it is the gorge.
The route to Pinganón del Caidero also starts in Collanzo and ends at Pinganón de Caidero. It follows tracks and paths to a waterfall. The route is linear and easy. The one-way distance is 5.7 kilometres, and it takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. Check trail conditions locally before using this information to plan your hike.
Churches and local history
The Iglesia de San Juan del Río Mera is located in Santibáñez de la Fuente, near Collanzo. The church was built in the popular Romanesque style in the 12th or 13th century and was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1972. It stood on a side route of the Camino de Santiago and served as accommodation for pilgrims. The entrance is on the AS-253, near Collanzo’s new church. The keys for a visit are available in the village from Teresa Miranda; check the arrangements in advance.
Another local landmark is the parish church of San Juan Bautista de Collanzo, which was inaugurated on 30 June 1968. The railway history can also be dated: the Ujo–Collanzo section was opened in 1935 by the Sociedad General de Ferrocarriles Vasco Asturiana. These dates add two different aspects of local history to a visit to the churches.
Festivals and local traditions
The traditional Fiesta de San Blas in Collanzo is organised by the local residents’ association. It includes the distribution of rosquillas and wine to those present. The Fiestas del Cristo del Amparo are also traditionally held in Collanzo and are dedicated to the local parish church. At these festivals, bollo and wine are distributed among association members—not to everyone present. If you plan to attend a festival as a fixed part of your itinerary, check the specific dates and current programme.
A starting point for your accommodation search
The routes to Pinganón del Caidero and Coto de Llanos start in the village; the route through the Hoces follows the AE-6 to Río Aller. Hiking trails, gorge scenery and churches offer different options for planning your excursions. If you visit the Iglesia de San Juan del Río Mera, make sure to check the arrangements for the keys in advance; check the dates for the festivals.
Discover more destinations: Felechosa, La Paraya, Conforcos, Cabañaquinta, Castanedo, Bello.
Back to the main travel overview: Aller.
