Park Interpretation Centre in Ossa de Montiel

The Ossa de Montiel Visitor Reception Centre is the natural park's centre in the Albacete part. It occupies the former Alonso Quijano youth hostel, on the road to the Colgada lagoon, 21, among the lagoons in the middle of the valley, and is run by the Castilla-La Mancha regional government. It has a permanent exhibition on the geological formation of the lagoons, their animals and plants, and the culture and traditions of the area, and screens a documentary about the park. It is accessible to people with reduced mobility.

When it opens

It opens more days than the Ruidera centre. In autumn, from October to December, it opens on Tuesdays from 10:00 to 14:00; Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00, and on Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 15:00. On Mondays it is closed. From March to September the afternoon hours extend to 19:00. In 2026 it is open until the December long weekend, with the last day on the 13th, and in winter it closes until the end of February. The phone numbers are 926 27 73 62, 648 22 42 33 and 682 21 99 57, and the email, [email protected].

The Sunday guided visit

From March to early December, on Sundays at 10:15 the regional government runs the programme "From the centre to the trail" (Del centro al sendero), free and for all audiences. Environmental monitors show the centre, the documentary is screened and then you set off on the 4.5 km Tinada de las Hazadillas route, or link it with the Miradores trail for about 6 km, with a steep climb. It lasts between two and a half and four hours. You must register via the regional government's form, for groups of 6 to 25 people; if places are left, you can join on the day by calling beforehand on 648 22 42 33. It does not run on public holidays. On weekdays, the centre has another programme for schools and associations, which must also be booked.

Practical tips

You cannot park at the centre: the regional government recommends leaving the car in the Santo Morcillo lagoon car park, about 600 m away on foot. You cannot go in with walking poles, so leave them in the car. Take a hat, water and sun protection at any time of year. The regional government also lends a Joëlette chair so that people with reduced mobility can hike, with advance notice.

From here, the route round the Rey, Colgada and Batana lagoons goes down to the water seen from the viewpoints, and towards San Pedro are the Montesinos Cave and Rochafrida castle. For a meal nearby, the restaurant at the Los Batanes campsite is on the lagoons road, in the municipality of Ossa de Montiel.