How to visit the Hoces del Duratón (Segovia) and how to see griffon vultures

On an excursion through towns of the Segovia province, near Pedraza y Sepúlveda, There is a natural area that is well worth a visit: the Hoces del Duratón.

In fact, it is one of the most visited corners during the weekends, specifically, the area where the Hermitage of San Frutos.

But in addition to this heritage corner, a great attraction that this place in the city has Segovia province is to be able to see a very important colony of griffon vultures.

Hoces del Río Duratón Natural Park

El Hoces del Río Duratón natural park  It extends for about 5.000 hectares following the course of the river from the aforementioned town of Sepúlveda until Burgomillodo reservoir.

There are 27 kilometers in which the duraton river It runs through a canyon that has been opened between the limestone rock terrain, although there are two sections of meanders that give the sickles their name.

You can see the first section in the town of Sepúlveda, specifically in the viewpoint next to the Church of Our Lady of La Peña, one of the corners that you should visit in said Segovian town.

The other section is the most famous and visited of the park, that of the aforementioned place of the Hermitage of San Frutos.

Following the course of the Duratón River, you can do the Romanesque churches route in the section included between the towns of Duratón and Fuentidueña., among which highlighting the Romanesque church of Our Lady of Duratón.

Hoces Duratón Park House in Sepúlveda

Before your visit I inform you that the interpretation Center known as Hoces del Duratón Park House It is located in the same town of Sepúlveda,

Specifically, you have to look for it in the building of the old church of Santiago, where you can request all the information you need for your excursion.

In this center you can also see an exhibition area where you delve into the characteristics of the river bed, the escarpments and cliffs where the nests of the birds are located. griffon vultures, and the moorland area that extends through the park.

The Hours of the Hoces del Duratón Park House They are, in the mornings, from 10 a.m. to 15 p.m., and in the afternoons, from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m., although they vary depending on the time of year, so we advise you check the schedule when you go to visit him.

Of course, keep in mind that this interpretation center closes on Mondays and Tuesdays.

What to see in Hoces del Duratón: San Frutos Hermitage and griffon vultures

Subsequently, arrive by car to the Hermitage of San Frutos, which is located about 9 kilometers west of Sepúlveda, will take you about 20 minutes.

Of course, I can tell you that the last stretch is a dirt track in not very good condition that ends in a parking area.

From there you will have to walk about 20-25 minutes to the place of the Hermitage of San Frutos., from where you can now see the griffon vultures.

As you approach you should look out San Frutos viewpoint, from where you have the best panoramic views of the meander that the duraton river form in this enclave, and where the image of the hermitage takes on great prominence.

After descending along a gentle path you will reach the hermitage, which is located in an imposing location in the meander of the river.

It is actually the old St. Frutus Priory, an ancient monastic complex that was built in the year 1100 after the transfer of the king alfonso al monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos.

It is said that the Segovian saint fruits, current patron saint of Segovia, lived in the middle of the 6th century in a hermitage that already existed in that place.

Now when you arrive at the old monastic complex of the priory you will find the romanesque church and remains of its other departments.

To get to the site you will cross a stone bridge built in 1757, which spans a crack in the ground about which there is a legend, and you will pass by some stone tombs of the High Middle Ages.

Where to see griffon vultures in Hoces del Duratón

Finally, from the meadow that opens in front of the hermitage and overlooks the canyon is where you can see the griffon vultures whose nests are located in the gorges that form the meander.

It is worth sitting for a while in said meadow, as many people who visit the place do, to contemplate its flight.

In short, the visit of the Hermitage of San Frutos It is a pleasant walk in which you can enjoy the very beautiful natural enclave of the Hoces del Duratón.

Map: how to get to Hoces del Duratón and Ermita de San Frutos

The natural enclave of the Hoces del Duratón and Hermitage of San Frutos It is located a little less than half an hour from the town of Sepúlveda, in the Pprovince of Segovia, from where you will arrive via a dirt track.

Photos of the Hoces del Duratón

Here you have more photos of the natural area of ​​Hoces del Duratón and its Romanesque hermitage.