Ruta de Agua & Peña Cortada Hike from Valencia: Roman Aqueduct Day

Summary

Explore the Roman Aqueduct Trail near Calles and Chelva

If you want to walk ancient Roman paths, see mountain views most tourists miss, and enjoy good company (plus coffee breaks), this hike from Valencia is worth your day.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Valencia always feels a bit cooler when you know you're heading out of town. We met up at nine sharp—some folks still yawning, others already buzzing about the day ahead. The drive out to Calles took just over an hour, winding past orange groves and sleepy villages. By the time we rolled into Calles, the sun was peeking over the rooftops. Our guide suggested a quick stop at Bar El Puente for coffee—honestly, their café con leche hit the spot. If you skipped breakfast, there’s usually a fresh pastry or two behind the counter.

Walking out of Calles, you can smell wild herbs crushed underfoot—rosemary mostly—and hear birds flitting through olive trees. The Ruta de Agua trail is gentle at first, following a bubbling stream toward Chelva. We passed a couple of locals tending their gardens; one waved as we went by. In Chelva, we grabbed seats on a sunny terrace (I recommend trying the homemade lemonade) and let our legs rest for a bit while swapping stories with our guide about local legends.

The real highlight comes after Chelva: Peña Cortada. You can’t miss it—the aqueduct slices straight through solid rock, 22 meters high and 26 long. Our guide explained how Romans carved eleven tunnels here, some barely wide enough for two people to squeeze through shoulder-to-shoulder. It’s cool inside those tunnels—even on a warm day—and every so often you catch glimpses of mountains through windows cut in the stone. I remember pausing in one tunnel just to listen; all you hear is your own footsteps echoing back.

The loop brings you back to Calles by late afternoon. There’s always time for a cold beer or glass of wine before piling back into the car for Valencia. Everyone seemed relaxed—muddy boots, tired smiles, someone joking about counting steps on their watch. It felt good to be outside all day with new friends and old stones for company.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hiking Ruta de Agua and Pena Cortada

• Meet and drive to Calles, coffee break
• Stroll Ruta de Agua from Calles to Chelva, terrace break
• Hike to Pena Cortada Roman aqueduct
• Return to Calles, enjoy drink before departure

Top questions

How difficult is the Ruta de Agua and Peña Cortada hike?

The trail is mostly easy with some moderate sections near the aqueduct tunnels. You should feel comfortable walking several hours but no technical skills needed.

Is breakfast included?

A morning coffee or tea is included when we arrive in Calles; if you need breakfast there are snacks available at the café but not included in the price.

What should I bring?

Comfortable walking shoes, water bottle, sun protection (hat/sunscreen), and maybe a light snack for along the way are recommended.

Will the tour run if it rains?

No—the hike only runs in good weather for safety reasons. If it's cancelled due to bad weather you'll get a full refund or can reschedule.

What’s included

Your morning coffee or tea is covered when we stop in Calles. A friendly local guide leads the way all day—just bring comfy shoes and your sense of adventure!