The Barranco de los Enamorados or Encantados in Fuerteventura is a true geological gem to explore in its entirety. If you want to know how to get to the Barranco de los Enamorados in Fuerteventura, in this article from the Lopesan Group blog we provide you with all the information you need to marvel at this natural route.
Its name may sound rather unusual, but this geological formation dates back 135,000 years and offers one of the most beautiful and lesser-known views in all of Fuerteventura. So, if you do not know what to do during your visit to the island, this is a great alternative.
Why Is It Called Barranco de los Enamorados or Encantados?
Let us not rush into finding out how to get to Barranco de los Enamorados in Fuerteventura without first learning a little more about its origin.
You are probably wondering why this natural landscape has this name. Does it have any connection with lovers? Is it an enchanted landscape like Tindaya?
The name Barranco de los Enamorados or Encantados in Fuerteventura actually comes from an atmospheric phenomenon that the aboriginal inhabitants, known as the mahos, called Bayuyo, from which the Bayuyo Volcanoes, also located on the island, take their name. What is this phenomenon?
Around the summer solstice, a kind of fog bank forms near the area. The mahos believed that this cloud formation was the “Encantados”, ancient spirits.
The Barranco de los Enamorados in Fuerteventura
Before explaining how to get to Barranco de los Enamorados in Fuerteventura, we think it is worth telling you a little more about the cultural importance of this place, which was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2008, categorised as a palaeontological zone.
The Barranco de los Encantados or Enamorados in Fuerteventura is a unique natural landscape and a place of discoveries, as it was here that remains of a species of terrestrial gastropod of the genus cochlicella were first found, along with other remains linked to its very particular origin.
How Was Barranco de los Enamorados Formed?
Next, we would like to explain a little more about the origin and formation process of this spectacular natural landscape. The northern coast of Fuerteventura, where the Barranco de los Encantados is located, underwent an important geological process in which the sea retreated, exposing the entry of sand and leading to the formation of sandbanks.
These sandbanks covered the relief of the basal complex and filled the pre-existing ravines in the leeward areas where the Barranco de los Enamorados was eventually formed. These sand formations went through several changes until reaching their current shape.
Both rainfall during wet periods and the turbulent action of the winds eroded part of the slopes of Barranco de los Enamorados, giving way to sedimentation in the lower areas where several levels of deposits were formed.
Likewise, the strong breeze together with the humid climate of the Canary Island gave rise to the growth of unique vegetation, as well as terrestrial molluscs. In this way, Barranco de los Encantados became filled with dunes and palaeosols, where fossil remains representative of the island’s natural history are preserved.
The truth is that Fuerteventura has been shaped by various geological processes, which have resulted in sites of tourist and scientific interest as striking as Barranco de los Enamorados or the protected area of Malpaís Grande.
How to Get to Barranco de los Enamorados in Fuerteventura
Barranco de los Encantados, within the well-known municipality of La Oliva, borders Morro de los Jablitos to the north and the villages of Los Lajares, El Cotillo and Tindaya to the south. Therefore, reaching this natural landscape is not complicated.
You can access it from any of the three villages, as there is a dirt track that will take you directly to Barranco de los Enamorados.
The dirt track from El Cotillo is located at Esquinzo beach. Another access point is from the village of Tindaya or from the picturesque town of Los Lajares. We recommend visiting any of these towns before or after exploring Barranco de los Encantados.
Follow the Route Through Barranco de los Encantados
We usually associate Fuerteventura with its spectacular paradise-like coasts, such as the unique Popcorn Beach, or the secluded Playa de Cofete, but this island also has some of the most surprising natural landscapes in all of Spain, such as the extensive and unique route through Barranco de los Enamorados. Do you like discovering different places? This route will amaze you.
The formations created by sedimentation and the retreat of the sea shaped a path with some uneven sections. The Barranco de los Encantados route is only 6 km long. You will need good footwear and proper hydration to enjoy the route, where you will be able to see its unique formations.
Now that you know how to get to the Barranco de los Enamorados in Fuerteventura, do not miss the opportunity to venture along the trail through this impressive geological formation.
The Canary Island is full of wonderful places that go far beyond its paradise-like beaches. If you are thinking of visiting Fuerteventura, at the Lopesan Group we offer excellent accommodation packages.
To find out more about the location, offers and services of our hotels, be sure to visit us on our website and start planning an unforgettable getaway.
