Peguerinos: The Mountainous Heart of Ávila at the Gates of the Capital

Peguerinos is one of those places that seem to be deliberately hidden on maps. Located in the easternmost part of the province of Ávila, on the border with Madrid and Segovia, this small municipality of just over 300 inhabitants is a real natural and cultural treasure. Just 69 km from Madrid, 48 km from Ávila and 18 km from El Escorial, it combines the tranquillity of a mountain village with its proximity to large cities, making it a perfect destination for weekend getaways or day trips. Surrounded by the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, its landscape is dominated by pine forests, mountains, lagoons and crystal-clear reservoirs. Here, nature sets the pace of life and visitors can enjoy scenic trails, historical sites and traditions that have been kept alive for generations.

The Legacy of Time and the Earth

The history of Peguerinos is not only written in its stones, but also felt in its surroundings. The municipality preserves traces of traditional architecture and a past that has seen Romans and other settlers come and go. However, its most recent and perhaps most brutal history is rooted in the events of the Civil War. The mountains of Peguerinos were the scene of battles and suffering, a place where the advance of a column of regulars and Falangists in 1936 left an indelible mark, with acts of violence that still echo in the stories of the town. The hiking trails offer a walk through the trenches of the war, a silent reminder of the brutality of the conflict and nature’s ability to reclaim what once belonged to humanity.

The village, with a population of almost 300 according to the latest census, has managed to maintain a delicate balance between modernity and tradition. The main centre, Peguerinos, has been given a facelift with its recently built square, church and town hall, where the brick-clad masonry and the large size of the town hall give it a curious grandeur. But for those seeking the purest essence, the hamlet of Hoyo de la Guija is a journey back in time. There, in its cobbled streets, the eye still lingers on a horseshoe, a silent testimony to a rural past that refuses to disappear.

A privileged enclave between mountains and lagoons

The landscape is the main attraction in Peguerinos. At an altitude of over 1,300 metres, the mountain climate defines everything. The winters are long, bringing frequent snowfalls that transform the landscape into a white canvas, while the summers are mild, offering a cool refuge from the heat of the plateau. The vast pine forests, which form the economic backbone of the municipality through the timber industry, stretch out in a green blanket that envelops everything, creating a rich and vibrant ecosystem that invites exploration.

Among its natural treasures are:

• La Aceña Reservoir (above in the photo): a perfect place for water bird watching, photographic walks or simply enjoying moments of calm by the water.
• Cañada Mojada Reservoir (below in the photo): ideal for fishing, picnics or relaxing days in the heart of nature.
• Peguerinos Lagoons: such as the Laguna del Campillo, very popular with hikers and wildlife watchers.
• Peña de Cenicientos: a granite rock formation offering spectacular views of the Sierra de Guadarrama and the nearby valleys.

It is not uncommon to find protected species such as the black stork or the Isabella’s swallowtail (Graellsia isabelae), this jewel of Iberian nature, considered one of the most beautiful in the world, was discovered in 1848 by Mariano de la Paz Graells, and since then has become a symbol of the good environmental health of the pine forests of the Sierra. The specific route that runs through its habitat, marked with a commemorative bronze plaque, is a pilgrimage for nature lovers and proof of the community’s commitment to its heritage.

A paradise for hikers and adventure seekers

For travellers looking for more than just a stroll, Peguerinos is a paradise of trails and routes. The altitude and terrain invite you to put on your boots and explore the trails, which connect with historical and natural sites of great beauty. The ascent to the Avantos Pass, which connects with El Escorial, or the route to the Puerto de Los Leones, offer spectacular views over the Valley of the Fallen and the entire region as far as Madrid.

The routes that start from the municipality are varied and suitable for all levels:

• Wolfram Mine Route: A walk that is a journey back in time, taking you to the remains of a mine that was vital during the Second World War.
• Arroyos Route: An easier, family-friendly route that follows the course of the streams that cross the pine forests.
• Alto del León Route: For the more adventurous, this trail offers panoramic views of the Sierra de Guadarrama.
• The path to the Cueva Valiente hill or the Abantos to Cabeza Lijar trail, which links three refuges.
• The specific route to the Naranjera refuge, which offers an unbeatable view of the Valle de los Caídos.
• The Isabelina Butterfly Route, which, in addition to its natural value, has a historical component.
• The walk between trenches, a route that recalls the harsh history of the area.

In winter, the snow does not stop the activity, but transforms it. The landscape becomes the perfect setting for sports such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, allowing a new way of exploring the environment.

Tradition, faith and celebration

The soul of a village is measured by its festivals, and Peguerinos, despite its size, celebrates its traditions with fervour. The festive calendar is marked by two important dates. In mid-August, in honour of the Virgin of the Assumption, the village is decked out for a patron saint’s festival that is a meeting point for locals and visitors alike. It is a time of devotion and joy, when the community comes together to honour its protector. The second celebration, on the first weekend of October, is in honour of the Virgin of the Rosary, patron saint of Peguerinos. Her devotion took root in the community following the Battle of Lepanto, and the faith of Saint Pius V, who called on all Christians to pray the rosary, lives on in the village, which commemorates the triumph of the Christians with a popular festival.

Beyond the religious aspect, the celebrations are an excuse to share and enjoy community life, and are often linked to the natural wealth of the surrounding area. Photography competitions, horse riding trails, mushroom hunting days (with the relevant permit) and hiking events are intertwined with the festive calendar, demonstrating that life in Peguerinos is a perfect symbiosis between nature and the people who inhabit it.

Where to stay in Peguerinos

In Peguerinos, accommodation is mainly focused on rural tourism. Here you won’t find large hotels or chains, but rather cosy rural houses and family-run accommodation surrounded by nature. This is precisely one of the great advantages of staying in the area: tranquillity and direct contact with the environment.

To help you plan your stay, here are some options if you are interested in staying in Peguerinos:

Flavours of the land

The cuisine of Peguerinos reflects its surroundings and traditions. Hearty dishes and authentic flavours warm the soul after a day of adventure. Roast lamb, with its tender and tasty meat, is one of the local delicacies. Castilian migas, with their wood-fired and country flavour, are a classic that never disappoints. Seasonal stews, made with fresh local produce, change with the rhythm of the seasons. And to take a little piece of Peguerinos home with you, there’s nothing better than its local products: pure honey from the mountains and artisan cured meats.

How to get there

• By car: from Madrid, take the A-6 to El Escorial and then local roads; from Ávila, take the N-403 and AV-P-308.
• By public transport: combination of train to San Lorenzo de El Escorial and bus to Peguerinos (check updated timetables).

Peguerinos, a destination that combines nature, history and proximity

Peguerinos, thanks to its location, history and people, is much more than just a dot on the map. It is a destination that weaves a connection between the most impressive nature and human beings. It is a place where the past coexists with the present and where tranquillity can be felt in every corner. It is living proof that sometimes the greatest treasures are hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered by those who dare to stray from the beaten track. Just an hour from Madrid, Peguerinos stands as the guardian of an essence, the mountainous heart of Ávila that beats with the force of history and the fresh breath of the mountains. Here is a selection of recommended items to make your trip to Peguerinos as practical and unforgettable as possible:

• Solar Powerbank
• Hat with Sun Protection 50
• Waterproof Hiking Boots
• Lightweight Backpack with Hydration Bag
• Folding Trekking Poles
• Breathable Raincoat

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