Peralejos de las Truchas: Tajo, Nature and Culture

Peralejos de las Truchas is surrounded by forests of Scots pine, sandstone gorges and the Tajo, which flows around the town centre. The Parque Natural del Alto Tajo begins immediately outside the town centre: there, the clear Tajo flows through winding river courses below striking cliffs. The nature park also has a visitor centre in Peralejos de las Truchas.

Nature

Signposted routes of the Parque Natural del Alto Tajo and sections of the GR-10 lead from Peralejos de las Truchas to viewpoints, through gorges and past barrancos. They also run through areas shaped by geology and fauna. When planning your activities, trails, water activities and nature observation can be considered separately: canoeing is one of the activities offered and practised in Peralejos de las Truchas. The town is suitable as a starting point for exploring the surrounding area on foot, on horseback or by bicycle; numerous caves and karst shafts in the area offer opportunities for speleology.

Golden eagles, peregrine falcons and griffon vultures are regularly seen in the landscape around Peralejos de las Truchas and provide hikers and nature observers with a frequent spectacle. The Puente de Martinete, located by the forest and the Tajo, is a notable spot for excursions and photography. The Cascada del Molino is also highlighted in the surroundings of Peralejos de las Truchas as a place for excursions and photography.

Culture

The Iglesia de San Mateo Apóstol was built in the 16th century, remodelled in the 17th century and designed as a three-nave church. It has a monumental portal with a carved round arch dated to 1652.

Prehistoric rock paintings can be found at Roca del Gavilán in the surroundings of Peralejos de las Truchas. The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Ribagorda may have medieval origins and was altered in the 18th century. Local craft traditions include casting copper in synthetic-resin moulds and decorating wooden furniture.

The Fiesta Ganchera commemorates the historic transport of timber on the Tajo and includes logging demonstrations, ethnographic exhibitions, traditional markets and tastings of typical dishes from the Sierra. The Fiesta Ganchera is a tradition held in several towns; Peralejos de las Truchas is one of its venues. It is classified as an event of regional tourist interest. Seasonal truffle hunting and harvesting are part of the gastronomic identity of Peralejos de las Truchas. Another historical highlight is the Herrería de la Hoz Seca: it dates from the 18th century and houses a significant collection of iron grilles.

Other Places

Other places you can open for your research include Fuentelencina, Alhóndiga, Uceda, Pareja, Peñalén, Caspueñas, Mirabueno and Mazarete.

Getting There

From Guadalajara, follow the A-2 towards Zaragoza, then at Alcolea del Pinar continue on the CM-211 towards Molina de Aragón, followed by the CM-210 and finally the CM-2106 to Peralejos de las Truchas.

For the higher-level travel overview: Guadalajara.