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Well of the Fumes
A natural space carved for years by the Uces River
Difficulty-Medium
1:00 h.
3.8 km.
A natural space carved for years by the Uces River
Difficulty-Medium
1:00 h.
3.8 km.
One of the most spectacular and unique waterfalls in Spain can be found in the province of Salamanca, in the territory comprising the Arribes del Duero Natural Park. Sharing or rather acting as a natural border between the municipalities of Masueco and Pereña de la Ribera, the Well of the Fumes owes part of its deserved fame to the unique spray cloud that sometimes envelops it.
The route, or rather the routes that reach the Well of the Fumes start either from Masueco, or from Pereña de la Ribera, being 2.2 km one and 3.8 km the other respectively, provided that we can access with our vehicle to the areas enabled as parking. The special environmental value of this natural area, home to black storks or vultures among other birds that choose the inaccessible walls that imprison the Duero and its tributaries, along with various plant species such as holm oaks, junipers or gall oaks to name a small representation, requires special protection for this to remain a corner of great ecological value.
These two possible routes allow us to contemplate the waterfall that motivated in Miguel de Unamuno known thoughts, from different perspectives. The Pereña viewpoint offers a complete view of the Well of the Fumes and its surroundings, while the Masueco viewpoints overlook the ravine through which the waters of the Uces River fall, which, depending on their flow, project the characteristic curtain of water that gives the name to this singular waterfall. A waterfall of approximately 50 m of fall formed in reality by two, the one known as the Well of the Cows and the Well of the Fumes and that without place to doubt is one of the essential places to visit in the Natural Park of the Arribes del Duero.
Legend has it that a few centuries ago, there was a mill by the river whose ruins can still be seen today. To reach this mill, a young cart driver used to follow the steepest route, thus shortening the route to a great extent. The young man, in order to make more trips and disregarding the advice of the other carters, would descend the steep slope that separated him from the riverbed, passing by a colossal waterfall whose verticality left no one indifferent. One fine day, the miller and his fellow carters were surprised by the young man's late arrival and decided to set out in search of him. Following the river bed, they reached the waterfall and what was their surprise when the deafening murmur of the water came in and the distressing roar of some cattle could be heard. As they approached, they were amazed to discover that a new well had emerged on the side of the waterfall. The cattle and the cart were safe there, but the young man was never heard from again.
Masueco and Pereña de la Ribera are linked by road as well as with the town of Trabanca. You can also reach Masueco from Vitigudino by following the SA-314 road or from the nearby Mieza and La Zarza de Pumadera roads. Once there, both in Pereña de la Ribera and in Masueco, we will find the pertinent signs that will guide us to the parking areas set up on both sides of the Well of the Fumes. The paths that lead to them are usually in relatively good condition, although it is not strange to pass some areas that are somewhat decomposed due to the torrents that are formed on rainy days.
Interesting tour in which we must consult, before venturing out, the restrictions or limitations that are in force during the period chosen for the visit.
Without water points, it is not advisable that we allow our partner to take a dip in the pools that precede the waterfall.
It is important, given the high ecological value of the area, that we contribute to respecting the flora and fauna of the place, so our friend must be tied up at all times.
This town in the province of Salamanca is one of the access points that will allow us to enjoy the Well of the Fumes. In the middle of Pereña de la Ribera we will find the informative signs that indicate the way we should follow, which we can travel, if we so decide, with our vehicle avoiding us this way 3 Km approximately of anodyne earth track.
Later on we will come across the first of the two parking areas set up on this side of the Well of the Fumes. Depending on the time of year and the influx of visitors this will be our starting point.
Ahead of us lies a quiet journey following the perfect path that brought us here. There will not be many crossroads that we will leave behind and we should have no problem knowing which way to go.
After a while, for those who have to walk this section of the path, we will reach the next parking area and the end of the path that led us to it.
All that remains is to follow the signs and the narrow path that descends to the spectacular viewpoint that awaits us. A path that reaches its end at the same time as a wide plateau extends before us from where, with caution, we can enjoy the Well of the Fumes in all its breadth.
All that remains is for us to retrace our steps and drive to the other access point to this natural area, the town of Masueco.
This slope must allow us to get close to the heart of this famous waterfall. From Masueco, where we will find the signs that will guide us to it, start the routes that we must follow, and there are two these routes, one if we want to arrive with our vehicle and another if we are going to do it walking, this last one more advisable in periods of maximum affluence of people.
In any case, both are joined again shortly before starting the rapid descent that will take us to the Well of the Fumes. The small car park where we have to get rid of our vehicle marks the beginning of the stretch with the greatest unevenness.
A zigzagging path that loses height quickly while allowing us to intuit the natural landscape that awaits us.
Once we have overcome the unevenness, and left behind the few detours, all of which are duly signposted with information signs restricting the passage, we will arrive at the Well of the Fumes. Here we will find some unique viewpoints that allow us to look at the vertical waterfall.
After enjoying this conditioned place only remains the not inconsiderable task of returning to our starting point to end this trekking route in the province of Salamanca.
Distance. 3.8KmDepending on our starting point, this figure may increase considerably.
Time. 1:00hThis is more than ever a very approximate figure since we are facing a route with multiple possible variations that we will have to take into account in order to calculate how long it will take us to cover it.
