The Purgatorio Waterfalls (Cascadas del Purgatorio) are one of the best-known natural attractions in the El Paular Valley. The path follows the Aguilón stream through pine and oak woodland to a waterfall that is at its most powerful after rain or snowmelt.

Key facts

• Difficulty: easy–moderate
• Distance: about 11–15 km (there and back or circular, depending on the variant you choose)
• Elevation gain: moderate; the final stretch up to the waterfall is the most demanding
• Approximate time: 3–5 h
• Type: hiking

Starting point

Las Presillas car park (paid in high season) or the area around the Monastery of El Paular. At weekends and on bank holidays it is best to arrive early.

The route

From Las Presillas or El Paular, take the path towards the Aguilón stream. The trail is clear and very popular: it becomes more and more wooded until the final, stonier stretch that leads to the waterfalls. You can return the same way or make it a circular walk by following a complete track.

Wear walking boots and take water and clothing suited to the season. In winter there may be ice; in summer the car park fills up quickly.

Recommended track

Wikiloc: Las Presillas – Cascadas del Purgatorio

Good practice

Respect the riverside vegetation, keep away from the edge when the ground is wet and take your litter home. If you combine the walk with El Paular, allow time for the monastery and the Puente del Perdón. Always check the weather and, within the National Park, the current regulations at parquenacionalsierraguadarrama.es (in Spanish).

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