The hiking route that leads to a 20 -meter high arch

From the Pyrenees to Sierra Nevada, passing through the Picos de Europa or the Sierra de Guadarrama, Spain houses thousands of routes that cross landscapes of overwhelming beauty. But beyond the best known destinations, there are less busy corners that surprise their uniqueness. This is the case of the path of the window, in the province of Burgos, a route that culminates in an impressive natural stone arch of more than 20 meters high.

Adventure to travel the path of the window is the perfect plan for a weekend getaway, a family excursion or a day of outdoor disconnection. And best of all, despite the spectacularity of this majestic geological accident, it is still a relatively unknown corner for the general public.

Perhaps that is precisely what gives its charm: the feeling of having discovered a secret shared only by those who are encouraged to travel that hidden path between forests and meadows, until it is planted before a stone arch that has challenged centuries of wind, rain and snow. A very curious natural accident, yes. But also, without a doubt, a place to remember.

The window: a natural sculpture in the heights

The window is located in the Natural Park of Ojo Guareña, a protected space that houses one of the most important karst complexes in Europe. There, the erosion of the wind, the water and the passage of time have sculpted an arc of impressive dimensions. With about 20 meters high and about 30 meters wide, this structure rises over the valley like a gigantic window to heaven.

What makes it even more impressive is not only its size, but its location. It is located on the ridge of a hill that allows walkers to enjoy dream panoramic views. If you are lucky or are attentive to the forecasts of time, on clear days, the vision from the window is a visual show that combines the abrupt relief with the softness of the forests and meadows that surround it.

An accessible and beauty tour

The hiking route that leads to the window is as attractive as the destination itself. It is a circular path of about 11 kilometers, of low difficulty, which makes it suitable for most hikers, including the little ones or those with little mountain experience.

The most common beginning part of the Alto de la Cocha. From there, the road runs between landscapes full of holm oaks, with sections that alternate the shadow of the forest and open areas with spectacular views. During spring and autumn, the colors of the landscape multiply the beauty of the environment, with a combination of green, ocher and gold that accompanies the hiker until reaching the long -awaited natural arch.

As the path is advanced, the soft Lomas del Sur of the Sotoscueva Valley give way to an imposing rocky cut, where the window emerges. Through its opening, a privileged view of the Somo mountains and some towns of the nearby Merindad de Valdeporres is obtained.

Very close to this place, the place of the Dulla channels, a natural framework of ravines and throats that are intersecting. This geological labyrinth can be traveled following the PRC-BU 33 path, an ideal option for those who wish to expand the experience and further explore the environment.

To complete the day, it is advisable to return to the Alto de la Cocha and, from there, visit two of the most emblematic places of the Natural Park of Eye Guareña: the sink of the Guareña River and the Hermitage of San Bernabé. Both are part of the karst system of the area and are essential visits to understand the natural and cultural wealth of the environment.

Practical tips for the path

Although the route is not especially demanding, it is advisable to wear adequate footwear, especially in rainy times, since some sections can become slippery. In summer, a cap and sun protection are essential. The stretch to the window is quite exposed and there are hardly any places where one can protect itself from the sun's rays. Therefore, it is also advisable to bring water and some food to replace strength, since on average they usually take about three to four hours to complete the route.

Finally, it should be taken into account that we are in a protected natural environment. So remember that there is respecting the signaling, not leaving garbage and avoiding leaving the marked path to protect both the flora and the fauna of the place.

A jewel of geological and cultural heritage

The window is not the only striking geological accident. The Eye Guareña also has more than 110 kilometers of underground galleries, caves and calcareous formations. Therefore, the area has been subject to multiple scientific, geological and archaeological studies.

And if you needed any more reason to make an escape from Guiseña, a short distance from the window is access to the San Bernabé cave, another point of interest within the natural park. This cave combines natural and heritage values, since inside are prehistoric remains and a rock hermitage dedicated to the saint that gives it its name.

Fauna, flora and tranquility

The windon environment is also a biodiversity refuge. Along the way it is possible to see raptors such as the grown vulture or the alimoche, which cross the sky with authentic majesty. In the forests that surround the path, roams, wild boars and small mammals inhabit, while the vegetation has an interesting variety of species adapted to the mountain climate.

What highlights, however, is the peace that reigns in place. Even on weekends or in high season, the window path is rarely saturated. It is a perfect destination for those looking for nature without agglomerations.