After a morning of exploring the old city of Cuenca decided to travel further afield so we got in the car and drove out to the Enchanted City, or Ciudad Encantada. This natural park is full of strange rock formations shaped by wind and rain over thousands of years.
It was about a 40-minute drive through forested hills and winding roads. The weather was perfect—cool and dry—and the late-day light gave everything a soft golden glow. When we arrived, we picked up our tickets and map, then set off on the clearly marked anticlockwise route through the park.
Tormo Alto
The first formation we came to was the Tormo Alto, a towering column of rock standing on its own like a massive chimney. It’s probably the park’s most famous landmark, and it’s easy to see why. It looks as if it’s been carefully balanced, rising up from the forest floor. We spent a while just admiring it from different angles—it almost feels like it shouldn’t be standing at all, like one strong gust of wind could knock it over. A great start to our walk.
Los Barcos (The Ships)
Not far along the trail, we reached Los Barcos, or “The Ships”. These huge, flat-topped rocks looked just like old sailing ships frozen in place. With a bit of imagination, you could see the bows cutting through an invisible sea, the stone hulls anchored firmly in the forest. They had a wonderful sense of movement, even though they were completely still. There’s something strangely calming about imagining a fleet of silent stone ships making their way through the trees.
El Perro (The Dog)
Next was El Perro, “The Dog”. This one was surprisingly lifelike—a large rock that looked just like a dog sitting patiently, its head lifted slightly as if sniffing the breeze. We took a few photos and couldn’t help but smile. It’s amazing how erosion can sculpt something so recognisable without human help. It almost felt like it was keeping watch over the path ahead.
Cara del Hombre (The Man’s Face)
Further along, we came across La Cara del Hombre, or “The Man’s Face”. From the side, it really did look like a profile carved into the rock—complete with forehead, nose, lips, and chin. It was one of the more haunting formations, as though a giant had been frozen in stone mid-thought. We stared at it for ages, each of us seeing slightly different expressions depending on the angle.
Puente Romana (The Roman Bridge)
After that came Puente Romana, the “Roman Bridge”. This natural arch stretched gracefully across the path, like a doorway between two worlds. The name fits—it really did look like part of an old Roman aqueduct. We walked under it quietly, almost feeling like we should whisper. There’s something awe-inspiring about walking beneath a bridge made not by engineers, but by time and weather.
La Foca (The Seal)
Next, we reached La Foca, or “The Seal”. It was as if a seal had popped its head out of the ocean to see what was going on. The shape was smooth and rounded, and the placement so perfect it almost seemed to be resting mid-swim. It added a playful note to the walk, and we liked how this part of the trail seemed to move between elegant and amusing.
El Tobogán (The Slide)
Then came El Tobogán, or “The Slide”. This rock had a long, smooth slope that genuinely looked like a playground slide. We imagined children trying to go down it, though the landing would be rather rough! It was one of the simpler formations but still very striking in how perfectly shaped it was—yet another reminder that nature has a sense of humour.
El Mar de Piedra (The Stone Sea)
El Mar de Piedra, or “The Stone Sea”, was next. This section opened up into a wide, rocky plain with wave-like ripples stretching across it. It really did feel like a sea frozen in time, the undulating surface catching the light like rolling waves. We stood there for a while, taking it all in. It had a peaceful, almost dreamlike quality to it.
La Lucha entre el Elefante y el Cocodrilo (The Fight Between the Elephant and the Crocodile)
We then reached the dramatic La Lucha entre el Elefante y el Cocodrilo, “The Fight Between the Elephant and the Crocodile”. This formation was one of the most detailed—it wasn’t hard to make out the big, rounded form of the elephant with its trunk raised, facing off against the rougher, more jagged shape of the crocodile. It was like seeing a scene from a prehistoric story carved out of rock. It sparked lots of conversation and a few playful debates over who would win the fight!
El Convento (The Convent)
Next up was El Convento, “The Convent”. This formation looked just like the walls of an old monastery or chapel, with tall stone “pillars” and a quiet, enclosed feel. It was easy to picture monks moving silently through the arches. There was something serene about it, and we appreciated the calm it brought after the wild battle scene before it.
