Santo Estevo do Ermo and its forests are much more than just a waterfall. It is the ideal place to escape from the daily routine, to let yourself flow and connect with nature and with yourself. A sensational natural landscape, between high cliffs and vertical rocks that form a refuge for the biodiversity of the area. Therefore, this space is catalogued as a Special Landscape Interest Area according to the Galician Landscape Catalogue.
Here, the walk becomes an experience of natural, architectural and ethnographic features that await a curious gaze ready to savour every moment.
The sound of the water falling against the rock precedes the arrival at the waterfall, about two hundred metres from the hermitage of Santo Estevo. A place where the water has a strong presence since, two sources of medicinal waters flow in this environment, also known as Santo Estevo de Augas Santas.
The solitary space inhabited by the hermitage, the river and the waterfall give rise to a vital spectacle. Here the walker will find a vigorous and heterogeneous native vegetation. A place to breathe with awareness and enjoy the beauty of our land.
Access by car is signposted from the center of San Cosme de Barreiros. Next to the tobacconist, take the marked diversion, follow the signs for 1.5km until you reach the last diversion – marked on the map – (where the unpaved section begins). You can leave the car at this point and walk down to the place (1.3Km away).
If you prefer to go down the last unpaved section with the car remember that it is not recommended to do it with very low or high vehicles (such as sports cars, vans or motorhomes). Then, the exit (by car) will be made by a different path, signposted at the intersections indicating «San Cosme». This road is mostly unpaved.
On the walking tour, within the native forest of Santo Estevo do Ermo, you will find a circular and signposted path (with punctual diversions) that will take you through the different points of interest of the place. The distance to travel inside the forest is approximately 1Km. In this route there are areas of stairs and punctually muddy and/or rocky.