Huertas Malas
The alternative route to Uritorco, with waterfalls, the Cueva del Ermitaño and streams. Less traveled and wilder.
Huertas Malas is a hidden gorge on the slopes of Uritorco, nestled between the hillsides of Cerro Overo and the eastern wall of the mythical mountain, in Capilla del Monte. Crossed by two streams, it offers lush, humid vegetation: forests of molles covered in old man's beard, ferns and willows contrasting with huge rock walls. It is one of the most beautiful and least crowded trekking routes in the Sierras Chicas. The route starts at La Toma resort and adds as attractions the Cascada de las Golondrinas, about 15 meters high, and the Cueva del Ermitaño, a shelter under a large rock steeped in legend. The trail combines climbs, a marked descent and technical sections over wet terrain, ideal for those seeking nature, water and silence away from the traditional tourist circuit.
What makes this place unique
- Cascada de las Golondrinas, about 15 meters high
- Cueva del Ermitaño, a rock shelter with local legends
- Humid forest of molles with old man's beard, ferns and willows
- Stone walls that enclose the Huertas Malas stream
- Views of Cerro Uritorco from the slopes of Cerro Overo
A bit of history
The name of the cave refers to the Cueva del Ermitaño, a shelter built under a large rock as an overhang, closed with a stone wall set in mud and with a door. According to local legends, a solitary man lived there for about twenty years, going down to Capilla del Monte to offer dried fruits in exchange for clothes and other food. The site holds numerous stories and myths. The ravine itself is part of the mountain environment of Uritorco, a hill associated with esoteric traditions of the area.
URI's tips
It is an alternative and less traveled route than the classic ascent to Uritorco. Access to the gorge involves a steep and at times wet descent, where you may need to use your hands; it is not dangerous, but it presents some technical difficulty. Leave early to avoid the heat and have margin of daylight hours. Going with a guide is highly recommended due to scarce signage.
What to bring
Plenty of water, food and snacks, sunscreen, hat, trekking shoes with good grip and comfortable clothing. Take your trash back and respect the environment. It's useful to have a GPS track due to scarce signage.
This is what Huertas Malas looks like
How to get to Huertas Malas
4.5 km from downtown Capilla del Monte. About 10 to 15 minutes by car to the La Toma bathing resort.
From the center of Capilla del Monte you go to the La Toma bathing resort, about 4.5 km away, on the slopes of Uritorco. The trail starts there, following a good part of the road that leads to the Los Alazanes Dam: in the first few minutes you climb up Cuesta del Toro and then take a detour to descend into the ravine. The full route is around 10 to 13 km round trip. Signage is scarce, especially from Cerro Overo, so it is recommended to go with a guide or with a GPS track.
Hiking routes around Huertas Malas
Data from the Wikiloc community. Always check conditions and entry hours.
What everyone asks
Is a guide necessary to go to Huertas Malas?
It is not mandatory in all cases, but it is highly recommended. Signage is scarce, especially from Cerro Overo, and there are several local operators that offer guided tours.
How difficult is the trekking?
It is of moderate to high difficulty. It includes climbs, a marked descent to enter the gorge, and technical sections over wet terrain where you sometimes need to use your hands.
Where does it start and how long does it take?
It starts at La Toma resort, about 4,5 km from the center of Capilla del Monte. The round trip takes between 4 and 5 hours and can be extended to two days camping.
