The reserve lies north of Sevilla and covers 164 840 hectares of the Sierra Morena, on the borders of the provinces of Huelva, Córdoba and Extremadura. It is crossed by the Viar, Huéznar and Retortillo rivers. Lush vegetation with cork oaks, chestnuts, elms and hazel trees makes it popular with ramblers. Among the reserve's fauna are harriers, griffon vultures and wild boar.