Masegoso: Laguna del Arquillo, Routes and Historic Traces

The Laguna del Arquillo has a special connection with Masegoso: it is protected as part of the Natura 2000 network and Castilla-La Mancha’s network of protected natural areas. At the same time, it is designated as LIC ES4210006 and as the Laguna del Arquillo Natural Monument.

Nature between the Lagoon and the Highlands

Masegoso is located in a continental climate zone at elevations of over 1,000 metres. The landscape combines holm oak stands, pastureland and floodplains. Among the species found in this habitat are red deer, foxes and Spanish ibex.

The landscape of the Ruta Masegoso includes the Cañada de los Endrinos, a named section surrounded by mountains. A clear spring there indicates a special natural site that attracts the wildlife of the surrounding area. The Laguna del Arquillo area also contains open caves, some of which are decorated with rock paintings.

The more accessible sections of the Laguna del Arquillo shoreline can be explored on walks.

Routes for Hiking and Cycling

The circular Ruta Masegoso route passes through Masegoso, the Vega de Masegoso and the Caminos de los Molinos before returning to Masegoso. It is 12 km and 300 m long. The route was specifically created for bicycles, but thanks to the good trail conditions it can also be completed on foot or in an off-road vehicle.

Masegoso offers opportunities for moderate hiking and cycling, with natural connections to the Vía Verde de Alcaraz. From Masegoso, you can follow the well-developed Vía Verde on foot or by bicycle to the Laguna del Arquillo.

A longer perspective is offered by the Camino del Arquillo: this easy route is 40 km long and divided into three stages. These stages include the Masegoso–Peñascosa section. The different distances, stages and modes of transport make it possible to organise the routes according to the desired length of each day.

Getting There and Other Local Connections

From Masegoso, take the road towards Ituero-Los Chopes and then a track that branches off to the left at kilometre 14.900 to reach the Laguna del Arquillo. The main route from Albacete to Masegoso follows the N-322 to Alcaraz and then the AB-519 through San Pedro and Casas de Lázaro. An alternative route leads from the N-322 behind El Jardín via the AB5028 road.

Other destinations in the same regional classification include Los Alejos, Alcalá Del Júcar, Villarrobledo, El Gollizo, Caudete, Casas del Cerro, La Felipa and Reolid.

Cultural and Historical Details

At the entrance to Masegoso, there is a hill with a lookout point open to visitors and a Starlight point. It is suitable for stargazing activities and is protected from light pollution.

The small church of San Antonio stands in Cilleruelo. It may have been built before the 11th century and can be classified as Romanesque. The building has a single-nave layout and a simple exterior.

The church of San Benito in Masegoso was probably built in the 16th century. Its simple interior includes a single-nave layout. During roof renovation work, a coffered ceiling was also revealed whose geometric, plant-inspired design displays a clear Mudéjar influence.

Dry-stone structures known as Cucos can be seen in many places throughout the municipality. They are being enhanced because of their historical interest. Recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is being considered.

Annual Festivities

The local festivities also provide distinctive highlights in the calendar of Masegoso and Cilleruelo. The festival in honour of Saint Anthony in Cilleruelo was celebrated on the first weekend of July with a verbena, a mountain-bike gathering and a communal meal.

The festival in honour of Saint Benedict in Masegoso was celebrated on the first weekend of August. The festival in honour of the Virgen del Rosario in Masegoso was celebrated on the first weekend of October.

Ituerock is a rock festival featuring several bands. It was usually held on the fourth weekend of August, although the date could vary.

For the broader travel overview: Albacete.