Tabayón del Mongayu Waterfall

Route Description

The route to the Tabayón del Mongayu Waterfall is one of the great classics of hiking in Asturias. Its popularity is deserved: it combines a first-rate mycological and botanical tour with the spectacular nature of a waterfall that seems to emerge from nowhere in the middle of the mountain.

The path starts from Tarna, a town that preserves the rural essence of the area. After crossing the Nalón River, the path gains altitude between meadows until reaching Llanu’l Toru. Here, some enormous oak trees (rebollos) welcome us before entering the true treasure of the route: Mount Saperu.

This beech forest is one of the best preserved in the Cantabrian Mountains. Walking under its branches is a sensory experience, especially in autumn, when ochers and reds color the landscape. It is a privileged habitat for capercaillie and brown bear, so silence and respect are mandatory.

At the end of the forest, the valley opens up and the Tabayón del Mongayu appears before us. With its 60 meter drop, it is one of the highest and most beautiful waterfalls in the region, fed by the waters that come down from the Cuetos Negros.

💡 Practical Tips

• Best time: Autumn to see the forest in its maximum splendor, or spring to see the waterfall with its greatest flow.
• Terrain: The trail is easy, but there are sections with stones and mud. Wear appropriate footwear.
• Children: It is a route suitable for children used to walking, although the distance can be long.
• Protection: The beech forest is a special protection area. Don’t go off the marked path.

📸 Key Points

• The majesty of the Tabayón Waterfall.
• The colors and filtered light in the Beech Forest of Monte Saperu.
• The centuries-old oaks of Llanu’l Toru.
• The views of the valley from the high areas of the route.