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 de Fuerteventura, in this article on the Lopesan Group blog we’ll provide you with all the information so you can explore this natural route.
Its name may be quite peculiar, but this geological formation dates back 135,000 years old and offers one of the most beautiful and unknown views in Fuerteventura. If you don’t know what to do during your visit to the island, this is a great idea.
Why is it called Barranco de los Enamorados or Encantados?
Let’s not rush to find out how to get to the Barranco de los Enamorados de Fuerteventura, without first knowing a little more about its origin.
Certainly, you must be wondering why the natural area receives this name. Is it related to some lovers? Is it an enchanted landscape like Tindaya?
In fact, the name of Barranco de los Enamorados or Encantados of Fuerteventura comes from an atmospheric phenomenon that the aborigines, known as the Mahos, called Bayuyo, from which the Bayuyos Volcanoes also located on the island take their name. What is that phenomenon?
Near the summer solstice a kind of fog banks form close to the zone. And the mahos believed that this cloud formation was the “Enchanted”, some ancient spirits.
El Barranco de los Enamorados of Fuerteventura
Before detailing how to get to the Barranco de los Enamorados in Fuerteventura, it seems pertinent to explain a little more about the cultural relevance of this place, which was declared in 2008 as a Site of Cultural Interest, categorized as a paleontological area.
The Barranco de los Encantados or Enamorados in Fuerteventura is a unique natural landscape and a place of discoveries. Vestiges of species of terrestrial gastropod of the genus cochlicella were found there for the first time as well as other remains from its very particular origin.
How was the Barranco de los Enamorados formed?
Next, we want to explain a little more about the origin and formation process of this spectacular natural area.
The north coast of Fuerteventura, where the Barranco de los Encantados is located, went through an important geological process in which there was a retraction of the sea, allowing the sands to enter and being the reason for sandbanks formation.
These sandbanks covered the relief of the basal complex and filled in the pre-existing ravines in the leeward areas where the Barranco de los Enamorados was formed over time. These sand formations went through several changes until they reached their current form.
Both the rain in humid periods and the turbulent wind action managed to erode part of the slopes of the Barranco de los Enamorados, giving way to sedimentation in the low areas where various levels of deposits were formed.
The strong breeze in conjunction with the humid climate of the Canary Islands caused the growth of unique vegetation, as well as land mollusks.
In this way, the Barranco de los Encantados was filled with dunes and paleosols, where we can find fossil remains of the natural history of the Canary Island.
The truth is that in Fuerteventura various geological processes have intervened, and formed sites of tourist and scientific interest, as striking as the Barranco de los Enamorados or the protected area of Malpaís Grande.
How get to the Barranco de los Enamorados in Fuerteventura?
The Barranco de los Encantados, within the municipality of La Oliva, borders to the north with el Morro de los Jablitos, to the south with the towns of Los Lajares, El Cotillo and Tindaya. So getting to this natural area is pretty easy.
You can access to the place from any of the three towns, since there is a track that will take you directly to the Barranco de los Enamorados.
The track from Cotillo is on the Esquinzo beach. Another access is through the town of Tindaya or through the picturesque town of Los Lajares. We advise you to visit any of these towns before or after touring the Barranco de los Encantados.
» Do the Barranco de los Encantados trail
We often associate Fuerteventura with its spectacular paradisiacal coasts such as the singular Popcorn Beach or the lonely Playa de Cofete, but this island has several of the most surprising natural places in Spain, such as the extensive unique route through the Barranco de los Enamorados. Do you like to discover different things? This route will amaze you.
The original formations of the sedimentations and retractions of the sea created a path with certain unevenness. The whole Barranco de los Encantados route is 6 km long. You will need to get good footwear and adequate hydration to enjoy the tour, where you can see its unique formations.
Where to stay in Fuerteventura?
Now that you know how to get to the Barranco de los Enamorados in Fuerteventura, don’t miss the opportunity to venture out on the trail through this impressive geological formation.
This Canary Island is full of wonderful places that go beyond its paradisiacal beaches. If you are thinking of visiting Fuerteventura, at the Lopesan Group we have excellent accommodation packages.
To learn more about the location, offers and services of our hotels, be sure to visit us on our website and venture to plan an unforgettable getaway.
