The valleys of the Rioja Baja

The valleys of the Rioja Baja are very diverse in terms of their biology, which has earned them Biosphere Reserve recognition, so it's no surprise to find that even the dinosaurs have left their mark on the area, particularly between the Jubera and Cidacos Rivers. In fact, you might be interested in following the Jurassic trail, once you've visited the paleontological interpretation centre at Enciso. Bear in mind, though, that the trail has changed significantly since the days when these fertile meadows were actually home to these impressive beasts. Nowadays, you'll find beasts of a completely different sort. The fauna of the Rioja Baja region is very typical of La Rioja as a whole and consists of mammals of all sizes living in its mountains and a variety of birds of prey with certain distinct features, such as the large community of vultures that can be seen from the Mirador d'El Buitre. The ghost village of Turrucún can also make for an impressive viewpoint, provided that you have some binoculars. The region's other assets include its villages and the water in its rivers, which has been believed to have medicinal properties since the Arab period. The heritage left by seasonal migration activity in these valleys also makes them a truly unique part of the country.