Las Herrerias de Rio Madera, a working estate set in the Natural Park of the Sierras of Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas. This vast, mountainous park covering 214,000 hectares and forming the second largest forested area in Europe, is situated in the north-eastern region of Andalucía, Spain.

Through a careful management programme, the estate ensures the protection of its wonderful natural environment, which is home to a great variety of indigenous wildlife, some of which are protected, including wild boar, eagles, mountain goats and deer.

Activities

There is a wide assortment of outdoor pursuits available within easy driving distance of the Finca, with established local operator’s within the park hosting activities from fishing and pony-trekking to more high-adrenaline activities such as rafting, kayaking, zip-lining and abseiling. There is also a local aerodrome which offers paragliding, paramotoring and flying. 

Trekking - The Estate is ideal for trekking, mountain-biking and hill-climbing, or just long walks along kilometers of well-marked forest tracks used for centuries by mountain folk, and many other smaller hidden trails used by shepherds, loggers and animals which can be re-discovered. Walking and climbing starts at the very door of the Cortijo. Tours by local guides can be arranged for a half or full day, if required.

Biking - A selection of mountain bikes for adults are kept at the Cortijo. Visitors will be informed of the best cycling tracks and routes to follow.

Tree House - A Tree House is available for guests to observe animals – mainly wild boar and deer – at dawn and dusk in their natural habitat. The tree-house has been located strategically at an important junction of established animal tracks.

Hunting - We can make arrangements for hunting parties, during the winter season - October to February - with some possibilities outside these months. Game includes wild boar, red deer, fallow deer and Spanish ibex.

For more information about the local area and other activities please speak to your host to arrange a time to suit you.

Flora and Fauna

This Natural Park is the largest protected area on the Iberian Peninsula, and the second largest protected space in Europe. The spring season - between March and June - is the best time to enjoy the proliferation of flora and fauna on the estate and in the Natural Park.

Local fauna includes wild boar, wild mountain goat, red and fallow deer, badgers, the lagartija de Valverde, wild cat and otters which can all be found in their natural habitats, as well as many species of fish, reptiles and insects, some of which are endangered.

The Authorities have catalogued 125 different species of birds in the Natural Park, of which 26 are birds of prey. These include the Royal eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, Booted eagle, Short Toed eagle, Griffon and Common vultures, Goshawks, many types of owls, woodpeckers and peregrine falcons. Although they do not nest in the Park, Imperial eagles and Black vultures also visit the area to hunt. Bearded vultures are being re-introduced.

Guided bird-watching trips can be arranged with some of the specialist adventure activity companies which supply this service.

Dawn and dusk tours of the estate can be arranged through the estate manager in order to enjoy the beauty of the landscapes and the wildlife. A unique experience is the berrea - the deer rutting season – from mid-September to beginning of October, when the mating calls of deer can be heard throughout the whole Natural Park.

The flora in the Natural Park is equally interesting, from beautiful pine groves to juniper, honeysuckle, yew, strawberry trees, dragon’s teeth, holm oak, holly and many more. Over 2,000 plant species have been registered in the Natural Park with over 30 unique to this area. This makes it the second most important area for flora in Western Europe. One of the most characteristic plants is the Cazorla violet.

Conservation

The Fundación Gypaetus works for the conservation of the species in Andalucía, and is responsible for the execution of the Andalucian Program for Reintroduction of the Bearded Vulture.

The bearded vulture was extinct in this Natural Park and the re-introduction program started in 2005 with 2 or 3 birds released every year in May since then.

We can arrange special visits to the Bearded Vulture Breeding Centre in Cazorla from 1st June to 30th September.