This is one of the best aquatic descents of the Sierra de Guara and certainly one of the most entertaining thanks to the high number of jumps and thrilling drops. Experience wild nature to the full in La Peonera Inferior; a canyon with one of the highest volumes of water in the park. Its crystal clear waters run along a riverbed that has been patiently excavated from the rock before flowing into wide, welcoming pools of intense turquoise that are bathed in sunlight.
This descent reveals glimpses into days gone by, when hunters and fishermen moved in the depths of the canyon looking for pigeons, trout and honey.
There are a number of tricky areas known as “caos,” where the water tunnels under a maze of boulders, and difficult passes to negotiate (some, such as the Anais pass, have been fatal) so a good working knowledge of the environment is essential. It is also crucial to take along all the necessary equipment in order to be able to overcome possible difficulties.
Along this particular route there are a number of natural springs such as Tamara and El Puntillo. The area around El Puntillo is an area of transition between conglomerate rock and calcareous substrate; here it is easy to spot majestic birds of prey flying over the canyon and fat trout swimming in the water, especially in the area known as the Estrechos de Tamara.
Downloads
Technical information
Access: there are three possible ways to enter La Peonera Inferior:
- Descend the previous canyon, known as La Peonera Superior, which can be reached from near the village of San Saturnino.
- Access it from Morrano.
- Depart from the car park between Bierge and Las Almunias de Rodellar (between the 5 and 6km mark on the HU-341 road)
Approach: If choosing option 3 there is a walk of around 45 minutes from the car park to the start. Take the well marked forest path and upon reaching a “Y” shaped junction, follow the track to the right, which descends sharply down to the river bed.
Nearest village: Morrano
Descent:
- If the full section is completed it takes around 4 hours to reach the Bierge dam (3km)
- 2 hours if the descent stops at the Tamara spring.
- 1 hour if started from the TamaraSpring and the descent of the canyon is started from La Puntillo spring; suitable for families with children.
Return: Immediate if a second car has been left at the Bierge dam. From the Tamara spring there is a path that leads to Morrano (45 minutes walk) if a car is not available in the car park near the Bierge dam.
Escape routes: Various along the route:
- There is a way out at the top of “Loma Güega” although it is poorly signposted.
- At the spot known as “Faja e los Caracoles” just before entering the Tamara narrows.
- Various ways out along the Tamara narrows.
- From the Tamara spring there is a forest track that leads all the way back to the car park (option 3.)
Car combination: It is advisable to leave one car parked in the car park near the Bierge dam (Salto de Bierge.)
Difficulty level:
- Medium in summer
- Professional level when the river water level rises. Due to the large number of accidents that occur each year in La Peonera, the use of a professional guide is highly recommended.
Minimum equipment requirements:
- Full wetsuit and neoprene socks or canyoning shoes.
- Helmet
- 15m rescue rope
- Waterproof canyoning backpack
- Watertight barrel
- Due to the length the route, it is advisable to take along drinking water and a picnic.
Points of interest
- Walking track until the rock formation known as the “Huevo de Morrano,” which is signposted from both Morrano and the Tamara spring.
- A walking path runs parallel to La Peonera canyon on the left bank; it is signposted from the Bierge dam to the Tamara spring.
Photo gallery
