La Escaleruela: the stepped tufa waterfall of Zaorejas

A stone staircase

Its name explains it all: the tufa has built up in steps, one over another, creating a tiered waterfall. It is one of the best examples of an active tufa building in the Park and pairs well with the tufa formations at nearby Puente de San Pedro.

Water from underground

The water comes from a spring that forms a small turquoise pool at the bottom of the Barranco del Ciño Negro. The pool rarely runs dry, but only in wet months does it overflow enough to tumble down the cascade. As a result, the formation grows in bursts: when water flows, it deposits lime; when it stops, growth pauses.

When to go

In winter and spring. During hard frosts, the cascade can freeze solid, creating an uncommon sight. It can be seen well from the Mirador del Tajo, right next to it.