Mountain 14 km southwest of Villa del Carbón
A forested peak above the Presa del Llano with a spring, a waterfall and a summit viewpoint, climbed without technical gear.
The Peña de la Bufa is the high point that looms over the Presa del Llano, southwest of Villa del Carbón, in the conifer forests of the Sierra de Monte Alto. Local sources put its summit at around 3,400 meters, and the climb is the classic mountain day out for people staying around the reservoir.
The usual route follows a stream up from the area of the Presa del Llano. Along the way you pass the spring that feeds the stream and a waterfall, La Bufa's own cascade, and higher up a small cave known as the Cueva del Sapo. Above that, a dirt track leads to the rocky top, where the view opens over forest, valleys and the reservoir below. Most people loop back down to the water.
You do not need mountaineering experience, but you do need decent fitness and good footwear, since the trail is steep in places and the air is thin. The peak also draws mountain bikers, horse riders and people who come to rappel or camp. Many hikers sleep at the reservoir and start at dawn, when the weather is clearest and the forest is quiet.
What to see and do
Hike up the stream past the spring and La Bufa's waterfall.
Look for the small Cueva del Sapo on the way up.
Take in the view over the forest and the Presa del Llano from the summit.
Camp at the reservoir the night before and start at dawn.
Ride the forest tracks by mountain bike or on horseback.
Getting there
The peak is about 12 km southwest of Villa del Carbón; drive or take a taxi to the Presa del Llano, around 20 minutes, and start walking from there. Plan on most of a day for the round trip. Go with a local guide if you don't know the area, carry water and warm layers, and avoid the summit in afternoon storms during the rainy season.
14 km southwest of Villa del Carbón
Directions from Villa del Carbón on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather cool
Peña de la Bufa shares the climate of Villa del Carbón, 14 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec.
Make Villa del Carbón your base
Peña de la Bufa is an easy trip from Villa del Carbón, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Villa del Carbón
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Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.