The journey to Peñalba de Santiago contains some of the most beautiful scenery that exists in the region of Castilla y León. An untouched valley dominated by thick oak forests, rivers and natural waterfalls and the odd little village blended into the habitat with inhabitants who try not to break the silence and tranquility of this valley that time seems to have forgotten: the Valle de Silencio, untouched, natural and exuberant. The village, built on a cliff that gives it its name, in winter is covered by a blanket of snow and only the Iglesia de Santiago, built in the purest Mozarabic style and declared National Monument in 1931, is visible.

Peñalba de Santiago, declared Asset of Cultural Interest, is right on the top of the valley of the River Oza, in Bierzo, León.

To reach this village, declared a Historic and Artistic Site in 1976, it is necessary to cross the whole valley, a valley that at one time was called the path of the monks. The walk to this Mirador or viewing point is worthwhile in itself, from here the magnificence of the untouched thick vegetation can be fully appreciated, enclosed by the cliff tops of Silla de la Yegua, Pico Tuerto and Aguiana.