Travel to Spain. RIO-TINTO RIVER

   The Rio Tinto River is popular with tourists because of its unusual red-brown color - it owes them impurities to iron and other metals, which are rich in coastal areas. 

   In these places from the ancient times, minerals such as copper, iron, gold and silver were mined, which accelerated the poisoning of the river and its transformation into a dead stream. In Rio Tinto there is no fish, no vegetation, swimming in it is dangerous for life.

  

    Until the 20th century. It was believed that the waters of the river are completely lifeless. However, studies have shown that even in such harsh conditions, there are special types of extremophile bacteria that feed on iron and actively participate in the coloration of water in bright colors. They also contribute to the acidification of water - its PH is lower than that of lemon juice and home-made vinegar.

   The unique properties of Rio Tinto attract not only tourists, but also scientists, including NASA. The fact that living organisms are able to feed on inanimate matter, significantly increases the chances of finding life on other planets of the solar system. Therefore, experts do not exclude the possibility of finding relatives of local extremophiles on Mars or Europe, the satellite of Jupiter.

Bus / train from Madrid to the city of Seville - from 15 €, 6 h / 65 €, 2.5 h;

Then a bus to the city of Minas de Riotinto - about 5 €, 2 hours.

Accommodation in Minas de Riotinto: 
Single - from 30 €,

Double - 40 €.