Coto-Ríos: Nature Park, Hiking Trails and Culture

Coto-Ríos is located in an area of pleasant vegetation in the centre of the nature park. It is the closest access point to the summit of Las Banderillas.

Nature

The Coto-Ríos poplar grove is located in dense pine forest and features riverside vegetation. It has wooden tables and benches, a kiosk bar and a shaded pergola.

Near Coto-Ríos, the route along the Borosa River begins in the fish farm car park next to the Torre del Vinagre Visitor Centre.

The Piscifactoría del Borosa grounds feature a pleasant circular path with springs, benches and several viewpoints. Along this circular path, visitors can observe and photograph semi-free-ranging deer, ibex, fallow deer and mouflon.

Near the Piscifactoría del Borosa there is a botanical garden with a carefully selected range of plants from the nature park, from small herbaceous plants to large trees.

Hiking and Routes

Stage 4 of the GR-7 begins in Coto-Ríos; the initial section is marked with the red and white waymarks of the long-distance trail.

The route along the Aguamulas River begins in Coto-Ríos and follows a short tributary of the Guadalquivir, which rises below Las Banderillas, through ferns, moss and pine forests.

Stage 2 of the GR 247.2 variant begins in Coto-Ríos and reaches the Borosa River at the starting point of the Borosa trail. It is 15.75 kilometres long; the estimated walking time is 5 hours and 41 minutes. At kilometre 6.3, it passes Torre del Vinagre.

The 21-kilometre Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente route runs through the Coto-Ríos area and includes five viewpoints.

Visitor Centres

The Torre del Vinagre Visitor Centre features audiovisual projections, an interactive topographic model, a children’s exhibition area and five landscape interpretation areas. It offers guided tours and workshops that help visitors discover the natural and cultural values of the protected area.

The Río Borosa River Interpretation Centre explains the nature park’s river network and the Río Borosa catchment area using a graphic representation and a topographic model. The centre presents the aquatic fauna along a route beside the river and through its sculptural-looking riverside forest.

The Collado del Almendral Wildlife Centre offers a guided ride on a tourist train and a circular walking route.

Culture

Coto-Ríos emerged in the 20th century as a settlement for residents of scattered farmsteads and small hamlets. These residents were relocated in connection with the establishment of the Coto Nacional de Caza Cazorla–Segura and a new water policy.

The Church of San Miguel Arcángel in Coto-Ríos is a white religious building with a striking façade made of dressed stone and blue ceramic tiles.

Santiago Apóstol is celebrated in Coto-Ríos. The traditional Santiago Apóstol festival includes a pilgrimage from Torre del Vinagre to the settlement. The festivities end with a communal feast organised by the brotherhood and local residents.

On the same level, you will also find Santiago De La Espada.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pontones.