November 8 Guided hike close to the Caravaca village of La Encarnación

Historic and prehistoric sites on a relatively gentle route in the Caravaca countryside

The 2026-27 D’Ruta series of hikes based in Caravaca de la Cruz continues on Sunday 8^th November with another fairly easy route, appropriate for those without much mountain hiking experience, around the historic village of La Encarnación.

Human beings were present in or close to La Encarnación in the early stages of their migration into Europe from Africa, and one of the first stops on this hike is the Cueva Negra in the gorge of the River Quípar, where in 1990 a team of archaeologists discovered the remains of hominids dating back 400,000 years, belonging to Homo Heidelbergensis (a forerunner of Neanderthal Man).

Also included are the remains of the “Cueva del Rey Moro” (Cave of the Moorish King), an interesting fortification looking out over the communications route which led to the Islamic Kingdom of Andalucia, the source of the Lavaderos stream and Cerro Ermita.

In all, the distance covered is approximately 13.5 km with hust 354 metres of climbing and descent.

Registration is open from the Monday prior to the event at 9.00 via the SPORTTIA app, and costs 7 euros for those who do not belong to the mountaineering federation of Murcia.

For more local news, events and visiting information contact the local tourist office (telephone 968 702424) or go to the home page of Caravaca Today.