Laguna de las Yeguas
The Laguna de las Yeguas, also known as Laguna de Cubillas or Llagona Murias, is a natural jewel located in the Sanabria region, in the province of Zamora, Spain. This body of water is located within the municipality of Trefacio, in the hamlet of Murias, and is part of the Sanabria Lake Natural Park.
Location and Geology #
Located at an altitude of 1,795 meters, the Laguna de las Yeguas is located at the foot of the Peña Cabrita, which rises to 1,904 meters. This lagoon is of glacial origin, one of many that make up the Sanabria lagoon complex, one of the most important in Spain. It was formed by the closure of bottom and lateral moraines, a geological process that has given rise to its current shape and structure.
The lagoon covers an area of 78,000 m², with a perimeter of 1,425 meters and a maximum depth of 6.6 meters. It is composed of two basins, the product of glacial excavation, oriented from northwest to southeast, the western basin being smaller than the eastern one. During the winter, the lagoon freezes due to the low temperatures, a common phenomenon in this mountainous region.
In the surroundings of the lagoon, there is a rock known as Gneis ollo de sapo, characterized by its blue quartz crystals. This rock, of great geological interest, is part of a strip that extends from northwestern Galicia to the Meseta, passing through Sanabria.
Flora and Fauna #
The surroundings of the Laguna de las Yeguas are rich in biodiversity. The area presents a significant representation of bogs, grasslands and high mountain scrubland, including species such as heather, cottongrass, carquesas and urces. These plants are adapted to the extreme conditions of altitude and climate, contributing to the ecological uniqueness of the area.
In the waters of the lagoon, you can find various species of amphibians such as frogs, newts and salamanders, who find in this habitat a favorable environment for their development. The silting of the lagoon by carex is a natural process that is gradually altering its ecology, a characteristic shared with other lagoons in the Natural Park.
Access and Hiking #
Access to the Laguna de las Yeguas is relatively easy. From San Martín de Castañeda, you can reach the lagoon by vehicle via the ZA-103 mountain road to the Los Peces Lagoon car park. From this point, a trail of approximately 2 kilometers heading north leads to the lagoon. This path is ideal for those who enjoy hiking, offering panoramic views and an experience of direct contact with nature.
Long Distance Trail GR-84 #
The Long Distance Trail GR-84 Montaña de Sanabria passes through the lagoon’s spillway, crossing a slab pontoon. This path is an excellent option for trekking enthusiasts and mountain exploration. In addition, a few meters from the lagoon, there are three old shepherd’s huts, which are witnesses to traditional life in the mountains. One of these huts has a circular floor plan with a roof of peat sods, while another has been restored with a slate roof, currently serving as a shelter for hikers.
