The northern area of the province of Burgos, specifically Las Merindades and the Páramos area, has a large number of impressive places. It is considered an ideal destination for those who love nature and geology due to its abundance of karst formations, which are among the most notable of their type both in the Iberian Peninsula and on the entire European continent. One of the most notable and impressive formations is the Ojo Guareña complex known as the Blue well of Spain.
In this article we are going to tell you all the curiosity about its effects on the Blue eye of Spain.
Where is it located
Despite its size, there are corners of incredible beauty that are unexpected. In the Hoces de los Ríos Ebro and Rudrón Natural Park, visitors can witness impressive canyons, waterfalls, crystal-clear springs, picturesque villages, magnificent forests and impressive viewpoints. A place where similar formations can also be found is in the sinkholes that are formed in karst regions.
The Blue Well of Spain is located in Tubilla del Agua, belonging to the municipality of Burgos. The name itself provides an important clue as to what we can expect to discover there. Nearby is Poza de la Sal, a town known for its castle, its salt mines and for being the birthplace of Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente. The historic city of Burgos is just over 40 kilometers away.
Covanera, a charming rural town that is under the jurisdiction of Tubilla del Agua. Here is an extraordinary place that is not well known to the general public, but is still considered a sacred place by experienced cave divers. This location is the incredible Blue Well. In recent times, the Azul well has been known as the “cove” or “beach” of Burgos, largely due to its incredibly clear waters.
Characteristics of the Blue well of Spain
The karst spring is truly remarkable as it can produce a flow of over 4.500 liters per second during periods of heavy rainfall. Despite its frigid temperatures, ranging between 9 and 11 degrees Celsius throughout the year, remains a popular summer swimming spot, although only for the bravest. These waters are home to trout and are of exceptional quality. The spring flows into the Rudrón river after forming a small stream. The Azul well is an excellent example of karst upwelling, with flow rates that vary greatly depending on rainfall. Its constant temperature range is between 9 and 11 degrees Celsius for most of the year.
The stream, which measures approximately 8 meters in diameter, It is located under a huge limestone wall. It is recommended to visit the site in ideal lighting conditions and position of the sun, since you can look down and glimpse up to 10 meters deep. It is worth noting that from this depth, an enigmatic and vast underwater world awaits exploration.
Underwater expeditions through the Blue Well of Spain
The Blue Well, also known as the "Everest of speleodiving", It is a remarkable feat of underwater exploration. This vast cave system is made up of a labyrinth of underwater passages and impressive siphons that lead to other galleries, some of which are even dry.
Annual expeditions are carried out to reveal new facets of this colossal cave, but it is only accessible to experienced divers and researchers due to the complexity and great length of the system. However, access on foot from Covanera is simple and short. Initial explorations of the Azul well at Covanera were carried out during the 1960s, but from the 1990s onwards, English, Dutch and Spanish professionals went deeper with better equipment.
In 2010, Spain's Azul shaft set a world record for longest continuous underwater penetration, cementing its status as the cave with the longest linear submerged run in the world. In 2014, a British and a Dutch member of the Cave Diving Group team They successfully added 1 additional kilometer to the previous year's exploration, after spending four consecutive days underground. So far, the total explored distance of the cave system amounts to an impressive 14 kilometers. However, only seven people in the entire world have managed to cross the first 6 kilometers of the cave, and only three people achieved the incredible feat of exploring the cave up to 14 kilometers.
Due to its complex route, this cave is only suitable for highly qualified experts. Besides, The cave has its own legend, which tells the story of a beautiful lady with long hair who lives inside the Blue Well., located in the deepest part of the cave. Its luminous skin illuminates the dark galleries as it passes through them. According to legend, this lady was once a noblewoman traveling to meet her lover at court when she fell into the well at a stop along the way and was never seen again. It is believed that the young woman is still looking to meet her lover, and every time she senses the presence of a young man on the shore of the Blue Well, she momentarily emerges from its depths to check if it is her longed-for love. she.
Complete the visit
Although a visit to the Blue Well of Spain is very attractive, the trip is completed by enjoying the surrounding towns. It is recommended to reserve part of the day to visit the town of Covanera, with its beautiful stone streets and the bridge built here over the Rudrón River. Less than 20 minutes by car from Orbaneja del Castillo, this town is famous for the waterfalls that run through it.
You can enjoy the gastronomy of the town of Covanera, relax, and try the most home-style food of the area. You can also take a tour of the sinkholes of the region, which offer an equally fascinating panorama.
As you can see, Spain boasts dreamlike, completely natural places, perfect for a getaway and enjoying our country's nature. I hope this information helps you learn more about the Blue Well of Spain, its characteristics, formation, and interesting facts.
