Río Verde de Otívar is a place of ravine and mountain river embedded in the eastern slope of the Sierra de Almijara, within the Natural Park of Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama. The landscape combines narrow riverbed, pools of clear water, small waterfalls and limestone walls, with a karstic modeling that explains the presence of caves, marmites and narrow cuts along the route. From the area of visitation one can observe very closed canyon sections and, in more open points, the contrast between the riparian vegetation and the Mediterranean mid-mountain slope. The place is known for its greenish waters and for the sequence of pools and waterfalls that appear downstream, which makes it a very popular spot for hiking and canyoning. Its tourist interest is supported by the popularity it has achieved in nature guides and adventure itineraries, with frequent references to the Junta de los Ríos, the Cascada de los Árboles Petrificados and other waterfalls along the stretch. It is an area particularly sensitive to flow and recreational use, so the experience changes greatly depending on the season and the state of the water. The best time to visit is usually in spring, when the flow is still lively, or in early autumn, when temperatures are milder. In summer, bathing becomes more important, although it is important to take into account the regulation of access and influx.
