Barranco de los Encantados, Sandstone ravine in La Oliva, Spain.
Barranco de los Encantados is a ravine in northern Fuerteventura shaped by sandstone formations eroded into natural sculptures and angular shapes. The canyon runs through remote terrain with steep walls and distinctive rock patterns visible throughout the gorge.
The sandstone layers formed from ancient underwater deposits when northern Fuerteventura lay beneath the sea millions of years ago. Erosion gradually carved these sediments into the canyon visible today over an immense span of time.
The ravine carries a name rooted in local folklore, referring to tales that have circulated through the community for generations. This connection to storytelling reflects how deeply the place has shaped the imagination of people who live nearby.
A circular trail allows visitors to walk through the area and view the sandstone formations, with certain sections offering better vantage points for photography and observation. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground is uneven and can be rocky throughout the route.
The ravine contains preserved seashells and traces of plant roots that reveal the area once had much more moisture than it does now. These remains provide clues to how dramatically the climate has shifted in this part of Fuerteventura.
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