La Tortuga (The Turtle)
La Tortuga, or “The Turtle”, came next. This formation was squat and rounded with a shape that definitely resembled a turtle slowly making its way across the trail. Its “head” even stuck out slightly from the “shell”. It was charming and made us chuckle—definitely one of the more whimsical rocks.
Los Osos (The Bears)
We then came across Los Osos, “The Bears”. These two rocks stood facing each other, and with just a bit of imagination, they looked like two bears having a quiet conversation—or maybe sizing each other up. It was a lovely example of how the same formation can spark different stories in different people.
Los Amantes de Terue (The Lovers of Teruel)
Finally, we reached Los Amantes de Teruel, “The Lovers of Teruel”. These two leaning rocks were touching at the top, as if sharing a kiss. It’s based on a famous local love story, and seeing the two stones reaching for each other was genuinely moving. It was a romantic and fitting way to end the loop..
With the sun now lower in the sky and the light starting to fade, we made our way back to the entrance, feeling completely enchanted by what we’d seen. The walk had taken just under two hours with all our stops and photos. We hopped back into the car and drove back to Cuenca, where we found a cosy place for dinner and chatted about our favourite formations from the day. A truly magical experience—one we’ll remember for a long time.
Planning your trip to Ciudad Encantada
📍 Address
Location: Carretera CM-2104, Km 19, 16146 Valdecabras, Cuenca, Spain
🌐 Contact Information
Website: www.ciudadencantada.es
Email: info@ciudadencantada.es
Telephone: +34 634 909 952
💶 Entry Fees
Adults: €5
Children (8–12 years): €4
Children under 8: Free
Seniors (65+): €4
Guided Tour (optional): €6 per person
Note: Ticket sales end 5 minutes before the last allowed entry.
🕒 Hours of Operation
Opening Time: 10:00 AM daily
Closing Times:
November to mid-February: 6:00 PM
Mid-February to mid-March: 6:30 PM
Mid-March to March end: 7:00 PM
April to mid-June: 8:00 PM
Mid-June to August: 9:00 PM
September to mid-September: 8:30 PM
Mid-September to September end: 8:00 PM
October: 7:30 PM
Last Entry: 1.5 hours before closing time.
🚶♂️ Visitor Information
Trail: A 3 km circular route through unique rock formations.
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.
Accessibility: The trail is not wheelchair accessible.
Photography: Permitted throughout the site.
Facilities: On-site parking and a visitor centre are available.
🚗 Getting There
From Cuenca City: Approximately 30 km north via CM-2105 and CM-2104 roads.
Signage: The route is well signposted.
The best time to visit Cuenca
Where to stay in Cuenca
1. Luxury – Exe Cuenca
Exe Cuenca is a modern and comfortable hotel located about 3 kilometres from the historic old town of Cuenca, Spain. It offers clean, spacious rooms, friendly service, and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a good base for exploring the city and surrounding area. The hotel has free parking, which is useful if you’re travelling by car, and it’s close to shops, cafés, and main roads. While it’s not in the centre, the walk or short drive to the old town is easy and gives you a chance to see more of the city. Overall, Exe Cuenca is a practical and pleasant choice for visitors looking for convenience and value.
2. Mid Range – Hotel Leonor de Aquitania
Hotel Leonor de Aquitania is a charming hotel located in the heart of Cuenca’s old town, just a short walk from many of the city’s main sights. Set in a historic building, it offers beautiful views over the Huécar Gorge and the famous hanging houses. The rooms are comfortable and full of character, with a mix of old-style charm and modern comforts. There’s also a small spa, a restaurant serving local food, and friendly staff who are happy to help with anything you need. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to the history and beauty of Cuenca.
3. Budget – La Antigua Vaquería
La Antigua Vaquería is a cosy rural hotel and apartment complex located just outside Cuenca, Spain, in a quiet and peaceful setting surrounded by countryside. The name means “The Old Dairy Farm,” and the property has kept much of its original charm while offering comfortable and modern accommodation. It’s a great place to stay if you want to relax after exploring the historic city or the nearby natural parks. The rooms are clean and spacious, and there’s a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Guests often enjoy the fresh air, lovely views, and the chance to unwind away from the busy city streets.
