From the bridge over the Manzanares River at the western entrance to the village, cross the M-608 road and head towards the bridge at the end of the Santillana reservoir, where the Samburiel stream flows into the reservoir.

From here, where there is a parking area for vehicles, take an asphalted path for pedestrians that borders the reservoir. Continue along the edge of the water until you reach the dam.

The Manzanares El Real reservoir is of great ornithological interest as it serves as a refuge for a multitude of birds. There are abundant specimens of Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata), Gadwall (Anas strepera) and Ruddy Duck (Netta rufina). Other species such as the teal (Anas crecca), the pintail duck (Anas acuta), the great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus) or the little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) are also present. Other common water birds are the common pochard (Aythya ferina), the tufted duck (Aythya fuligula), the common coot (Fulica atra), the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) and the black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus).

This route also allows you to admire Manzanares Castle, the most imposing and best preserved castle in the Community of Madrid. The greatest architectural jewel of Manzanares El Real -declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1931- is a true marvel of medieval architecture.