Skip to content
Routes passing by the campsites (Panzano, Yaso, Alquézar, Alquézar 2, Lecina and Rodellar) + tips for camping whilst on a cycling tour.
Are you a lover of adventure, nature and the freedom that cycling offers? At the Sierra y los Cañones de Guara Natural Park, we have the perfect plan for you: go camping by bike! The combination of cycling and camping gives you the chance to explore our stunning landscapes, connect with nature and enjoy the peace and quiet of the great outdoors. In this post, I’ll take you through everything you need to know to plan an exciting cycling and camping adventure.
Planning your route through the Sierra de Guara
Planning a route that combines cycling with an overnight stay at any of the campsites in Guara isn’t much different from planning any other trip. In this case, however, you do need to bear in mind that you won’t be able to take as much luggage as you would if you were travelling by car from hotel to hotel. All your luggage will have to travel with you from campsite to campsite, and this will determine how you get around the area.
First of all, before anything else, I recommend you choose the route. You should bear in mind the days available, your physical condition a15> and technical condition, and the places you will want to spend time in. It won’t be the same as if you intend to choose a single campsite as a base from which you move on to where you take a route lasting several days with everything packed. Here we know a lot about the the different routes through Guara, how to link some with others… So I suggest you take a look at the page to choose what you would like to see.
What to pack for a cycling trip through Guara
The equipment required depends on factors such as the weather, the time of year and the distances to be covered. As for clothing, I’d recommend taking 2 ‘cycling shorts’ and 2 ‘jerseys’ so you can wash them and have a change of clothes. This will mean you have to do the washing every day, but it won’t take up much more storage space. You can be a bit more generous with socks or undershirts, for example, as they’re in close contact with the body and don’t take up much space.
As well as the usual kit for any bike ride, you’ll need to bear in mind that you’ll be carrying your bed with you. If you choose to come to Guara and stay overnight in a tent, you can carry it in a rucksack or strapped across the back of your bike. If this is going to become a regular part of your routine and you don’t plan to ride over excessively technical terrain, carrying a trailer with your tent, sleeping bag, mat, spare clothes, head torch and some food will be the best option.
Food and water for cycling through Guara
Guara is a land of water and rock, but don’t be fooled. Summers can be scorching, and poor water planning could leave you in a tight spot. Fortunately, in all our suggested routes—which you can find on this very page—we highlight potential water sources. In this case, with all your gear on your back, it’s well worth filling your water bottles whenever you get the chance. Don’t skimp on weight by cutting back on water; it’s the worst possible idea. When it comes to food, you can be a bit more relaxed, as at the campsites in the Sierra y los Cañones de Guara Natural Park you can always count on a good meal to recharge your batteries.
Where to go
Below, I’ll suggest a few campsites you can use as a base, along with some interesting routes you can follow, using them as either a starting point or a destination. Remember to book your pitch in advance, as they fill up quickly during the high season. Similarly, make a reservation if you want to eat at any of the restaurants in the area, whether it’s the campsite’s own restaurant or any other.
Let’s start with a suggested route from the Cañones de Guara y Formiga campsite, located in Panzano. And here I’d suggest a great enduro route, which will take you past places such as the Cueva de las Polvorosas, the Arraro Chapel, the Cueva os Cambrons and the “La Casa del Buitre” natural history museum. It’s a 22-kilometre route, starting and finishing at the campsite, which is technically and physically demanding and will ensure you sleep as soundly at night as children do when they’re exhausted. Here is the link: https://bguara.com/ruta/enduro/virgen-de-arraro/
The first stage of the Tour de Guara cycle tour passes through Yaso, a town which is home to another of the possible stops I’m suggesting. This first stage starts in Colungo and finishes in Panzano, covering a distance of just over 43 kilometres. As the stages and their durations are merely a suggestion, you decide where to stop and where to rest. And you’ll have a great time at Camping Guara Altaoja. Here’s this magnificent stage, in case you fancy taking on the Tour de Guara: https://bguara.com/ruta/cicloturismo/travesia-cicloturista-tour-de-guara-etapa-1-colungo-panzano/
In Alquézar, I suggest two possible stops and, therefore, two routes. You can stop off and stay overnight either at Camping Río Vero or at Camping Alquézar. On our sister site https://bguara.com/establecimientos/alojamientos/, you can find these or other accommodation options, depending on where you want to go. The two routes I suggest in Alquézar are: firstly, the Guara loop on a mountain bike – as you can see, I’m still keen on long routes – https://bguara.com/actualidad-bguara/la-vuelta-a-guara-en-btt/
Or you could opt for a day trip, such as this one, which will give you an in-depth look at the Vero River Gorge: https://bguara.com/ruta/enduro/canon-del-rio-vero/
Lecina and its legendary Camping Lecina promise you unspoilt nature and a wonderful break, but also endless adventures, if that’s what you’re looking for. The hike to the Dolmen de las Balanzas, a technically demanding route of just under 25 kilometres, is a favourite among visitors to our neighbouring Zona Zero. It’s a circular route, has a bit of everything, and in 3–4 hours (times are approximate), it will leave you more than satisfied: https://bguara.com/ruta/enduro/dolmen-de-las-balanzas/
If what you want is to spend the night at the Puente Campsite, in Rodellar, you should visit the “Cathedrals of rock” on your bike: https://bguara.com/ruta/enduro/catedrales-de-roca/ . You’ll cycle through the stunning Mascún Gorge, amongst other places, as well as visiting some of the least-visited spots in the entire Sierra y los Cañones de Guara Natural Park.
Spectacular!
Whether you’re travelling with a rucksack, panniers or a bike trailer, be sure to pop in and see us.
