Parque Natural de la Sierra y Cañones de Guara
Less than 40 kilometres south of Huesca, the limestone massif of the Sierra de Guara plunges into a labyrinth of slot canyons, emerald pools and prehistoric cave art that makes it one of the most extraordinary natural parks in Spain. This is the birthplace of modern canyoning as a sport, and the gorges of the Vero and Mascún rivers are still considered among the finest in Europe.
The Canyons Themselves
The Barranco de Mascún, accessed from the village of Rodellar, is a full-day slot canyon hike through chambers of sculpted limestone where the walls close to barely a metre apart and the light turns the water an impossible shade of turquoise.
The Barranco del Vero near Alquézar is more accessible and can be explored without a guide in its upper sections — the village of Alquézar perched on the rim above the gorge is one of the most photogenic spots in all of Aragon.
Beyond the Water: Cave Art and Wildlife
The Sierra de Guara shelters one of the densest concentrations of Mesolithic cave paintings in Europe — the Cueva de la Fuente del Trucho near Agüero contains hand stencils and bison figures dating back over 20,000 years.
Griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) are a constant presence overhead, and the park is also home to Egyptian vultures, eagle owls and a healthy population of wild boar — bring binoculars.
Base Yourself in Alquézar
The medieval walled village of Alquézar, 51 km from Huesca, is the best base for exploring the park — it has a collegiate church with remarkable Romanesque frescoes, several good rural hotels and a handful of canyoning guide companies.
Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are the ideal seasons: water levels are manageable, temperatures are mild and the wildflowers or autumn colour add drama to every photograph.
More of Huesca
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Huesca →
