Los Alares combines hiking opportunities with a river landscape and a village built from flat slate stones. The PR-TO 48 passes through the village twice. Small gorges, opportunities for wildlife watching and the Iglesia de Ntra. Sra. del Pilar add to the options to consider when planning a trip.

Circular routes between the village and river

The PR-TO 48 Las Hoces del Río Estenilla circular route is 11.8 kilometres long, rated easy and estimated to take three hours. It is fully accessible by bicycle. The estimated duration can serve as a guide when planning your day; the route’s suitability for cycling gives you another option for planning your tour.

The trail passes through Los Alares twice and has interpretive signs. Its northern section runs through pine forests and heads towards Cerro Alares and La Joyona. The Las Hoces del Río Estenilla route near Los Alares also leads to the remains of several disused watermills.

Near Los Alares, a signposted circular route follows tracks and paths alongside the Río Estenilla, with only small changes in elevation. The river’s course and the elevation profile provide practical reference points when choosing a tour. As well as the distance, you can take into account which route features matter to you for your outing.

River landscape and nature

In several places, the Río Estenilla has cut narrow passages into the rock, forming small gorges. Tamujar vegetation grows along the river in the stretch through Los Alares, within the Estena, Estenilla and Estomiza Rivers Nature Reserve. The gorges and riverside vegetation give the landscape distinct, readily identifiable features.

Red deer, roe deer and wild boar can be spotted along the route near Los Alares. Otters, European pond turtles and Spanish pond turtles can also be seen there. Large birds of prey include Spanish imperial eagles, short-toed snake eagles, griffon vultures, cinereous vultures and red kites. This also makes the route a distinctive option for travellers interested in wildlife watching.

The geology includes the Raña de Anchuras: the Los Alares section is the largest of three sections and reaches a maximum length of up to 21 kilometres. The geological site is considered to be of geomorphological and landscape interest. This offers a different perspective on the area from the one along the river: the focus here is on the geological formation and its significance to the landscape.

Slate architecture and regional setting

A small square with a fountain lies in the centre of Los Alares. The village has a cohesive vernacular architectural style, with buildings constructed from flat slate stones. The Iglesia de Ntra. Sra. del Pilar was blessed in 1889. The square, building style and church offer different points of interest if you would like to include the village and its history in your trip planning, as well as the trails.

Los Alares lies in the foothills of the Montes de Toledo and very close to Cabañeros National Park. The PR-TO 48 trail is also within the national park’s sphere of socioeconomic influence. This regional context adds to the local points of interest: you can explore Los Alares through its hiking trails and river landscape, as well as its architecture, geology and position within the wider landscape.

Discover more destinations: Orgaz, Esquivias, Las Herencias, Olías Del Rey, Oropesa, Almorox, Hormigos, Bernuy

For the broader travel overview: Toledo.