Welcome to the Alto Guadiana Mancha region, La Mancha del Quixote, land of contrasts, unique natural spaces and cultural heritage of great value.

Located in the northeast of the province of Ciudad Real, it is bordered by the two most unique wetlands of Castilla-La Mancha: the Tablas de Daimiel National Park and the Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park.

The Tablas de Daimiel are a practically unique wetland in Europe and the last representative of the ecosystem called river tables, exceptional habitat for waterfowl, being internationally recognized as a Ramsar Site and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

For bird lovers, early mornings and late afternoons are the best time to look at the sky, where native birds or birds from far away can be seen.
The Lagunas de Ruidera offer a visual and sonorous spectacle. The accumulation of calcium carbonate over thousands of years of precipitation has formed natural barriers that give rise to spectacular waterfalls between one lagoon and another, a total of 15, causing the “roaring” sound that gives them their name.
Enjoy the Mediterranean mountain ranges such as Villarrubia de los Ojos and Alhambra, with impressive views and viewpoints from which you can observe the plains of La Mancha, an immense sea of vineyards; or the Montiel countryside and its red earth.
There are signposted routes in all the protected areas and areas designated for birdwatching.
Traces of prehistoric times can be found in the archaeological sites of the “motillas”, from the Bronze Age, more than 4,000 years old. They were defensive fortresses such as La Motilla del Azuer, in Daimiel.
From the Roman period, Alhambra, the ancient Laminium, was a protohistoric city that has continued to this day.
From the Middle Ages, the castles and the Military Orders of San Juan and Calatrava stand out. The castles of Peñarroya (Argamasilla de Alba), Pilas Bonas (Manzanares) and the Castle of Alhambra, give origin to many legends of the region.
La Mancha of Don Quixote begins in Argamasilla de Alba, identified according to tradition as “The place of La Mancha” whose name Cervantes did not want to remember.
In the Lagunas de Ruidera, Cervantes placed one of the most famous incantations in literature.
Puerto Lápice was known for its inns, in one of them the ingenious hidalgo is knighted.

Province

Ciudad Real

Local Action Group

GAL Alto Guadiana Mancha

Protected Natural Spaces

Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park
Las Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park
Wetlands of the Mancha Húmeda Biosphere Reserve
Ramsar Convention Wetland of International Importance (Las Tablas de Daimiel)
ZEPA (Las Tablas de Daimiel)