Les Jumelles: My Special Retreat in the Altiplano
Les Jumelles is more than just a cave; it’s my favorite refuge to disconnect and find peace. Although it’s simply decorated, it has a cozy touch that makes it warm and pleasant, perfect for relaxing and feeling at home.
Inside, the temperature is always between 18 and 20 degrees, making it comfortable at any time of the year. It’s a tranquil place, surrounded by arid landscapes and starry skies that seem out of this world. If you’re looking for a space to reconnect with yourself, I believe you’ll find just what you need here.
Les Jumelles (The Twins) is a cozy cave located in Fuente Nueva, a quiet neighborhood situated 7 km from the main center of Orce. It’s equipped with all the basic services to ensure a comfortable and peaceful stay. Here’s what it offers:
Basic Services:
• Electricity and hot water.
• Constant temperature of 18-20°C throughout the year, perfect for any season. In winter, it’s heated with a wood stove. In summer, it stays cool even when outside temperatures are high.
Layout and Accommodation:
• Two bedrooms with 135 x 190 cm beds.
• An additional bed in the living room (90 x 190 cm).
• A spacious, comfortable, and functional bathroom.
Connectivity:
• Internet via antenna, ideal for basic connection needs.
• Limited mobile coverage inside the cave (signal is available about 100 m away, depending on the provider).
Kitchen and Amenities:
• Equipped kitchen to prepare your meals.
• Well-lit spaces thanks to strategically placed openings.
Accessibility:
• Paved road up to the cave.
• Easy access by private vehicle.
Access to Les Jumelles Cave
Reaching Les Jumelles is simple if you follow the directions. From the San Antón gas station in Orce, the entire route is paved up to the entrance of the cave. Below are the detailed instructions:
1. From the San Antón gas station:
• Take the GR-9104 road towards María and drive 6.6 km.
2. Fuente Nueva: watch out for the junction:
• Upon reaching Fuente Nueva, you will see a junction with a sign that says “La Veranda.” Do not take this junction. Continue a little further and take the next junction on the left.
3. Landmark: “El Molino”:
• You will see a building on the left called “El Molino.” Here, turn left onto a paved track with a slight incline to the right.
4. Ascending to the crossroads:
• Follow this track until you reach the highest point of the road, where you will find a crossroads.
5. Turn left at the crossroads:
• At the crossroads, take the paved road to the left. Proceed slowly, as a few meters ahead you will encounter a curve with a crest to the right. Although not difficult, it might feel a bit intimidating the first time.
6. The final stretch:
• Continue along the paved road until it ends, where you will find a slight cement slope. Les Jumelles cave will be on your right.
Important: If at any point you find yourself on an unpaved road, it means you have taken the wrong path. Return to the last paved section to get back on track.
By following these directions, you’ll have no trouble reaching the entrance to Les Jumelles, where your unique experience begins. 😊
The following links will take you to the entry point of the track (El Molino) that leads to the cave.
From Orce to the track entry point at the El Molino junction
Route when coming via the A-92N highway. Enter through Vélez Rubio to the El Molino junction where you take the track leading to the cave
El Molino Junction
At this point, you’ll find a building (El Molino)
The location of the cave is indicated below. Do not use this location on Google Maps to drive to the cave. It leads you through less passable roads. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS GIVEN ABOVE.
Living in a Cave
A cave is an organic space that surrounds and welcomes you, designed for minimal consumption and sustainable living. It is heated with firewood from the area, making use of the natural resources of the environment. In summer, the windows can be opened to keep the interior cool and avoid significant temperature differences between inside and outside. In winter, when using the stove, it is recommended to leave the upper section of the entrance door slightly open to ensure proper ventilation. A breathing cave creates a warmer and more pleasant atmosphere.
The lighting is designed to adapt to your needs. It can be adjusted with dimmer switches: press and hold the switch to regulate the intensity. If you notice any flickering, simply press and hold the switch for two seconds to resolve the issue.
In the pantry, you will find teas, coffee, and herbal infusions that you are welcome to enjoy. The coffee maker is a French press, perfect for infusion, and the coffee is of Arabica variety, freshly ground to provide the best aroma and flavor.
The kitchen is simple yet functional, equipped with all the utensils you need for your meals. It has only one induction burner, but it is more than enough to enjoy the simplicity of cooking in this special setting.
The bathroom is equipped with large and small towels for your use. It is important to note that toilet paper should be disposed of in the bin located in front of the toilet to maintain the cave’s system in good condition.
Outside, you can enjoy the natural surroundings using the folding tables that you will find in the pantry. Additionally, chairs and flat square cushions are available for you to sit comfortably on the exterior benches while taking in the scenery and tranquility of the area.
You also have access to a washing machine for your needs, and you can hang your clothes on the outdoor clothesline, which is stored in the pantry. Clothespins are kept in a bag hanging on the right side as you enter the pantry.
This space is designed for you to enjoy a peaceful and harmonious experience, respecting the environment and reconnecting with the simplicity and warmth of cave living.
