Waterways
Valle del Jerte is the valley of water. The union between valley and river is such that they even came to share the same name. The river was born at the top of the valley next to Tornavacas Port; humble origins for a true force of nature that sustains the life of this district. The valley and river cannot be understood without the network of creeks and ravines that feed them, forming a water system of transparent blood that circulates the valley below looking for a path between imposing rock walls. This millennia old struggle has formed a network of intricate labyrinths that hide a handful of unique geographic spaces: the ravines of Valle del Jerte, true geological and environmental treasures. To approach this path of water and rock is to approach the very heart and history of this valley at the foot of the Gredos sierra; a journey that leads us to corners where natural beauty is shown in all its splendour.
El Torno
At an altitude of almost 3,281 ft is the spot known as El Labradillo (Sierra de Gredos and Valle del Jerte LIC). Here we can hear the water fall as it searches for the Tejo ravine to then join the waters of La Puria ravine. In addition to the magnificent views of the valley, this place is uniquely rich in farmer and shepherd constructions (huts, pens, pigsties and sheepfolds) that are scattered over the hillside. The most representative example is the “chozo” or hut, a dry stone building for sheltering people that is hundreds of years old and was built with the materials available in the environment to provide protection from inclement weather and to stay near their livelihood. Testimonies of our traditional culture.
