Free walking tours in Aldeaquemada and what to see

Must-sees

Aldeaquemada is at the far north of Jaén province, in the heart of the Sierra Morena and close to the border with Ciudad Real. It was founded in the 18th century as one of Charles III's New Settlements, with colonists from Central Europe, and keeps one of the best-preserved colonial layouts of that era, with its regular grid, the church of La Purísima Concepción, the house of the civil commander and the priest's house.

Its big draw is nature. The Cimbarra waterfall, about forty metres high, falls a few kilometres from the village and is protected as a natural site. Waymarked routes also lead to the Cimbarrillo and El Negrillo falls. The municipality also has many rock shelters with Schematic and Levantine paintings, part of the World Heritage listing for the rock art of the Mediterranean Basin.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Aldeaquemada. The starting point is the tourist office, in the Pablo de Olavide interpretation centre, which explains the history of the New Settlements, provides route information and handles group bookings. From there, most people walk the waymarked trails to the waterfalls and rock shelters on their own.

How long to spend

A morning is enough for the village and the interpretation centre. If you want to see the Cimbarra and walk to the Cimbarrillo or El Negrillo, allow a full day. With a second day you can look for the painted shelters or visit the Despeñaperros gorge, very close by.

Where to stay

Aldeaquemada has a few rural houses, the best option if you want to set off early on foot to the waterfalls. As choice is small, book ahead in spring, when the falls carry most water. If you cannot find a room, Santa Elena and La Carolina, also colonisation villages, have more accommodation about twenty minutes away by car.