Hoces de Duratón in Segovia

Gorges of the Duratón River Nature Reserve

Segovia
Sepúlveda

The power of the current

The passage of the waters of the Duratón has carved deep gorges in this park, a spectacular refuge today for numerous birds of prey.

Located to the northeast of Segovia, it stands out for its great archaeological and historical wealth, together with its natural beauty. The water of the Duratón River stagnates, after passing Sepúlveda, in a canyon with areas with a height difference of over 100 metres. In these deep gorges, carved out of the limestone rock by the current, a large number of birds of prey nest, including Europe's largest colony of griffon vultures.Several routes of varying lengths allow you to explore the bottom of the canyon and its riparian forest. A short walk leads up to the hermitage of San Frutos, located in a spectacular and iconic meander.

Gorges of the Duratón River Nature Reserve

Casa del Parque Natural

C/ Conde de Sepúlveda, 34

40300  Sepúlveda, Segovia  (Castilla y Leon)

Type of area:Natural Park Area:5,037 hectares Email:cp.duraton@patrimonionatural.org Tel.:+34 921 540 322 Website:Gorges of the Duratón River Nature Reserve Website:Gorges of the Duratón River Nature Reserve

Useful information

What you need to know

  • Cultural information

    The aforementioned old hermitage of San Frutos, near Vilaseca, is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture in a spectacular setting. At Sepúlveda, apart from the architectural ensemble of the city, you must try the traditional roasts. Just over 20 kilometres from Sepúlveda, you should also visit the medieval village of Pedraza, as well as Sebúlcor, known as El Sepulcro during the Middle Ages.

  • Environmental information

    It is home to an important community of birds of prey, including griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures, golden eagles and goshawks. Its flora includes open woodlands of Spanish juniper and junipers and forests of willows, ash trees, poplars, elms and alders. Outside the park but only a few minutes away by car, 4 kilometres from Cantalejo, there are seasonal lagoons with a large number of water birds.

  • Information for visits

    The Casa del Parque de la Hoces del Duratón, in Sepúlveda, provides passes to access the reserve area during the vulture breeding months (January-July). They can be requested by e-mail.