Cañada del Hoyo Lagoons

Exploring the Natural Monument of the Cañada del Hoyo Lagoons

As you probably already know, the Serranía de Cuenca is composed, for the most part, of limestone rocks that are very weak against erosion. Thanks to this, we can enjoy of a wide range of geological features and one of them are these lagoons, the Cañada del Hoyo Lagoons.

It's about a set of sinkholes or torks that prevent water from seeping into the subsoil, forming these well-known lagoons. There are seven that are permanent and are called Laguna de la Cruz or Laguna de la Gitana, Laguna del Tejo, Lagunillo del Tejo, Laguna de la Parra, Laguna de la Llana, Laguna de las Tortugas and Laguna de las Tortugas. the Laguna de las Cadenillas.

Among them, Laguna del Tejo stands out for its depth, reaching 32 meters and presenting a maximum width of 200 meters, while Laguna de las Tortugas is characterized by a depth of 4 meters.

Recognition and Geological Complexity

The Lagoons of Cañada del Hoyo, recognized as a Natural Monument in March 2007, make up a captivating landscape that covers 280 hectares and is located in the central-eastern area of the province of Cuenca. These lagoons of karst origin have uniqueness and relevance at the national level due to their origin. This Natural Monument is an integral part of the Natura 2000 Network, covering the Site of Community Importance (SCI) and the Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) “Serranía de Cuenca”.

The formation of these torks and sinkholes is the result of complex geological processes related to the dissolution of carbonate-rich rocks, particularly the Upper Cretaceous dolomites. These processes include the convergence of perpendicular networks of joints or clefts in rocks, generated by stresses, dissolution or temperature changes. The presence of an impermeable material at the bottom of some torks is the reason why they retain water, thus bringing out the aquifer. These lagoons are of great scientific value due to their fragile and complex functioning, as well as the plant and animal communities that live in them.

Amazing Phenomena in the Lagoons

The Cañada del Hoyo Lagoons are home to amazing phenomena. Among them, stands out the stratification of waters, which creates layers with different physical-chemical properties in Laguna de la Cruz during spring and summer. In addition, bleaching processes occur, which occur in short summer periods due to the precipitation of calcite crystals caused by the increase in temperature and the photosynthetic activity of aquatic plants.

Diverse Wildlife

As for wildlife, these lagoons are home to a diverse plankton community, with globally rare species. Furthermore, they are the amphibian and reptile habitat, including the only population of endangered European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in the province of Cuenca. The fish community in these lagoons is of artificial origin and includes black-bass, gambusia and carp, which have had a negative impact on the ecosystem. Measures are currently being taken to control these exotic species.

Unique and Diverse Vegetation

The aquatic vegetation in the flatter lagoons, such as Laguna Llana and Lagunillo del Tejo, is composed of submerged charophyte meadows, along with other aquatic plants. On the shores of the lagoons with steep and rocky shores, the reed (Phragmites australis) dominates, with small extensions of the protected masiega (Cladium mariscus).

The surroundings are covered by a forest of black pine (Pinus nigra) that is mixed with sessile juniper (Juniperus thurifera). Inside the torcas, where humidity and shade predominate, there are plant species such as gall oak, maple, yew, and thickets of hawthorn, arlo, privet or the Santa Lucía cherry tree, among others.

Trail and Exploration

To explore the publicly owned lagoons, there is a trail that offers panoramic views of Lagunas de la Cruz (green lagoon), Lagunillo del Tejo (black lagoon), and Laguna del Tejo (blue lagoon). To access the rest of the privately owned lagoons, it is necessary to schedule a visit with the “7 leguas” farm. Discover the beauty and complexity of this Natural Monument and immerse yourself in a world of geological phenomena and unique wildlife.