One of the most surprising and least known excursions possible from Toledo (the provincial capital), ideal for spending a day in the heart of nature and for adventurous souls: we travel to a treasure hidden between sea and mountains, to a place trapped in time and surrounded by lush vegetation from over 300 million years ago.

We are in the vicinity of Robledo del Mazo, in the Jara region, in the south-west of Toledo province, where the erosion of the Gévalo river has formed a beautiful valley. In the valley, there is a small, lush gorge crossed by Las Lanchas stream.

The natural access to the space is via a road starting at kilometre 2,700 of the TO-7531-V highway, next to the Las Hunfrías cemetery (hamlet of Robledo del Mazo). Cars can be parked next to the cemetery. From there, the path goes around 3 km into the forest to the Nature Reserve, where we’ll find a booth with explanatory panels.

The specific humidity and temperature conditions have enabled species and plant formations more common to ocean and even subtropical climates to be preserved, therefore they can be classified as authentic relics of the laurel forests that populated the peninsula 300 million years ago. Of all the plant species we can find here, the most unique and rarest is a perennial sapling (prunus lusitanica), related to cherry blossom, rose bushes and similar species. We will also see yews, hollies, birches and rowans, large oak formations in the shaded areas, and willows, bushes and heather close to the river course.

Along tracks and roads –all signposted– we find a total of 5 waterfalls, not all easy to access.

For the brave, and considered a high-mountain route, the extra stretch of this excursion involves climbing Atalayón peak. At the end of the final waterfall, we encounter a tough climb to the Sevilleja mountain range, offering magnificent views to the south, towards Anchuras (Ciudad Real). We reach the 1,293 metres of Atalayón along the dirt track through the range. From its triangulation station, there is an impressive view of the Gévalo river valley. The full trip is a 6-hour walk –rests included– and with a total elevation gain of 730 metres.

Visits to this area are free, although when activities involve groups of more than 20 people, or are for profit, a permit is required.