Sierra Pelada y Rivera del Aserrador

This Natural Area, Sierra Pelada, is a mid-mountain region that is a prolongation to the west of the Sierra de Aracena Mountains. It has a topography of contrasts, with strings of mountains covered in vegetation, deep gorges and riverine forest that accompanies the Rivera del Aserrador River.

Following the trail of the Rivera del Aserrador River, there is a dense riverine forest along the course, and you will be accompanied by the sound of the wind in the leaves of poplar and ash trees, along with the croaking of frogs and toads. In some sections, further away from the river itself, there are Portuguese oaks and pastureland with cork trees and holm oaks. There are also large areas of land that have been modified by man, with autochthonous vegetation being replaced by stone pines and eucalyptus trees planted on terraces for production of cellulose.

The forest in Aserrador Gorge is home to birds of prey, such as the short-toed eagle, and mammals such as the wildcat. This area is also renowned as the site of one of the largest colonies of black vulture on the Iberian Peninsula. Bird watching enthusiasts have the chance to see this huge bird of prey in flight, along with other endangered species such as the black stork, from Pelada, Mármol and Mojón peaks.

To get to know these mountains in more detail, you can follow the signposted trail. Another option is to discover the area by bike or with pleasant horse riding excursions.

The exploitation of the mountains has been the main economic resource of the area's small population, concentrated in forest villages such as El Centinela and El Mustio. The latter gives access to a stunning, rugged area of landscape, the Aserrador Gorge.