The Ruta del Río Guadalix y Cascada del Hervidero follows the Río Guadalix through riverside woodland and leads to Charco del Aliso and the Cascada del Hervidero waterfall. San Agustín del Guadalix combines its connection to the river with a history of water engineering, a parish church in the Purist Renaissance style, and recurring local traditions.
River Landscape and Trails
A municipal route guide from 2012 gives the Ruta del Río Guadalix y Cascada del Hervidero a distance of 6.20 kilometers, a low difficulty level, and an estimated two hours for the round trip. It describes the route as accessible on foot and by bicycle. Use the time estimate as a planning guide and check trail conditions locally.
The Ruta de la Vereda de Correcaballos-Peñarrubias offers a different perspective on the landscape. It runs through the agricultural and livestock-farming area in the southeast of San Agustín; Peñas Rubias offers panoramic views of the town. The landscape here is therefore experienced in a different setting than along the Río Guadalix.
At Laguna de los Patos, various waterbird species can be observed, depending on the season. These include mallards, pintails, gadwalls, teals, coots, red-crested pochards, shovelers, moorhens, and pochards. Which species you see depends on the time of year.
Dehesa de Moncalvillo is a historic holm oak woodland of particular ecological value, covering 1,350 hectares. The character of an extensive holm oak woodland is therefore also among the area’s natural features.
Water Engineering and Architectural Forms
Acueducto de la Sima forms part of the original route of the Canal de Isabel II and was built in 1854. Its eight round arches stand above a segmental arch. At Acueducto de la Retuerta, seven round arches rest on a large lower arch. The number and arrangement of the arches offer a specific point of comparison between the two structures.
Azud del Mesto is a small dam on the Río Guadalix that is currently unused. It was intended to collect water to be fed into the distribution system of the Canal de Isabel II. Check its structural condition on site.
Parish Church and Local Traditions
The Iglesia parroquial was built in the 16th century in the Purist Renaissance style and stands on the highest hill in the municipal area of San Agustín. It has two naves and a rectangular chancel. The square, very slender stone and lime tower stands at the foot of the main nave; stone cornices divide it into four sections.
On the third weekend of May, the statue of the Virgin is carried on foot to her Ermita. Afterwards, participants spend the day in the countryside with the patron saint. This recurring festival combines a religious procession with a shared day outdoors.
Religious, cultural, sporting, and bullfighting events take place on the third weekend of September. These include the traditional Cuesta del Tirón popular race. Individual events vary from year to year.
Getting There and When to Visit
If you are planning your stay around a festival, the dates mentioned are the third weekends of May and September. September’s events change each year, so check the program for that year before booking a hotel for specific dates.
The fastest main route from Madrid is via the A-1, the Burgos motorway, taking exit 34. Check road conditions for your travel day.
Discover more destinations: Fuenlabrada, Villanueva Del Pardillo, Berzosa Del Lozoya, Villalbilla, La Serna Del Monte, Navas Del Rey, Villarejo De Salvanés, Algete
For the regional travel overview: Madrid.
