Walk round the Laguardia lagoons

At the foot of Laguardia there is a small complex of wetlands: Carralogroño, Carravalseca and Musko, natural lagoons that fill and dry according to the rain, and the Prao de la Paúl, a freshwater pond. They can be seen from the town itself.

Four different lagoons

The Laguardia lagoon complex is a protected biotope and is on the Ramsar list of wetlands of international importance. Turismo Euskadi explains that not all the lagoons work in the same way. Carravalseca and Carralogroño are endorheic basins: no river or stream flows into them and the water has no outlet, they only receive rain and run-off from the hills. They stay dry for much of the year, flood in the rainy season and, as the water evaporates, leave a crust of salt: that is why they are salty. Musko was a lagoon that was drained to be farmed and whose recovery is being negotiated. And the Prao de la Paúl is a small artificial pond filled with water dammed from a stream, and works differently.

To the north, the Sierra de Toloño closes the landscape, and all around is vineyard.

The path

Álava Turismo recommends the Prao de la Paúl, because a path runs round its shore with spots where birds are easy to see. The tourist office suggests the Lagoons route from the town. It is a flat walk, among vines, that can be done on foot or by bike.

The path round the Prao de la Paúl circles the pond in about 2.5 km and is accessible for people with disabilities, although Turismo Euskadi does not recommend it when it rains. There is a bird hide for 18 or 20 people; the key is requested at the Laguardia tourist office, at Calle Mayor 52 (945 600 845). The biotope has a picnic area. To get there from the town, take the road towards Logroño and follow the country tracks among the vines. The GR 38, the wine and fish route, which crosses Álava from south to north, also passes through the area.

Birds

At least a dozen species live here and many more pass through. September to March is when most are seen. They are elusive birds: speak quietly and bring binoculars.

The lagoons are a resting place for birds on their migrations. In summer, in contrast, the spectacle is different: Carravalseca and Carralogroño dry out and the white salt crusts appear.

When and how to go

In summer, go first thing or in the late afternoon, when it is cooler, and bring water and a cap. With children, the circuit of the Prao de la Paúl is short and flat, and the hide helps them watch without scaring the birds. If you prefer to go on wheels, the Posada Mayor de Migueloa rents mountain bikes.

Afterwards, go up to the old town for the Torre Abacial or the walk round the walled old town, from whose Collado promenade and Portal de Páganos viewpoint you can see the lagoons from above.