One of the most amazing places to visit in Fuerteventura is Barranco de los Encantados (Ravine of the Enchanted), also known as Barranco de los Enamorados (Ravine of the Lovers).

Located in the municipality of La Oliva, close to the village of Lajares, this paleo-dune place dates back more than 135,000 years.

Back when the island territory above sea level ended where now is the village of Lajares, some banks of submarine sand got uncovered after the ocean considerably lowered its level. With time, the winds and the erosion gave these sandbanks the amazing shape they now have.

Barranco de los Encantados leaves nobody indifferent. No other ravine in the Canary Islands boasts such a peculiar landscape as this one.

If you like birds, in Barranco de los Encantados you can sight the typical species of the arid areas of the Canary Islands, such as Hubara (Canarian Houbara), Alcaraván Común (Simply Stone-Curlew), Corredor Sahariano (Cream-coloured Courser)… In the area you can also admire a wide range of endemic plants.

The area was declared “Bien de Interés Cultural” (Asset of Cultural Interest) in the category dedicated to Palaentology in 2008, after a palaentological site of international relevance was discovered there. The area is especially sensitive for its natural values.

To reach Barranco de los Encantados, in the roundabout between La Oliva – Lajares – El Cotillo, you need to take the off road exit. You can park there and enjoy the surroundings walking towards the south, discovering some amazing formations. We recommend walking down the bottom of the ravine because on the top the sandy formations are fragile and can fall.