Free walking tours in Enciso and what to see

Must-sees

Enciso lies in the upper Cidacos valley, in La Rioja Baja, and is one of the best places in Europe to see dinosaur footprints. More than three thousand footprints have been recorded around the village, left in the rock over a hundred million years ago. You see them in the open air along waymarked trails, such as Virgen del Campo, Valdecevillo and La Senoba, with life-size dinosaur figures that children love.

Before heading out, it is worth visiting the Palaeontology Centre, set in an old slipper factory, which explains which animals left the footprints and how they are studied. The village deserves a stroll: up top, the church of Santa María de la Estrella and the castle ruins on the hill; below, the church of San Pedro and the medieval bridge over the Cidacos. On the outskirts is El Barranco Perdido, a palaeo-adventure park with zip lines, courses and pools.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Enciso, and you do not need a guide for the main sights. The footprint sites are explored on your own with information panels, and the Palaeontology Centre will advise you on which routes to do depending on your time. If you are travelling from Logroño, the practical option is to drive and combine Enciso with other villages in the Cidacos valley, such as Arnedillo or Arnedo.

How long to spend

A full day covers the essentials: the Palaeontology Centre in the morning, a couple of sites and a stroll around the village. If you are with children and want to visit El Barranco Perdido, set aside at least another half day, as they can easily spend hours there. To walk the more distant footprint trails at leisure and see other villages in the valley, two days is ideal.

Where to stay

Enciso itself has rural houses and small places to stay, convenient for walking to the sites and enjoying a very quiet village at night. Choice is limited, especially in summer and on long weekends, so book ahead. If you cannot find a room, Arnedillo, with its hot springs, and Arnedo, with more services, are a short way down the valley.