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From the Encinedo massif we can observe the difficult and therefore spectacular enclave of the village of Ortigosa, but this mountain, populated by holm oaks at an altitude of 1073 m, keeps in its entrails a wonderful spectacle that only Mother Nature knows how to offer us. In it there is a quarry, which ceased to be exploited in 1968, and in front of it are the natural entrances to the two Caves of Ortigosa, La Paz and La Viña. This mountain, of calcareous composition, was formed about 160 million years ago, back in the Jurassic period. It is composition and the effect that the water, the internal rivers, the snow and the filtered rain, all this together with the different climatic conditions, are the architects of these true works of art to which they give form.
The cave of La Paz was discovered while material was being extracted from the quarry during the construction of the González Lacasa reservoir in 1964. It has two mouths, one entrance and one exit, located at different heights and at a distance of about 236 m.
In its interior we can admire very different forms of sedimentation, because it is crossed by a great structural vein through which the water filters and forms columns, stalactites, stalagmites, flags, calluses or scales... an endless number of beautiful structures. Giving them in addition a multicolored touch depending on the mineral with which it is mixed, browns if it is more clayey, orange and yellow if the iron oxide predominates and the more or less intense white that gives it the purity of the calcium carbonate.
We all know that these formations take thousands of years to create, as a curiosity to say that the stalactites in their first phase grow about one centimeter in about thirty years. In this cave we will also see the calcareous deposits that the stagnant underground water has left at the different levels at which it covered it.
Archaeological remains from the Bronze Age have been found in the Cave of La Viña, so it is assumed that it was inhabited. In 1862 there was already talk of a cave called La Viña and it was mapped for the first time in 1912. Its visit is shorter than the previous one, 114 m. and has only one access.
Its amplitude, the whiteness of its stalactites, forming many of them with real stalagmites columns that seem to be holding the vault of a large hall, make you feel like you are entering a magical world in which life outside does not go with you. The two caves are connected in a section inaccessible to the visitor, only speleologists have reached about thirty meters beyond the end in the cave of La Viña and comment that there is another small room with a white stalactite.
The visit to the two caves is guided, but the massif where they are located is a labyrinth of galleries, although only 13 of them are cartographed. Look for the different figures that are offered to us: the dog, the bottle, the turtle, the popcorn, and above all the seahorse or you see...? It is assumed that the river that ran through these galleries was the same one that today crosses the village and passes under the bridge.
Timetable for guided visits to the caves
Contact telephones - Information and reservations:
(Telephones available every day, except Mondays that are not public holidays)
Tips for the visit
The caves preserve their natural surface to a great extent, which is why it is recommended that visitors wear comfortable footwear with good adherence.
The average temperature of the caves is around 14º all year round, it is advisable to wear warm clothes.
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To get to Ortigosa de Cameros, follow LR-232, which connects the town on one side with Brieva de Cameros and LR-113, which joins the towns of Nájera and Salas de los Infantes, or on the other with the N-111 between Logroño and Soria, from where you can access either through El Rasillo or from the nearby Villanueva de Cameros. Ortigosa has a bus service from Monday to Saturday that makes the route of Logroño-Montenegro.
Following the road that comes from the González Lacasa reservoir, just at the entrance to the town is the hermitage of Santa Lucia, where is located the iron bridge that crosses the steep ravine and gives access to the information centre and caves. Close to the hermitage, both before and after arriving, you will find the car parks set up for visitors, where you can park your car.
SENDITUR is not responsible for any variation in the information described as well as the misuse of its guides and recommends that everyone be responsible and prudent in carrying out the activity. Likewise, we invite you to document yourself with books and specialized guides to complement the information described. From the commitment of SENDITUR with Nature and the respect to the balance of the environment, SENDITUR urges you to travel in a responsible way, with low environmental impact and respecting at all times the Natural, Cultural and Social environment wherever you go. For any suggestion, SENDITUR invites you to send an email to .
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