To the south of the Pyrenees is located the largest protected natural area in Aragon: the Sierra and Cañones de Guara Natural Park. This emblematic territory stands out for its unique beauty, with rugged mountains, crystal-clear rivers, natural gorges, fortresses, and charming villages. This park has become a global reference for canyoning and offers a varied tourist offer accessible to families and tourists in general.
Nestled in the province of Huesca, this park covers a total area of 47,637 hectares and includes the regions of Alto Gállego, La Hoya de Huesca, Sobrarbe, and Somontano de Barbastro. It also includes the Cultural Park of the Vero River, declared in 2001 by the Government of Aragon, which converges with another geological wonder: the Sobrarbe-Pyrenees Geopark.
The Sierra and Cañones de Guara Natural Park is one of the most impressive karst reliefs in Spain, and its complex geology, along with water erosion, has resulted in spectacular landscapes. Among these are deep limestone gorges traversed by rivers such as Flumen, Guatizalema, Vero, Mascún, or Alcanadre. There are also conglomerate formations like the Vadiello pinnacles or the Salto de Roldán. The bearded vulture, an endangered species, is a special attraction for birdwatchers.
The personality of this territory is defined by water, and its canyons are considered the most attractive in Europe. The park is home to two of the ten most impressive canyons in Spain, Gorgas Negras and Barranco Mascún. It is a popular destination for caving, canyoning, and climbing, with highlighted areas such as Mascún, Cañón del Vero, Peonera, Formiga, and Basender. It also has a wide network of trails for trekking or mountain biking.
The viewpoints of the Vero River, the Vadiello and Calcón reservoirs, and the legendary Salto de Roldán are located within the park. Among the most classic routes are the Tozal de Guara, at 2,077 meters, and the trail to the hermitage of San Martín de la Val d’Onsera. The park offers a wide range of tourist attractions for active tourism and adventure.
Each of the fifteen municipalities in the park has its own charm, and two of them, Aínsa and Alquézar, are classified among the most beautiful in Spain. The park is also an example of Aragonese medieval art and architecture. Its cultural and natural richness makes it an attractive destination for those seeking adventure as well as for those who prefer quieter visits. Among its heritage treasures are the Gothic mural paintings of the church of San Miguel de Foces and the Lombard Romanesque churches in the northern valleys of Belsué and Nocito.
The park, certified with the Quality Tourism Q, guarantees accessibility and adaptability in its infrastructure for people with reduced mobility. It is an ideal destination in all seasons of the year, including summer. The Sierra de Guara Association, founded in 1993, promotes the business and tourist interests of the regions involved, offering informational points and materials of interest.
This beautiful corner of Aragon invites everyone to discover, feel, contemplate, listen, taste, and enjoy its stunning nature.
via: MiMub in Spanish
