|
The road to Istan leads of the N340 at the first exit to Puerto Banus when driving west. A long narrow winding road brings you to the small village. On first entering Istan, a steep hill goes off to the right. Turn up this hill, then after a couple of metres, left into a large open parking area. (There is a Parking sign at the bottom of the hill.) |
||
|
|
Leave the car park by the same entrance and walk up hill towards the
Sports Centre. (Signposted). Pass the centre, and take the
track off to the left which leads to Monda. The tarmac road right
continues up to an hotel. Also, the tarmac road leads to the
footpath that goes over mountains to the Refugio de Juanar. (photo, left: View of Istan, and right Istan again but further along the track.) |
 |
|
|
Continue to follow the track as it contours around the mountains on the
right of the valley. The road is used by cars so care is
required. After about an hour, a footpath leads down into the valley
on the left. Take this footpath until just before the overhead power
cables. (Photo, left: Looking ahead across a valley to the track. Photo, right: Looking across the Rio Verde valley to the peak of Plaza Armas - 1330 metres) |
 |
|
|
Near the power cables, another footpath leads off left, signposted to
Istan. Follow this path as it gently descend towards the valley,
though it eventually levels out above the valley. Continue to follow
this path as it heads back to Istan. Avoid the path off to the right
marked with a yellow and white striped post. (Photo, left: On the path into the valley back to Istan. Photo, right: Rio Verde valley that passes below Istan) |
 |
|
|
Eventually, an old stone bridge is crossed over a stream. Continue
round to the right to enter Istan. Go up to the Church Square, turn
left, and follow the road up hill. Go up the road with a No Entry
sign, which eventually leads to the car park. (Photo, left: Mountains to the east of Istan. Photo, right: Looking back after just entering Istan) |
 |
