Arrival in Alquézar, a picturesque hilltop village (Al Qasr, ‘the castle’ in Arabic) which appears to be an oasis surrounded by terraced farms and irrigations channels. The rich local architecture represents both Moorish and Christian pasts. If you arrive early in the day, you’ll have a chance to do a circular walk which takes in this lovely village and the spectacular Rio Vero gorge. 1,5 hours’ walking time.           

Challenge: Travel to Alquézar. Rio Vero gorge: 3 km. ,125 m ascent, 125m descent. 1.5 hours

Your choice of two routes. One is a 4-hour route via the Rio Vero gorge, with its Romanesque bridge, through varied scenery to thevillage of Asque, then up over a ridge and past olive and almond orchards and a second historic bridge. The other is a 6-hour walk which takes you to prehistoric sites with cave paintings. Lovely views of the surrounding countryside with thePyreneesin the distance.

Challenge: Option1: 10km, 4hrs, 300m ascent, 300m descent / Option 2: 12km, 6hrs., 550m ascent, 570 descent

Today’s route is a study in karst and the rugged, rocky formations which characterize this type of landscape. You’ll enjoy spectacular views down into the gorge, before actually descending to admire the clear waters below. The interesting formations along the way have exotic names such as Arpan, Mallata and Barfaluy. Your walk ends in the Medieval village of Lecina, with its traditional stone houses. 

Challenge: (short route)  11,5km, 5hrs,  530m ascent,  410m descent / (longer route): 14,5km, 6hrs

You start off by visiting a centuries-old oak tree, then continue to the pretty hilltop village of Almazorre. Passing an old olive oil and grain mill, you then walk into an open rolling landscape with occasinal oak groves and hilltop villages. You cross the Rio Vero twice before reaching a green valley and the village of Paules, your destination for the day. Nearby, the holy place known as Santa Maria de la Nuez. 

Challenge: 12km,  4.5hours, 340m ascent, 250m descent

Short transfer to the start of today’s walk. The route takes you through pretty natural surroundings, with the church spires of the abandoned village of Bagüeste in the distance. Further on, you reach the ruins at Letosa then stop off for a refreshing drink at the bar in Otín. The gorges of Isuala and Mascún offer surprising rock formations. Optional descent to a lovely waterfall (1-hour extra). 

Challenge: Option 1; 15,4km,6 hours  420m ascent, 730m descent,  //Option 2: 20km, 7hrs, 600m ascent, 950m descent

Today’s route follows an old charcoal makers’ path through scenery which offers a glimpse of yet another facet of the Sierra de Guara and its many landscapes. Splendid views from the edge of Balcez gorge, a perfect place to stop for lunch while you watch the vultures soar above the valley, with the summits of the Pyrenees on the horizon. 

Challenge: 11km, 4,5 hours,  600m ascent, 670m descent

The walk from Las Almunias back to Alquézar is steep but there’s a clear path. You pass spots with intriguing place names, such as Tranco de Olas (Step of the Waves) and Puente de Brujas (Witches’ Bridge). The route takes you through a narrow gorge into open scenery and the picturesque village of San Pelegrin. Feeding place for vultures on the way into Alquézar.

Challenge: 18km, 6hours,  560m ascent, 600m descent. 

Villages along the way: Las Almunias, San Pelegrin, Alquézar

Your arrangement ends after breakfast today.

Challenge: Travel from Alquézar.