Time of yearLike any waterfall, the flow that accompanies it will condition its spectacularity and this is no different. Another point to take into account is the limitations and restrictions on access at certain times of the year.
Required equipmentIt is important that we are equipped with adequate footwear because although the route does not cover complicated areas, its apparent lack of difficulty could make us fall into the trap of walking it with sandals or street shoes. It is also important to take some water with us, as it will be necessary, especially in summer. Consult our list of material and equipment for hiking. Read more.
Difficulty. MediumPhysical
This is undoubtedly the section that contributes most to the difficulty. We are facing a simple route but in which we have to face some hard ramps to return to the starting point if this is the slope that leaves Masueco. Another factor to take into account is the variation in the distance we may suffer if we cannot get close to the parking areas with our vehicle.
Severity of the environment
There are numerous signs that warn us of the restrictions on passage and also advise us not to leave the marked routes. It is important to pay attention to them both out of respect for the flora and fauna that inhabit the place and to avoid exposing ourselves to steep cliffs and steep terrain.
Orientation
Perfectly signposted and with its well-defined layout, thanks to the tracks and paths it follows, we should not encounter any complications in this section, beyond locating the accesses to the routes in the respective localities.
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| 1-Parking | 0:00h | 638m | 0Km | 29T 705125 4566444 |
| 2-Parking 2 | 0:15h | 577m | 1.6Km | 29T 703810 4566373 |
| 3-Viewpoint of the Well of the Fumes | 0:20h | 642m | 1.9Km | 29T 703723 4566105 |
| 4-Parking | 1:00h | 638m | 3.8Km | 29T 705125 4566447 |
| 5-Parking | 0:00h | 592m | 0Km | 29T 703249 4565680 |
| 6-Well of the Fumes | 0:10h | 445m | 1.1Km | 29T 703645 4565765 |
| 7-Parking | 0:35h | 592m | 2.2Km | 29T 703249 4565682 |
Coordinates UTM Datum WGS84
Slope: 280m
Slope +: 140m
Slope -: 140m
Maximum altitude: 638m
Minimum altitude: 542m
This sketch of the route is not made to scale nor does it contain all the information relating to the area, it is merely indicative.
This schematic with the path is approximate and has been created from the derived cartographic base © Instituto Geográfico Nacional "Cuadrante 422-4, 25.000"
Senditur has manipulated the tracks to correct the aberrant points that may exist, caused by problems with the reception of the GPS signal. In any case the tracks are always approximate. SENDITUR encourages you to use the new technologies within your reach, using them as support and consultation in your activity, not basing the realization and orientation of the same only and exclusively on them, since they may see their functioning altered by very diverse causes, not functioning correctly and their indications may not be precise.
El Pozo de los Humos es una preciosidad, si tienes la suerte de verlo cuando baja bien de agua todavía más. Pero aun así merece la pena visitar el mirador y aprovechar para ver otros sitios cercanos.
Star-shaped fortress, eternal watchtower of the Portuguese lands
¿Did you know that...
The Natural Park of the Arribes del Duero includes within its extension territory of the provinces of Salamanca and Zamora, in addition to being a natural border between Spain and Portugal on whose side is its Portuguese counterpart called the International Duero Natural Park. The name of Arribes is taken from the word lions that serve to name the steep walls, jumps that are located on both sides of the river.
Don't miss out...
Once you are in Pereña de la Ribera, visit the Well of Airón. This is a beautiful waterfall less known than the Well of the Fumes but has great attractions to discover. It is accessed from the same Pereña de la Ribera and as with the Well of the Fumes must travel a stretch of path to reach the parking area from which the real route begins.
From the commitment of SENDITUR with Nature and the respect to the balance of the environment, SENDITUR urges you to travel in a responsible way, with low environmental impact and respecting at all times the Natural, Cultural and Social environment wherever you go.
Besides sharing with all of us your experience on the route we would be grateful if you could write to us to inform us of any erroneous or outdated information you may have found, or simply to let us know what you think at Thank you.
This route has been carried out in the field by SENDITUR on 06-07-2018. The route may vary greatly depending on the time of year, weather conditions and terrain, as well as the actions of third parties and the evolution suffered in the natural environment where it is located. All opinions, advice and/or assessments made by SENDITUR in their descriptions are for guidance only and are subject to and/or refer to the specific conditions of the specific day of the route, referring to that specific day, taken from trained people, with the appropriate experience and with a high level of physical and technical preparation as a reference, as well as correctly equipped.
All the times are approximate and take an orientative character, the stops have not been taken into account, no matter how small they are. All the information related to the route, texts, images, videos, maps, diagrams, tracks, towns, and places of tourist interest are published as a guide, and may not coincide with the current state of each place. Before undertaking any activity, assess your technical knowledge, your physical condition, find out about the weather and the variations that the route may undergo, equip yourself correctly, be prudent and responsible at all times, and do not exceed your capabilities. SENDITUR is not responsible for any misuse or inappropriate use of the comprehensive guides of its routes and/or publications as well as its electronic guides, nor for any variations in their descriptions for the aforementioned reasons, and recommends that everyone be responsible and prudent in carrying out the activity. We also encourage you to read books and specialised guides to complement the information described above.
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