Photo: Juan Pablo Olmo (CC BY 2.0) · Wikimedia Commons
Bosque de Cobre: Pujerra–Igualeja route through the Genal Valley
From Estepona centre60 min
DurationFull day (14.5 km, about 5 h 30 min); short version of about 6 km
DifficultyModerate
PriceFree
Best timeAutumn (Oct–Nov), when the chestnut trees turn copper
KidsYes (short version)
AddressInicio en la parte alta de Pujerra, en la señal del desvío al sendero
Opening hoursFree access.
About
- In autumn, the chestnut woods of the Genal Valley turn gold and copper: the famous 'Bosque de Cobre'
- Pujerra–Igualeja–Pujerra circuit: 14.5 km, about 5 h 30 min without stops and 538 m of ascent
- Viewpoint with views over the chestnut trees
- Pujerra celebrates the Chestnut Fair on 1 November
Good to know
- The initial climb is steep and the descent to Igualeja is very sharp: with leaves and stones it is slippery
- One section is on a narrow local road: watch out for traffic
- The way back to Pujerra from below is about 5 km uphill; if you are short on fitness, turn back after the chestnut grove (about 6 km)
- Don't leave the main path: there are unsigned junctions. Bring the track downloaded
Near here
JúzcarVillage · Júzcar · 30 minThe "Blue Village": painted blue in 2011 for the premiere of The Smurfs; the residents voted to keep it that way
IgualejaVillage · Igualeja · 60 minHead of the Genal Valley: the Genal river rises here ("El Nacimiento")
JubriqueVillage · Jubrique · 50 minMountain village of the Genal Valley surrounded by chestnut woods (about 320 ha of chestnut trees)
GenalguacilVillage · Genalguacil · 50 minThe "museum village": more than 250 sculptures and artworks scattered across streets, squares and rooftops