It looks like Switzerland, but it's in Malaga: the hiking trail everyone wants to explore this autumn

Among the most captivating landscapes offered by the province of Málaga, the Copper Forest stands out as one of the main attractions of autumn in Andalusia. Its reddish, orange, and golden hues paint the valleys of the Serranía de Ronda, creating a natural scene that seems taken from an Alpine postcard. This area, formed by extensive chestnut groves that cover the villages of Alto Genal, invites you to explore some of the most beautiful trails in the province, including the circular route that connects Pujerra and Igualeja, a route that attracts hikers, photographers, and nature lovers every year.

The Copper Forest is one of the most well-known autumnal landscapes in Andalusia. Its name refers to the coppery color that the chestnut leaves acquire when the cold arrives, a phenomenon that completely transforms the environment. Between October and November, the paths of the Genal Valley are covered with dry leaves and the air smells of damp earth and wood, composing a scene reminiscent of the northern European forests.

The municipalities of Pujerra and Igualeja are among the most representative of this enclave. Both retain the charm of the white villages of the Serranía, with cobblestone streets, whitewashed facades, and a mountainous environment that gives them a unique beauty. Between them stretches a route of about 14 kilometers, which allows you to enjoy the chestnut groves in their full splendor and discover the rural essence of this Malaga region.

A circular route between Pujerra and Igualeja

The well-known Chestnut Route starts from the municipality of Pujerra, where it is possible to start the journey from the upper part of the town. The trail enters a mountain path that leads to the Pujerra to Estepona Road, a stretch that marks the beginning of the journey through the heart of the forest. The first part of the route runs through the Puerto del Madroño, a panoramic area from which the gentle undulations of the valley covered by the colorful blanket of chestnuts can be seen.

The path continues until reaching a junction that leads to the Puerto de Juan Agustín, where the sounds of the forest, the crunching of leaves, the murmur of the wind, and the song of birds accompany each step. At this point, the landscape opens up to show some of the oldest chestnut groves in the valley, with twisted trunks that bear witness to centuries of natural history.

Along the route, the trail crosses several sections where the ground is completely covered by leaves, creating a golden carpet that reflects the sunlight. After crossing the Seco river, the itinerary reaches the road that connects Igualeja and Pujerra, where a small asphalted section is covered before re-entering the trees. From here, there are about four kilometers left to return to the starting point, thus completing a circular route that combines nature, tradition, and silence.

A journey full of autumnal charm

The Chestnut Route of the Copper Forest is an itinerary of medium difficulty, with an approximate duration of four hours. Its gentle layout and visual beauty make it one of the most popular options to enjoy autumn in Málaga. The atmosphere changes as the day progresses: in the morning, the fog covers the valley with a light white layer, while at sunset, the sun's rays redden the leaves and tint the landscape copper.

This route is also a way to learn about the rural life of the Genal Valley, where chestnut harvesting remains a fundamental tradition. During the autumn months, the towns in the area celebrate festivities dedicated to this fruit, a symbol of the season and an essential part of the gastronomic identity of the region.