Routes and trails
BARRANCO DE LOS ENCANTADOS
Jun
One of the great treasures of Fuerteventura is its incredible beaches. Many of them considered to be the best in our country. But for all of us, who love this island, know that Maxorata has much more fascinating places to visit. Join us to discover the canyon Barranco de los encantados, a magical place in the municipality of La Oliva, north of Fuerteventura
Barranco de los Encantados
No other ravine in the Canary Islands has such characteristic and peculiar landscape as the Barranco de los Encantados: fossil dunes that have been excavated by water and shaped by wind.
To start we will say that this ravine has two denominations: Barranco de los Encantados and Barranco de los Enamorados. Well, some people even have called it Petra of Fuerteventura.
Where does the name come from?
The name “Enchanted” comes from an atmospheric phenomenon that the Canary natives called “Bayuyo”.
At certain times of the year, around the summer solstice, small fog banks are formed around the area. The Mahos believed that those little clouds were “the enchanted ones” (spirits of their ancestors) that arrived from the sea in the form of clouds, and they celebrated with offerings during those days.
Fortunately, these beliefs have endured in the popular Majorero heritage, and we can still hear stories and legends that tell us about places where these souls live, and interact with everyone who walks through these parts.
The nickname of Enamorados (the lovers) is more recent, already in the 20th century, and is due to the fact that many couples from Tindaya and El Cotillo came here to spend a romantic evening, away from the eyes of the neighbors.
What is it and what will we find in the Barranco de los Encantados?
Los Encantados is an impressive ravine of fossilized sands, around 4 kilometers long, near the Esquinzo beach, another enclave in the north of Fuerteventura, of which we will talk about soon.
The first thing that surprises the hiker when he enters the Ravine of Los Encantados is that, despite being away from the sea, he is surrounded by large walls of marine origin sands, some more than 20 meters high. We have the feeling of reaching the sea after each step, after each curve, after each drop.
This is because when the Barranco de los Encantados was formed, this part of the island was submerged under the waters of the Atlantic. It can be said that, until then, Fuerteventura ended more or less in Montaña Roja. But, about 135,000 years ago there was intense volcanic activity, in the north of Fuerteventura. The island increased its surface by 112 square km. Isla de Lobos and the alignment of the Bayuyo volcanoes were formed.
Volcanic activity caused the coastline to recede, and the sea floor, something more than 5 million years old, was exposed, leaving this impressive sandstone formation in plain sightThe wind, the weather, and, above all, the water have been sculpting this space.
Walking through the Barranco de los encantados, in addition to contemplating the whimsical forms that have been created in the sediments, we will have the opportunity to see both fossils of animal origin and petrified roots. Among the animal fossils we highlight the land snails, the wraps of the Saharan lobster eggs, and even, it is possible to find remains of extinct birds.
Besides, this place is a great place to observe the most important steppe birds in Fuerteventura, including the Great Bustard, the Saharan Corridor, the Common Caraway, and the Ganga Ortega.
Frequently asked questions about the Barranco de los Encantados
How to get to the Barranco de los Encantados?
The most direct way is to Access it from the dirt track that laeds to Esquinzo beach (link Start of the route).
For the most daring: you can also visit the Cañada Melián from Lajares and connect with the head of the ravine (link Start of the route from Cañada Melián).
Is it possible to Access by vehicle until the beginning of the route?
Yes, there is a dirt track that connects El Cotillo with Tindaya. Be careful and drive wisely, the shocks absorbers and the underside of your car will thank you
Can the route of the Barranco de los encantados be donne with children?
Yes, walking through the Barranco de los Encantados does not have a great technical difficulty. Both the ascent and descent are, for the most part of the journey, moderately smooth. The total difference in altitude of the route is 190 meters. However, if you are going with small children, consider walking through the Cañada Melián, just as fascinating and with little unevenness.
How many kilometers does the route have in total?
The route of the Barranco de los Encantados is circular. It is just over 6 kilometers long (3 km out and 3 km back). It takes about 2.5 hours to complete, approximately, including a little rest, of course.
Where can I find the route?
On Wikiloc you have access to detailed routes.
Are there shady places to rest?
The only spaces where you can shelter from the hot sun are in the shadows of the highest walls. The ideal is to start walking very early, thus avoiding the central hours of the day, when it is hottest. It is important to bring enough water, sun cream and a cap.
Fuerteventura2 Fuerteventura5
A fantastic excursion, ideal to discover Fuerteventura
One of the most beautiful places in Fuerteventura
A paradise within paradise