Wonderful route between Ronda and Grazalema – canyon of the buitreras.
Las Buitreras Canyon Route
On the eastern outskirts of the Los Alcornocales Natural Park and straddling the municipalities of Cortes de la Frontera, Benarrabá and Benalauría, we find this spectacular Natural Monument of the Cañón de las Buitreras, whose verticality of its walls and depth of more than 100 metres, which reaches 200 metres in the Garganta de las Buitreras, is astonishing.
The Guadiaro river, with its incessant and silent action, has carved this narrow gorge in the limestone and marl limestone that form the Ronda and Grazalema mountain ranges. The erosive force of the river, together with a high rate of precipitation, has shaped twisted passages and incredible cavities typical of karst landscapes. The presence of certain slopes that the river has to overcome, giving rise to numerous imposing waterfalls, add even more beauty to the surroundings.
In the vicinity of the canyon there is a holm oak grove interspersed with junipers, mastic trees and carob trees. But the plant species that is particularly striking is the fan palm, the only palm tree native to the European continent. Here this palm tree is reminiscent of its more exotic relatives, with specimens that are more than two metres tall.
The name of the canyon is no coincidence, as a large colony of griffon vultures nest in its rugged cliffs. With the help of binoculars you can enjoy watching other birds, such as the common and rock pigeons and the blackbird. The otter also lives in its waters.
Man has also played a part in shaping the landscape with the construction of impressive tunnels and bridges that allow the Algeciras-Ronda railway line to pass through. On this line, it is interesting to note the presence of a weir or water conduit known as Puente de los Alemanes, located in one of the most picturesque spots and rising 60 metres above the bottom of the ravine.