The hiking trail that leads to three incredible natural pools in the heart of the mountains
High temperatures in Spain are the main attraction when summer arrives. They are especially so in the south of the country, in Andalusia , where they tend to reach their highest levels. This is why many Andalusians head to the beaches or swimming pools. Meanwhile, on hot days, hiking enthusiasts may have a more difficult time due to the temperature. However, the trick is to follow a route that is full of shade and, of course, natural pools . These pools, born from nature itself, have become a draw for those who love the mountains but find themselves limited under the sun.
Therefore, finding a route where you can stop and cool off is one of the best ways to go hiking in summer. In this case, the Andalusians, specifically those in Málaga , boast one of those impressive landscapes that combine authentic flora with incredible waterfalls . This is the route along the Quejigo stream , located between the municipalities of Jubrique and Genalguacil, in the heart of the Sierra Bermeja mountain range . Along the route, three natural pools await, filled with water if the rains of the rest of the year allow it.
The Charco Azul, its most famous poolIf there's one that stands out among the three pools, it's Charco Azul . Along the Quejigo Trail, hikers will come across this spectacular pool that looks like something out of a fairy tale . It's surrounded by rocky gorges, but also by a huge number of trees providing shelter from the sun. It's the coolest area where you can take an even more refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters that tend more towards emerald than the blue of its name.
Charco Azul creates a fantasy landscape through a lush natural setting of tall pine trees. What's more, this pool is filled with crystal-clear water thanks to two waterfalls, making it even more unique on the trail. But beware: although this amount of water seems abundant, the truth is that the pool has areas where it doesn't cover much . This option, depending on how you look at it, can be great for hiking with the little ones in the family, always taking care on the wet and slippery ground.
The route continues to two more spectacular poolsAbout 500 meters past Charco Azul, the route reveals another natural setting of equal splendor. This is Charco Encantado , the second pool, which, as its name suggests, also seems like something out of a fairy tale. In fact, the place is striking when you see a large pine trunk fallen into the water, seemingly a bastion protecting the rocks that create this unique and beautiful natural pool.
And continuing another 500 meters, the María Teodora pool appears with its distinctive square shape . The water falls cleanly and vertically thanks to a polished slab. Definitely another must-see stop to seek the tranquility and freshness of natural waters.
This route is circular, so it starts and ends at the same point. Specifically, it will depart from a dirt road located on the MA-8302 highway at Km. 7.5, after passing the village of Genalguacil . The difficulty level is moderate, as there are uneven sections , but the route is approximately 5 kilometers long. The travel time is difficult to determine, as it depends on the stops at the pools.
20minutos
