Arroyo de la Encomienda brings together Romanesque architectural history and evidence of early settlement with the landscape along the Río Pisuerga. It also has monastery remains, a botanical garden, and specific opportunities for golf and trail running. When planning your trip, you can organize these different highlights according to your interests.
Romanesque architecture and a long history
The Iglesia de San Juan Ante Portam Latinam is a Romanesque church dating from the mid-12th century and the most important monumental building in Arroyo de la Encomienda. Archaeological remains from the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods in the municipality show that the area was already settled during both periods. This early evidence reaches far back beyond the history of the surviving buildings.
The history of the monasteries can also be traced through specific sites. The remains of the Monasterio de Santa Ana de La Flecha include the former church and part of the convent building. The monastery is located on a wooded bend in the river, beside a pesquera (fishing weir). This is distinct from the former Priorato de San Pedro de La Flecha: its buildings belonged to the Hieronymite community of Nuestra Señora del Prado de Valladolid until the confiscation of church property in 1835.
The Pisuerga landscape and the garden
The Ribera del Pisuerga is classified as an Área de Singular Valor Ecológico, or an area of special ecological value. The Río Pisuerga also offers the opportunity to spend time in close contact with nature. The area around Rodastillo lies where the Rodastillo flows into the Río Pisuerga. Cerro de la Horca is one of Arroyo de la Encomienda’s specially protected natural areas.
The plants in the Jardín Botánico are spread over more than 12,000 square meters. From October 2 to May 14, the opening hours are as follows: Monday to Saturday, 12:00 to 14:30 and 16:00 to 18:30; Sundays and public holidays, 10:00 to 15:00. As seasonal hours can change, check the current opening hours before your visit. There are also walking trails in El Cotarro de la Horca, where a viewpoint looks out over a water storage reservoir for irrigation.
Trail running and golf: different formats
The 2026 edition of the IX Arroyada Trail featured three formats: a long trail of 25.5 kilometers, a short trail of 15 kilometers, and a non-competitive walking route, also 15 kilometers long. The two shorter options are the same distance but differ in format. The long course passed through Arroyo de la Encomienda, Zaratán, Ciguñuela, and Simancas. These details refer to the 2026 edition.
The Campo Municipal de Golf Sotoverde offers a different kind of activity. The executive golf course has 18 holes, a par of 60, and a round of approximately 3,100 meters; it is designed for players of all skill levels. Course details may be subject to change, so check them before playing a round. Parque del Socayo also has a 1,000-meter running track. Trail running, golf, and the running track offer different activities, and their distances and formats should not be treated as equivalent.
Festival dates and planning
The Fiestas del Santo Patrón in honor of San Juan Ante Portam Latinam traditionally take place on May 6. San Antonio de Padua is celebrated in La Flecha on June 13. A Feria Gastronómica was also announced for the 2026 Fiestas de San Antonio, to be held in Plaza de España, where participating businesses were to offer their specialties. Details of the festival program may vary; if you are traveling to attend an event, check the specific dates.
Keep in mind the seasonal opening hours of the Jardín Botánico and which edition the trail details refer to.
Discover more destinations: Traspinedo, Palazuelo de Vedija, Siete Iglesias De Trabancos, Rueda, Villalón De Campos, Medina Del Campo, Villanueva de San Mancio, Villanubla.
For the broader travel overview: Valladolid.