Instructions for Lighting the Wood Stove
First and for safety, do not leave the stove door open once the fire is burning strongly, whether during the day or at night.
If you’re unfamiliar with lighting a fire, here are clear instructions to help you do it safely and efficiently.
1. Materials to Light the Fire:
• In the pantry, you will find cardboard egg cartons and kindling.
• To the right of the stove, in a box, there are firelighter blocks.
2. How to Light the Fire:
• Build a small “nest” with the materials: cardboard, small pieces of wood, and a firelighter block.
• Light the firelighter block and place small logs on top, then gradually add larger logs, which you’ll find in the woodpile outside the cave.
• Let the fire stabilize before closing the stove door.
3. Adjusting the Draft:
• Below the door, there is a small lever to control the draft:
• To the right: Opens the draft for faster burning.
• To the left: Closes the draft to reduce intensity.
• Once the fire is burning well, it’s best to keep the draft partially closed so the wood lasts longer.
4. Cleaning the Stove
To ensure the stove functions properly, it must be cleaned regularly as you use it.
5. Removing Ashes:
• When opening the door, you’ll find a steel tray at the bottom to collect ashes.
• Use gloves if the tray is hot and empty it carefully.
• Inside the fire chamber, use the small shovel located next to the stove to remove accumulated ash.
• Dispose of the ashes in the aluminum bin to the right of the stove.
6. Diffuser Fans:
• Above the stove, there are small diffuser fans that turn on automatically when the stove reaches a suitable temperature.
Enjoy the Fire
Lighting the stove is part of the charm of this cave. The warmth and tranquility the fire offers create the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the space. And remember, it’s the only “screen” you’ll find here!
Practical Places
Restaurante el Rincón del Salero
Routes to Discover the Area
The region of Orce, in the province of Granada, offers various hiking routes that allow you to explore its natural and cultural richness. Here are some highlighted routes:
1. GR7: Orce – Galera – Huéscar:
This section of the Gran Recorrido GR7 trail connects the towns of Orce, Galera, and Huéscar. The route starts at Orce’s Plaza Vieja and traverses semi-desert landscapes characteristic of the area.
2. Ruta desde Orce hasta la Torre del Salar:
A route of approximately 7 km that allows bird watching and visiting the gypsum stone. It’s ideal for group outings and offers panoramic views of the surroundings.
3. Ruta por la Sierra de La Tejera:
This 12 km journey traverses paths in the Sierra de La Tejera, offering views of local geology and vegetation.
4. Ruta Circular “El Tale”:
A circular route of approximately 12 km that runs through paths and provides a comprehensive view of Orce’s natural environment.
5. Ruta de los Primeros Pobladores: Orce – Puebla de Don Fadrique:
This stage of the Gran Senda de los Primeros Pobladores covers about 33 km, connecting Orce with Puebla de Don Fadrique, and allows you to discover the region’s history and prehistory.
6. Ruta Orce – Fuente Nueva:
A three-hour journey starting from Orce, crossing the Cañada de Vélez to Fuente Nueva, and returning along the slopes of the Sierra de la Umbría, offering a complete experience of the local landscape.
7. Miradores del Geoparque:
The Geopark of Granada offers a network of spectacular viewpoints that combine unique landscapes with a rich geological history.
These routes allow visitors to immerse themselves in the nature and history of Orce, enjoying unique landscapes and discovering the cultural richness of the region.
A Bit of History
The Orce area, known as the “Silicon Valley of Prehistory,” has a rich history that dates back 1.4 million years. The inhabited caves of this region stand out for both their antiquity and the architectural innovation adapted to their unique geological surroundings.
Origins of the Inhabited Caves of Orce
The cave houses in Orce have troglodytic origins and mostly date back to the Arab period, beginning in 711 A.D. These dwellings were excavated directly into hillsides and bedrock, taking advantage of the soft yet durable nature of the sedimentary rocks that shape the landscape. The caves not only served as homes but also as refuges against the extreme temperatures of the Altiplano.
Geology and Type of Rock
The caves are primarily carved into marl and calcareous clay, formed over millions of years in the ancient Orce-Baza lake. This type of sedimentary rock is soft enough to be worked with simple tools yet stable enough to ensure the safety of the structures.
History and Archaeological Discoveries
The Orce area is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe. Fossil remains found in the region, such as the famous 1.4-million-year-old human tooth discovered in Barranco León, highlight the importance of this place in prehistory. This environment, once home to lakes and fauna like mammoths and saber-toothed tigers, allowed the development of early human settlements.
Evolution of the Cave Houses
Over time, the caves evolved from simple shelters into complex dwellings with multiple rooms and communal spaces. Their natural bioclimatic design maintains stable temperatures of 18-20°C throughout the year, making them ideal for both summer and winter.
The Caves Today
Today, many of these caves have been restored and converted into tourist accommodations or modern homes. Equipped with all modern comforts, they retain their historical essence, offering visitors a unique experience that combines tradition, nature, and history.
Orce and its surroundings remain a living testament to the connection between humans and their environment, from prehistory to the present day.
