In the region of Las Merindades, north of the province of Burgos, the largest karst complex in the Iberian Peninsula and one of the ten largest in the world with its almost one hundred kilometers in length of galleries makes its way.
This underground world is of great interest from a morphological, hydrological, scientific, historical and educational point of view, since prehistoric sanctuaries and remains of sixty-three species of cave-dwelling invertebrates have also been found inside, some of which are exclusive to these caves.
Externally, the landscape presents the characteristic easily eroded limestone formations, which results in a capricious scenario in which the Guareña and Trema rivers disappear into sinkholes to continue their sculptural work in the caves and emerge again a few kilometers later.
This peculiar way of eroding the rocky walls of the slopes, forming hollows, facilitates their use for nesting by a large number of birds, mainly raptors.
Among the lush forests live a large number of species such as the wild cat, the genet or the roe deer, but the real animal treasure is found inside the caves with a current census of one hundred and fifteen species, of which sixteen are endemic. by Ojo de Guareña.
Very close to the Natural Monument, in the small town of Quintanilla del Rebollar, the Casa del Parque provides all the complete information needed to better understand this unique scientific and cultural landmark, answering frequently asked questions about how the caves were formed, who they inhabited and who inhabited them, etc.
A brilliant partial recreation of the cave offers the experience of feeling what is perceived in the underground world, putting all the senses on alert to discover the wonders of the bowels of this corner of Burgos.
Ojo de Guareña is in constant research from a multitude of disciplines. The fruit of scientific activity is also available to the visitor through simple games and participatory experiences.
The room called "The Corner of Memory" shows how the landscape has been undergoing changes due to the ways of life of the people who have lived here since time immemorial, what their jobs and traditions are and, ultimately, learn more about the essence of this land.
An informative video is projected regularly in the audiovisual room, showing the main values of the Natural Monument, which includes fantastic images of the interior of the karst complex.
The visit ends in the exhibition hall presided over by a recreation of the holm oak of the Merindad de Sotoscueva Council, with the populations included in the territory of the natural space also being present.
