The Hoces del Río Riaza Natural Park is located in the northeast of the province of Segovia, very close to the provinces of Burgos and Soria. The Riaza River is the longitudinal axis of this natural area of great natural, scenic and wildlife value.

The presence of limestone cliffs, rich in ledges and hollows of the most varied sizes, allows the settlement of a rich community of rupicolous birds. On the other hand, the Linares del Arroyo reservoir becomes every year the main provincial wintering area for various species of aquatic birds.

In the area surrounding the Gorges of the River Riaza you can visit a series of small villages that still conserve their rural heritage and their purest traditions. In Montejo de la Vega de la Serrezuela is located the Casa del Parque Natural Hoces del Río Riaza, which is the reception centre for visitors to the natural park. In addition, in the whole area, you can enjoy high quality gastronomy such as roast lamb and red wines from Ribera del Duero.

This natural area is a member of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, granted by the EUROPARC Federation, an organisation that brings together European protected natural areas, and which has developed the methodology for accrediting and awarding it to protected areas where the existence of a commitment to apply the principles of sustainable tourism is verified.

CONSERVATION OF THE NATURAL AREA:

The Hoces del Río Riaza natural park is a vulnerable space to any inappropriate use or action, especially between January and July, the breeding season for many bird species. Therefore, the existing signposting must be respected and the following restrictions must be taken into account:

• Walk along the paths so as not to degrade the vegetation.
• Do not make noises that may disturb the fauna.
• Do not go up the slopes, do not look out over the cliffs, and do not throw stones from them, as this can be dangerous.
• Keep the park clean.
• Always follow the instructions of the park staff.
• It is not allowed to take samples of rocks, animals, plants or archaeological remains.
• It is not allowed to climb, make fires or camp inside the natural park.

TIPS AND ACTIVITIES:

The Park House organises various cultural and environmental education activities aimed at different sectors of the local population and visitors to the natural park.

Between 1 January and 31 July, in order to travel through the reserve area of the natural park, it is necessary to apply for authorisation at the Park House.

In the same way, an authorisation is required for itineraries around the Linares del Arroyo reservoir as well as for fishing in the nature reserve.

INSPIRE

In addition to its spectacular scenery, this solitary geographical space is home to an important colony of griffon vultures, one of the largest in Europe. Human activity in these lands has also left its mark on the solitary Romanesque remains of the convent of San Martin del Casuar.

The Casa del Parque Natural Hoces del Río Riaza is the information point for the area. Here you can get all the information you need for your visit, they will explain the different routes that exist within this Natural Park, as well as other nearby areas of great cultural or natural interest. Inside the Park House you can enjoy the following areas:

Get to know the park: come and learn how the gorges were formed, its flora, fauna and ecosystems.

Birds: you will learn about the morphological characteristics of birds and you will be able to see life-size reproductions of the most representative birds of this natural space.

The memory corner: here you will remember the inhabitants of Linares del Arroyo, a village submerged under the waters of the reservoir after which it is named.

Live and direct: A remote-controlled camera located in a griffon vulture’s nest will allow you to observe its habits and reproduction cycle.

Activities: in this magnificent spot, numerous companies organise activities for all those who want to live an unforgettable experience in such a valuable natural environment. You can enjoy hiking routes, the agri-food industry or rural accommodation.