The Rio Tinto Mines Route

The largest mines in Europe

After more than 5,000 years, the mining operations of Rio Tinto continue their activity. Impressive open-cast mines, which are considered to be the largest in the world, such as those of Cerro Colorado or Corta Atalaya, some 350 metres deep and impossible landscapes with infinite colour ranges are some of the incentives to visit the mining region of Huelva. Among its attractions we find the Mining Museum, located in an old English hospital. Through 17 rooms you can see everything related to the first settlers of this region, its Romanisation and above all everything that refers to industrial archaeology and the mining railway. In this sense, a station has been created where there are a pair of steam engines and a luxurious wooden wagon, built in 1892, for a trip that Queen Victoria of England was to make to India and which was later moved here. You can also see a giant Roman waterwheel and the flora and fauna characteristic of the region.

Also attractive is the old mining train, which runs for 12 km. The departure station is between Río Tinto and Nerva and the train makes several trips every day to the rehabilitated station of Los Frailes.

From the Mining Museum, complete guided tours are offered that include the Corta Atalaya, the museum itself and the train ride, both for groups and individually. The Cuenca Minera de Riotinto region has a series of natural, geographical and environmental conditions that give it a natural and scenic environment that is especially attractive for the development of outdoor activities.

Type of Routes

– Walking routes
– Pre-arranged visits with or without a guide

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