La Garganta de los Infiernos is the name of this place. When the name is translated into English it would mean Hell’s Gorge. Just the name is something that can stimulate the imagination of children. Suggest to them legends and stories of a magic place that is like paradise in the heart of valley of River Jerte (Valle del Jerte), always ready to be enjoyed by small children. This is a natural reserve in the province of Cáceres. It is located in a region of Spain that is west of Madrid and close to Portugal. This natural Reserve has more than 7000 hectares of protected nature. It extends through the municipalities of Tornavacas, Jerte, Cabezuela del Valle, at the north of Extremadura. It is an amusement park without cardboard and plywood, full of gorges, ponds, natural pools and puddles. The most famous ponds are the ones named Los Pilones that make bathing a unique experience when the weather is nice.
School visits to La Garganta de los Infiernos
In addition to the summer months, the Garganta de los Infiernos offers programs to children all year around during the school year, with guided tours around the Natural Reserve. These are activities held for school children, free of any charge, through a program called Conoce Extremadura (Meet Extremadura) that is being developed in cooperation with the Junta de Extremadura, which is the government of Extremadura. This is an opportunity to get to know places like the center for understanding water at Cabezuela, which is at the entrance of the Natural Reserve in Jerte. There, videos are constantly played to children to learn the importance of minding and using nature respectfully. Also, pedagogic panels are displayed to show children the wealth of the fauna and the flora at the Valle de Jerte (Valley of River Jerte).
Autum for kids at the Valley of River Jerte
The magic of fall that dresses with colors the Valle del Jerte, until winter sets-in, is another opportunity for children to come to la Garganta de los Infiernos. Thematic Week during this season is dedicated to the Natural Reserve and this includes numerous activities that children can enjoy with their schoolmates or with family.
During the week of the Natural Reserve of la Garganta de Los Infiernos, which is celebrated year after year, children can participate in ornithology and fishing workshops, they can be instrumental in releasing birds into their natural habitats, participate in activities related to fish farming. They can choose to enjoy the scenery on foot, or on horseback or with a bicycle. They can start learning about mushrooms as another option, if they accompany adults on mycological hikes. In addition the Grandparents of the Valley will be present to tell them stories that will no doubt fascinate children.
Don’t miss the opportunity of bringing your children to La Garganta de Los Infiernos during any season. Summer is good for bathing, autumn for discovering the colors of fall. Winter is to play in the snow. The best thing about spring is to get to see the cherry trees full of blossoms.
planVE, la guía de ocio del Norte de Extremadura
Original article by Pilar Armero
Translated by Susana Windt
La Garganta de los Infiernos es para niños
Published in November, 2015
