Enchanted City of Cuenca, curious rock formations that will amaze you
The Enchanted City of Cuenca is an open-air natural museum where water, wind, and ice have sculpted spectacular limestone formations over millions of years. This unique site combines geology, vegetation, and legends in a magical landscape that won’t leave you indifferent.
Route and Signposting
- Trail: 3 km circular route starting and ending at the same point.
- Waymarks: turquoise for the outbound path, pink for the return, with markers every 200 m.
- Duration: about 1 h 30 min, including stops at the most emblematic formations.
Geology and Formation
- Limestone: Jurassic marine deposits exposed and eroded.
- Erosive processes: karst dissolution by acidic water, mechanical wind action, and freeze-thaw cycles.
- Strata: visible layers revealing over 150 M years of Earth history.
Most Impressive Formations
- Tormo Alto: a 15 m column towering over the valley.
- The Bears: two stone trunks entwined like resting giants.
- The Mushroom: wide cap perched on a narrow stem.
- La Hoya Perillana: a large natural basin shaped like an amphitheatre.
- The Cart: a long block resembling an overturned wagon.
Flora and Fauna
- Typical vegetation: prostrate juniper, boxwood, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.
- Wildlife: mountain goats, hares, and free-grazing sheep.
- Birds of prey: griffon vultures and golden eagles.
Legends and Names
- Each formation is named for its silhouette or a folk tale: “The Friar”, “The Deer”, “The Elephants”…
- Interpretive panels share both scientific data and local legends.
Visitor Recommendations
- Footwear: hiking boots or shoes with good grip.
- Hydration and sun: bring water, a hat, and sunscreen, especially in summer.
- Photography: early morning or late afternoon for golden light.
- Respect: stay on the path and avoid climbing on rocks to prevent damage.
Access and Services
- Hours: open year-round 09:00–19:00 (high season; check for changes).
- Entry: ticketed; reduced rates for children and seniors.
- Guided tours: optional, advance booking recommended.
- Parking: lot next to the visitor centre.
- Facilities: café, gift shop, restrooms, picnic area.
- Pets allowed: on leash under owner’s responsibility.
Discover how the Enchanted City reveals itself as a great canvas carved by nature, full of extraordinary shapes and magical corners that ignite the imagination.
How to get there
La Ciudad Encantada de Cuenca se encuentra en el término municipal de Valdecabras, a escasos 30 kilómetros de la ciudad de Cuenca, en pleno Parque Natural de la Serranía de Cuenca. Carretera CM-2104, km 19.
Coordinates:
Decimal: 40.206389°, -2.005833°
DMS: 40°12'23" N, 2°0'21" O
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