San Agustín Del Guadalix: Nature, Trails and Culture

In San Agustín del Guadalix, the Ruta del Río Guadalix y Cascada del Hervidero follows the Río Guadalix through riparian woodland and leads to the Charco del Aliso and the Cascada del Hervidero waterfall. The route is 6.20 km long, has a low level of difficulty and takes around two hours there and back. It is accessible on foot and by bicycle.

Nature and Trails

The Ruta de la Retuerta is 4.79 km long, an easy route and suitable for bicycles. The different route lengths and difficulty ratings provide a clear basis for comparison when planning various excursions.

The Dehesa de Moncalvillo is a historic holm oak woodland of exceptional ecological value, covering an area of 1,350 hectares. Depending on the season, various waterbird species can be observed at the Laguna de los Patos, including mallards, pintails, wigeons, teal, coots, red-crested pochards, shovelers, moorhens and pochards.

The Ruta de la Vereda de Correcaballos-Peñarrubias runs through the agricultural and livestock-farming landscape of southeastern San Agustín del Guadalix. Peñas Rubias offers panoramic views of the town.

Culture

The Iglesia parroquial was built in the 16th century in the Purist Renaissance style. It has two naves and a rectangular chancel. The square, very slender tower, made of stone and lime, stands at the foot of the main nave and is divided into four sections by stone cornices. The Iglesia parroquial stands on the highest hill in the municipal area of San Agustín del Guadalix.

The waterworks include the Acueducto de la Sima, which forms part of the original route of the Canal de Isabel II. It was built in 1854 and has eight semicircular arches above a segmental arch. The Acueducto de la Retuerta has seven semicircular arches resting on a large lower arch.

The Azud del Mesto is a small dam on the Río Guadalix that is currently unused. It was intended to collect water and feed it into the distribution system of the Canal de Isabel II.

Festivals and Local Life

On the third weekend of May, the statue of the Virgin Mary is carried on foot to its Ermita; afterwards, participants spend the day together with the patron saint in the countryside. On the third weekend of September, religious, cultural, sporting and bullfighting-related events take place, including the traditional Cuesta del Tirón fun run.

The Día de San Agustín includes competitions for homemade cakes and tortillas.

Getting There

The fastest main route from Madrid to San Agustín del Guadalix is via the A-1, the Burgos motorway, taking exit 34.

More Destinations

Other places to consider when planning your trip include La Hiruela, Santo Domingo, El Berrueco, La Estación, Lozoya, Cervera De Buitrago, Parla and Alcorcón.

For the higher-level travel overview: Madrid.