ZAHARA CATUR When it was founded twelve years ago, this company became a pioneer in the development of active, educational and environmental tourism in the mountains of Cádiz. Today Zahara Catur operates from the Arroyomolinos Recreation Area: a 6-ha enclosure in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema. Amidst vegetable gardens and orchards, a small artificial lake has been created by diverting the course of the river that runs through the enclosure. On-site facilities — swimming and play areas, drinking water and cloakrooms — combined with the broad expanse of countryside provide the perfect setting in which to enjoy the various activities offered by the company all year round. Although Zahara Catur’s courses are designed principally for individual clients and school groups, they also offer an increasingly varied programme of team-building initiatives for businesses. Among their most popular activities are multi-adventure courses, 4WD itineraries, flying fox, archery, orienteering and canoeing, all of which include a picnic prepared from local produce. visitor services and activities • Walking. The principal itineraries on offer are the Spanish Fir forest (pinsapar) and the Garganta Verde, where the ‘Cabildo de las Buitreras’ (with 150 pairs of Griffon Vultures) can be found. Other interesting routes are the Llanos del Rabel, on the north face of the Sierra del Pinar, and the ascent of Torreón, the highest peak in the province of Cádiz. • School-group programmes. Holiday camps, including activities such as archery, environmental workshops, trekking and climbing, among others.
The itineraries devised by Zahara Catur visit some of the most interesting sectors of the park, such as the Garganta Verde and the Spanish Fir for-
est (pinsapar). One of the trademarks of the company is the extremely diverse range of activities it offers, such that it can operate all year round: walking, 4WD routes, horse trekking and — for more intrepid clients — canyoning, caving and canoeing. The medieval settlement of Zahara, which lies to the east of the present-day town, is well worth a visit: in this ancient encampment, Roman constructions designed to store and distribute water are interspersed with defensive structures dating from the Moorish period and notable Christian edifices such as the Mudejar church. The company also manages the Natural Park Visitor Centre in the modern-day village of Zahara. This three-storey building houses an exhibition and an audiovisual projection room, both of which offer a detailed analysis of the flora and fauna of this protected area. There is also a shop, offering artisan merchandise and produce of the region, such as pottery, organic oils, wines, leather goods and natural cosmetics. Material/equipment provided • Canoes (19) • 9-seater vehicle • 4WD vehicles • Specialised technical material
• 4WD itineraries. These routes can be adapted to suit the needs of each and every client and participants can even practise their off-road driving skills.
Languages English, German Open All year round
• Multi-adventure courses. Canoeing on the tranquil Zahara reservoir, canyoning in the Garganta Verde and an introduction to speleology in the Susto cave are just some of the more exciting activities offered by Zahara Catur. • Team-building activities for businesses. Several combinations of activities are possible, of variable duration. 4WD itineraries, flying fox and archery are the most popular. • Other itineraries. Horse-trekking routes of various lengths; sight-seeing tours in a 9-
seater vehicle, with stop-offs at various viewpoints and villages along the way and the option of sampling local produce; archaeological and historical tours, which include a visit to the medieval settlement of Zahara de la Sierra.
Official endorsements • Andalusia Natural Park Brand • Park Information Point Contact details Plaza del Rey, 3 11688 Zahara de la Sierra (Cádiz) Tel.: 956 12 31 14 / 657 92 63 94 / 657 92 63 04 centro@zaharacatur.com www.zaharacatur.com
SIERRA DE GRAZALEMA NATURAL PARK
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