Cañadas

Cañadas are geographic features found in Spanish-speaking regions, referring to natural channels formed by water erosion through hills, valleys, or plains. A cañada is typically a long, narrow depression that may function as a dry riverbed for much of the year but can carry water during rain or snowmelt. They can range from broad, open valleys to precipitous gullies and are often bounded by steep slopes. In arid and semi-arid areas they commonly serve as drainage corridors and ecological pathways.

In Spain, cañadas are a common term for natural channels shaped by erosion. A related concept, cañadas reales, designates historic routes used for transhumance, allowing livestock to move between winter and summer pastures. These routes have cultural and historical significance and, in some cases, are protected as public rights of way or part of cultural heritage networks.

In other Spanish-speaking countries, cañadas similarly describe ravines, gullies, or canyons and may appear in geographic names. They often occur in mountainous or desert landscapes and can host flora and fauna adapted to seasonal water availability.

Conservation and land use: Some cañadas are managed for ecological preservation, landscape value, or recreation, while others continue to function as natural drainage features. Their size and importance vary widely, from modest channels to substantial valleys.