El Río: Trails, Nature and Cultural Heritage

For El Río, the Antigua Ferrería in Lugar del Río provides a striking introduction: it lies within La Rioja’s Natura 2000 network.

Nature

In the vicinity of Lugar del Río, the La Eméndula recreation area features riverside vegetation as well as Scots pines, oaks and beech trees. This recreation area is located on the Cárdenas River, after passing San Millán de la Cogolla and Lugar del Río.

The Mostajo del río is estimated to be more than 350 years old; the strength of its trunk and the volume of its crown have earned it recognition in nationwide publications.

A different landscape is presented by the abandoned terraced fields near Lugar del Río, which are overgrown with broom. Terraced fields, now abandoned, lie in the landscape of the GR-93 near Lugar del Río. Livestock uses these terraced fields as extensive grazing areas.

Hiking Trails

The 9.23-kilometre footpath to the Mostajo del río begins in Lugar del Río and takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes from there. The 17-kilometre GR-93 stage from Ezcaray to San Millán de la Cogolla passes through Turza, Pazuengos and Lugar del Río.

The different route lengths and approximate walking times can be compared for your own planning according to the desired time frame.

The GR-93 reaches Lugar del Río via a pronounced zigzag descent from the path running above it. After the path leaves the road at Lugar del Río, it crosses the Cárdenas River over a bridge.

After crossing the river, the route runs along the river between poplar trees, with the river always on the right. The GR-93 then follows the boundary wall of the Monasterio de Yuso’s lands.

On a path halfway up the slope, the GR-93 goes around the Barranco de los Encinares to a saddle. Below Lugar del Río, the river is considered to be confined between rocks.

When comparing holiday apartments in El Río, check the travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the respective offer pages. These three details can be compared independently and aligned with your own travel plans, without mixing up the different location and trail topics.

Orientation

On the road section in Lugar del Río, there is a fountain on the left and the Ermita del Carmen on the right. After the first houses of Lugar del Río, the GR-93 leads hikers to the left towards the Ermita del Carmen.

Culture

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen in Lugar del Río dates from the 18th century.

The Fiestas in honour of the Virgen del Carmen in Lugar del Río take place on 16 July.

The main events of the Fiestas in honour of the Virgen del Carmen in Lugar del Río include a mass and a procession during which participants may carry the image of the Virgin.

The base of the furnace has survived at the Antigua Ferrería because iron penetrated the walls during the smelting process, thereby preventing the rest of the building from being demolished.

For the main travel overview: San Millán De La Cogolla.