The Pozo de los Humos is, without a doubt, one of the most spectacular jewels of the Arribes del Duero Natural Park. Arribes del Duero Natural Park. This imposing waterfall, formed by the river Uces, is the perfect place for nature lovers, photography and hiking. Here we tell you everything you need to know to enjoy this magical place to the fullest.

What is the Smoke Pit and where does its name come from?

The Pozo de los Humos is an impressive waterfall of more than 50 meters high, formed by the waters of the Uces River, a tributary of the Duero. Its name comes from the visual effect that the falling water creates when it crashes against the rocks: a kind of cloud or “smoke” of water vapor that rises and envelops the place. This phenomenon is especially visible in times of greater flow, such as in spring or after days of heavy rains.

The relationship with Miguel de Unamuno

El Pozo de los Humos is not only a place of great natural beauty, but also a source of literary inspiration. The writer and philosopher Miguel de Unamuno, one of the great references of Spanish literature, visited this place and was deeply moved by its majesty. In his writings, Unamuno described with admiration the force of the water falling into the Pozo de los Humos, reflecting in his words a mixture of awe and respect for this place full of symbolism.

Unamuno was a great lover of the landscapes of Castilla y León, and in his travels through the region he sought to connect with the purest and most natural essence of the land. In the Pozo de los Humos he found a perfect metaphor for the strength of nature and the insignificance of human beings in the face of its power. His poetic descriptions have contributed to give visibility to this corner of the Arribes del Duero, making it not only a tourist destination, but also a place with a deep cultural and literary value.

If you visit the Pozo de los Humos, it is easy to imagine what Unamuno felt when contemplating the spectacle of the waterfall: a mixture of humility, inspiration and plenitude. This corner of the Arribes del Duero is not only a place to enjoy with the senses, but also to reflect, as did one of the great intellectuals of our history.

How to get to Pozo de los Humos from Camping Arribes del Duero?

If you stay at our campsite, the Pozo de los Humos is only 30 minutes away by car. The waterfall is located between the municipalities of Masueco de la Ribera and Pereña de la Ribera, both accesses are recommended, but offer different experiences.

1. Route from Masueco de la Ribera

Access by vehicle:

• From the center of Masueco, follow the signs to the Pozo de los Humos. The first stretch is a dirt road in good condition that allows access by car to a parking lot near the waterfall.

Walking route:

• Distance: Approximately 3 km (round trip).
• Duration: About 1 hour in total.
• Difficulty: Easy; suitable for children and people with moderate mobility. The last stretch is a steep slope with very rocky terrain.

Tour description:

From the parking lot, the trail is well marked and runs along a wide dirt road without steep slopes. Only at the end of the route there is a steep slope. Along the way, you will find information panels on the flora, fauna and geology of the area. The trail culminates in a series of viewpoints that offer spectacular views of the waterfall from its base.

Signaling and road conditions:

The path is clearly marked with signs indicating the direction to the waterfall. The road surface is mostly compact dirt, with some stony areas, but in general it is passable without difficulty.

Suitable for children:

Yes, this route is suitable for families with children due to its short distance.

2. Route from Pereña de la Ribera

Access by vehicle:

• From Pereña, follow the signs to Pozo de los Humos. As with the route from Masueco, you can drive along a dirt road to a parking lot near the trailhead.

Walking route:

• Distance: Approximately 3.8 km (round trip).
• Duration: About 1 hour and 15 minutes in total.
• Difficulty: Moderate; although it is suitable for children, caution is recommended due to some slopes and uneven terrain.

Tour description:

From the parking lot, the trail descends towards the Uces River, offering panoramic views of the surroundings. As you advance, the path narrows and presents some slopes. The route takes you to a viewpoint located at the top of the waterfall, offering a different and complementary perspective to that of the route from Masueco.

Signaling and road conditions:

The trail is well marked with signposts to guide visitors. The terrain is more uneven than the route from Masueco, with rocky areas and slopes that may require more attention.

