The transforming water route

Ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world, this square has a spring fountain in its highest part, which supplied water to both houses and animals, such as sheep and goats. They transformed a natural spring into a globally recognized square, with buildings dating back to the 15th century. Its unique architecture, built spontaneously by the neighbors, stands out for its wooden balconies, used in the past as a shelter for livestock. It is one of the best arcaded squares of the peninsula. Inside is the Tourist Office, located in an old washhouse that supplied drinking water and served as a meeting place. Today, the washhouse attracts birds, such as pigeons, sparrows and goldfinches, especially in summer, when swallows make beautiful flights over the water. The plaza has had multiple functions over time, from market and livestock fairs to current bullfighting celebrations.

Upon arrival, the first thing we will see are recently restored buildings, highlighting a spring fountain with fresh water and two troughs. According to an inscription from 1862, they were improved by the Sociedad de Cosecheros de Chinchón, dedicated to the production of wine, vinegar and the famous aniseed. Previously, these were simple fountains used since ancient times. In the area, you can observe birds such as blackbirds, warblers, goldfinches and greenfinches, and even some rabbits. The environment consists mainly of gall oak groves, a hybrid forest formation of oak and holm oak. About 100 meters away, we find a second fountain and a covered washhouse, a former shepherds' rest area. Its location in the oak grove makes it a small oasis, especially popular on Easter Sunday to enjoy a day with the family.

The natural area of Valquejigoso, known as "los pinos", was declared a Forest Park in 1998. Originally created as a "Coto Forestal de Previsión Escolar" in the 1950s, its objective was to teach rural children to value nature. Today, it is a sustainable space that promotes the ecological diversity of Chinchón. Predominated by Aleppo pines, it is also home to poplars, almond trees and a majestic horse chestnut tree. The park has granite tables, two natural fountains (one with flow since 1877) and an old washhouse. It is also home to species such as wild boars, red squirrels, kestrels and various birds, as well as amphibians such as the common frog and the midwife toad.

This region was originally an inland sea which, when it dried up, left saline and gypsiferous materials. Over millions of years, rivers such as the Tajuña formed river valleys rich in substrate. The abandoned meanders created lagoons, and wetlands with phreatic water emerge around the Tajuña. These wetlands are essential for migratory birds between the La Mancha plain and the Ebro Valley. The Laguna de San Juan, accessible by the M-404 road, stands out. Along the way, we can enjoy olive trees and vineyards until we reach a rural road that leads to the lagoon. It is a surprising natural space of 40 hectares, regenerated and protected as a Fauna Refuge since 1991. Surrounded by reeds, it has a depth of 1-2 meters and is home to a rich fauna, such as eagles, herons, wild boars and amphibians. The best times to visit are autumn and spring, when most birds are found there. It is essential to protect these ecosystems.