It is clear that enjoying nature is a true privilege, but it must be a luxury accessible to all. That is why Cáceres offers two accessible hiking routes adapted for people with visual impairments. The Monfragüe Biosphere Reserve, in this province of Extremadura, offers some routes that visually impaired hikers can do “almost autonomously”, according to what they say about the natural environment.
The adaptation of the routes is possible thanks to a marked route with a high-precision GPS via the Blind Explorer application. Once the destination or route is selected, the application generates 3D sounds in the direction to follow and thanks to the ability of the human being to locate sounds in space, the user is able to move in the right direction without leaving the I walk and without carrying anything in my hands. It is possible to customize the type of sound and the guidance indications.
The route is also equipped with tactile signage and audio guides that allow visitors to enjoy nature in a safe and autonomous way. In addition, the routes have been studied to offer a sensory experience, taking advantage of the sounds, smells and textures of the natural environment of Monfragüe, offering hikers a deeper connection with the environment.
Accessible route to the Casas de Miravete
The first of the routes is the one that goes from Casas de Miravete to Pantano del Zamarro, a route of about three kilometers through a natural environment of scrubland and Mediterranean forest that runs along simple and good-surfaced tracks and paths until reaching the mountain pasture. . neighborhood, where the path is a little more irregular and descends gently to the reservoir. Several rest areas will allow you to rest and enjoy the sounds and smells of nature at any time of the year.
This route begins and ends next to the GeoCentre of Monfragüe, where there is an interpretative exhibition of the geological heritage of the Monfragüe Biosphere Reserve and the UNESCO Global Geopark of Villuercas-Ibores-Jara that is worth a visit.
Casas de Miravete stands on the slope of the mountain range of the same name, in a landscape of cork oaks, holm oaks and Mediterranean scrubland that extends from the Tagus River to the neighbouring Las Villuercas mountain range. Its strategic location, next to the old Cañada Real Leonesa, makes it an ideal place to explore the lesser-known and most special area of the Monfragüe Biosphere Reserve.
The church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción or the remains of the Miravete Castle are some of the places that can be visited in the city, before going a little further to visit the Torre de la Piñuela neighborhood, contemplate the stars at the time of the Santo or climb the Miravete peak, from where we will have the best panoramic views of the reserve.
It is worth visiting the Geocentre of Monfragüe where you can discover the great value of the geological heritage of the area and observe unique fossils and minerals. There they will guide us on the best routes and activities to do around Casas de Miravete.
Accessible route of Umbría del Barbechoso
The route starts from the surroundings of Mirabel Castle and heads towards the Boyal de Mirabel mountain pasture to climb up to the Sierra de Santa Catalina and cross it from east to west to then descend in the shadow of Barbechoso, cross the mountain pasture again and return to the starting point.
It extends over roads in good condition, except for the descent through the shady Sierra de Santa Catalina to the Barbechoso stream, which has a steep slope and few traces of a trail. It can be considered demanding, more than because of the distance, because of the accumulated differences in altitude that it overcomes.
The route enters the Boyal de Mirabel pasture, a magnificent landscape of large cork oaks in which two trees declared unique stand out: the one known as Padre Santo, located on a branch of the trail and therefore visitable, and the cork oak of La Dehesa or Grueso, located on private property. After crossing the Rivera stream, the ascent towards the mountains begins, where the vegetation becomes much denser, with the appearance of rodeno pines, chestnut trees and strawberry trees. From the mountain range you can enjoy spectacular views of the pastures and the Riviera del Castaño reservoir. The descent is in the shade until returning to the starting point. Throughout the route it is easy to spot griffon vultures, hawks and countless small forest birds, as well as deer and other mammals.
On the accessible tourism map
This type of adapted initiatives puts the region of Cáceres on the map of accessible tourism, offering everyone the opportunity to enjoy its impressive landscapes in a fair and safe way. In addition, it is an example of commitment to sustainability and accessibility, in a natural environment that seeks to preserve itself while adapting to the needs of its visitors.
The adaptation of these routes has been possible thanks to the efforts of the ADEME local action group, which has implemented this technology to integrate Monfragüe into the network of accessible destinations. In this way, the Monfragüe Biosphere Reserve becomes an inclusive space that allows everyone, regardless of their visual limitations, to fully enjoy nature. The implementation of these routes reinforces Cáceres’ commitment to more accessible tourism, promoting access to natural spaces for all visitors, regardless of their abilities. Monfragüe thus becomes a benchmark for inclusion, offering solutions that not only facilitate the visit, but also enrich the user experience with functional diversity.