Suitable for children:

Yes, but constant supervision is advised due to the characteristics of the terrain.

Both routes offer unique experiences and breathtaking views of the Pozo de los Humos. Depending on your preferences and physical condition, you can choose the one that best suits your needs or even combine both to get a complete perspective of this natural wonder.

When is the best time to visit the Pozo de los Humos?

When is the best time to visit the Pozo de los Humos?

The best time to visit the Pozo de los Humos depends on what you are looking for in your experience, but, without a doubt, the season that ensures the most impressive spectacle is spring and, to a lesser extent, winter, provided that the rains have been abundant. Here are some details to help you plan your visit:

Spring (March to May)

• Why visit: During the spring, the flow of the Uces River is usually at its highest thanks to winter rains and snowmelt. This ensures that the waterfall is impressive, forming a large cloud of steam that gives its name to the place. In addition, the landscape surrounding the waterfall is dressed in green, dotted with wildflowers that give a special charm to the area.
• Recommended for: Photography lovers, families and hikers who want to enjoy nature at its best.

Winter (December to February)

• Why visit: If it has rained recently, the Pozo de los Humos offers an equally spectacular experience. The volume of water and the force of the fall are impressive at this time of year, although the environment can be more arid.
• Recommended for: Those who seek a wilder landscape and enjoy the power of nature regardless of the weather.

Summer (June to September)

• Why avoid: During the summer months, the flow of the Uces River decreases considerably due to high temperatures and low rainfall. At times, the waterfall can even disappear, exposing the rocks.
• Recommended only for: Those who want to explore the trails regardless of the waterfall itself or prefer hiking activities with fewer visitors.

Autumn (October to November)

• Why visit: After the first autumn rains, the river begins to recover part of its flow. Although the waterfall is not usually as spectacular as in spring, the environment acquires ocher and golden tones that make the walk equally magical.
• Recommended for: Those seeking tranquility and unique landscapes.

The flow of the Uces River is not constant, so check the weather forecast and recent rainfall to make sure the flow is sufficient.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to combine the visit with other routes in the Arribes del Duero Natural Park, thanks to the pleasant temperatures and the most beautiful landscapes.

Practical advice for visitors

• Comfortable footwear: Wear hiking shoes, as the trails are uneven or slippery, especially after rain.
• Camera: El Pozo de los Humos is an incredible place to photograph.
• Respect the environment: Remember that you are in a protected area within the Arribes del Duero Natural Park. Do not leave garbage and respect the signs.
• These are routes that can be done with children.

Pozo de los Humos: Jewel of Arribes del Duero

The Pozo de los Humos is just one of the wonders you can discover in the Arribes de Duero Natural Park. Arribes del Duero Natural Parka protected area that is part of the Meseta Ibérica Transboundary Biosphere Reserve.

This park is known for its deep canyons, its Mediterranean microclimate and its unique biodiversity. Species such as orange, almond and olive trees thrive here, as well as holm oaks and native bushes. In spring, the almond trees in bloom offer a unique visual spectacle.

The fauna is another of its strong points, with birds such as the griffon vulture, the golden eagle and the black stork, which find in this environment a perfect refuge.

What other waterfalls to visit in the area?

If you want more, near the Pozo de los Humos you will find other waterfalls and points of interest:

• Pozo Airón (Pereña de la Ribera): A smaller waterfall, but equally charming.
• Cachón de Camaces and Cachón de la Diabla: Both located in Hinojosa de Duero, about twenty minutes by car from our campsite, it is ideal to complete your route through the Arribes.

An experience not to be missed

The Pozo de los Humos is more than a waterfall: it is a symbol of the strength and natural beauty of the Arribes del Duero. Its impressive waterfall, its wild environment and its rich history make it a must-see for visitors to the region.

From our campsite, you have the perfect opportunity to explore this wonder and other jewels of the Arribes del Duero Natural Park. We invite you to discover it and live an unforgettable experience in the middle of nature, we are waiting for you!