The Lagunas de Ruidera form a system of sixteen staggered lagoons in the valley of the Upper Guadiana or Pinilla River, linked by travertine barriers that generate waterfalls, small waterfalls and turquoise backwaters. The complex extends between Ciudad Real and Albacete and forms one of the most unique aquatic landscapes of La Mancha, with a strong geological and ecological imprint. From the main points of visit you can appreciate the sheets of water embedded between slopes of Mediterranean and riparian vegetation, with reedbeds, poplars, junipers and junipers in the environment. The succession of lagoons, the limestone edges and the changes in level allow us to understand how the water circulates and is chained from one lagoon to another, especially in the steeper sections. It is a Natural Park since 1979 and also a protected area for birds, with a remarkable diversity of fauna. Its presence in nature and tourism guides is associated both with its scenic value and its geological interest, linked to the formation of travertine. The visit is especially grateful in spring and in the first months of summer, when the flow tends to show better the waterfalls and the vegetation is more alive. On sunny days, the morning light and the sunset enhance the green and blue tones of the water; in summer it is advisable to avoid the central hours due to heat and affluence.
