Source of the Guadalquivir at Canada de las Fuentes
The Guadalquivir rises in the Sierra de Cazorla, in a mountain valley known as Canada de las Fuentes, at around 1,350 metres above sea level. Several springs and streams come together here, forming the upper reaches of the river. The place officially marked as its source is reached by a short path from the car park: a spring at the foot of a rocky outcrop, with a plaque marking the birthplace of one of Andalusia's great rivers.
From Cazorla, you do not reach the source via the Tranco reservoir or the River Borosa. Instead, take the A-319 into the sierra, pass the Empalme del Valle junction and continue towards the Puente de las Herrerias. From the bridge, you can either walk the roughly eleven-kilometre track alongside the young river or continue by car to the Canada de las Fuentes picnic area and walk the final stretch to the spring.
The picnic area has stone tables, a fountain, parking and a children's play area. Several walks start nearby, including the route to the source, the gorge and the ancient yews. There are also longer routes towards the meadows of Navahondona and Pico Cabanas, the highest point of the Sierra del Pozo at more than 2,000 metres. It is a peaceful mountain setting among black pines where the Guadalquivir begins its long journey towards Cordoba and Seville.
*The flow of the spring varies considerably. After a prolonged dry period it may be little more than a trickle, while after rain or snowmelt the water can be much stronger. Conditions on the forest track can also change with the weather.
The official source of the Guadalquivir
The point officially identified as the source is reached by a short walk from the Canada de las Fuentes picnic area. A 250-metre pedestrian path leads from the recreation area to the spring. The water emerges through fissures in the limestone and calcareous rock, although the exact point at which the Guadalquivir begins is not entirely clear: several springs contribute to the river's early flow.
The Romans knew the river as the Baetis, while its Arabic name gave rise to the modern Guadalquivir, meaning "Great River". At Canada de las Fuentes, however, it is still a small mountain stream flowing through a landscape of black pine, ash, maple and hawthorn. The plaque marks the place traditionally recognised as the river's official source rather than suggesting that all its water emerges from a single spring.
The walk from the car park is short and suitable for a family visit. You do not need specialist hiking equipment for this stretch, although footwear with good grip is advisable, particularly if the rocks are wet.
Walks from Canada de las Fuentes
Valley of the ancient yews
Near the picnic area, a barrier prevents vehicles from continuing along the track and a sign marks the Sendero de los Tejos Milenarios, the trail to the ancient yews. The route is linear, with a little over 1.2 kilometres each way, and takes about an hour at an easy pace. It climbs gently through pine woodland, moss and hawthorn towards a small clearing where several ancient yews grow.
The yew is an evergreen tree with a long history in Europe. Its seeds are poisonous, while its strong, flexible wood was traditionally used for bows and other objects. Some of the yews in this area are believed to be more than a thousand years old. Stay on the marked path and avoid touching or damaging the trees, as their roots lie close to the surface.
Gorge of Canada de las Fuentes
About a kilometre from the forest house, a path turns right towards the gorge, passing through an area of hawthorn and maple and beneath some impressive black pines. The surrounding woodland is good habitat for wildlife, and fallow deer can sometimes be seen, particularly in quieter periods. Red deer and mouflon may also be spotted on the rocky slopes.
The walk is relatively short and shaded, making it a pleasant option after visiting the source. It is a separate route from the climb towards Pico Cabanas.
Meadows of Navahondona
If you follow the forest track towards Pozo Alcon for around two kilometres, a path branches off towards the Prados de Navahondona shortly before the Pino de las Tres Cruces. The meadows provide an open mountain landscape and a good place to stop for a picnic. There is no summit to climb, so this is an easy way to extend your visit without committing to a longer mountain route.
Pico Cabanas
Pico Cabanas rises above 2,000 metres and is the highest point of the Sierra del Pozo. From the source, follow the track towards Pozo Alcon for around 2.5 kilometres to the Pino de las Tres Cruces, where the route towards the viewpoint begins. The forest track continues for roughly ten kilometres towards the higher ground, with a longer and more demanding walk if you want to reach the summit.
This is a full-day mountain excursion rather than a short walk from the picnic area. The higher sections have less shade and the altitude makes the route considerably more demanding than the walk to the source or the ancient yews.
How to reach Canada de las Fuentes
From Cazorla, take the A-319 towards the Tranco reservoir. At the Empalme del Valle junction, follow the sign for the source of the Guadalquivir. After about four kilometres, cross the river and turn right beyond the bridge towards the Puente de las Herrerias, following the JF-7092. From there, continue along the forest track for roughly eleven kilometres to the Canada de las Fuentes picnic area. For information on travelling from Malaga to Cazorla, see the Cazorla guide.
Car hire: the flexible option
Having a car in Cazorla gives you the flexibility to visit the source in the morning and continue to the Puente de las Herrerias or other parts of the sierra afterwards. The final eleven kilometres are on a forest track, so a vehicle with good ground clearance can be more comfortable.
Hire a car at Malaga Airport
Taxi or private transfer
A private transfer can take you from Malaga Airport or the Costa del Sol to your hotel or campsite in Cazorla. If you are not hiring a car, you can also arrange a return taxi trip to Canada de las Fuentes or the Puente de las Herrerias.
Book a taxi
*No credit-card details or advance payment are needed to request a quote. Cancellation is free. Book ahead in high season to avoid price rises and to secure the car you need.
Other options
Coaches reach Cazorla from Ubeda and Jaen and, with a change, from Malaga or Granada. Details of the journey from Malaga are included in the Cazorla guide. Public transport does not follow the forest track from the Puente de las Herrerias or stop at Canada de las Fuentes. Without your own vehicle, the practical option is to stay in Cazorla and arrange a taxi for the return journey.
