Canyon Descents
Canyons or ravines are numerous in the karstic (limestone) area of Navarre, where erosion scores deep grooves into the rock, creating impressive shapes. These are areas of great natural beauty where water, stone and light are the main elements.
There are various types of ravines, some with more water and some drier; it all depends on the weather and the varying amounts of water produced by the rivers. Another factor to take into consideration when choosing one or the other is the technical difficulty of the jumps and abseiling required for the descent. For this reason it is advisable to perform this sport under the supervision of guides and specialists who are familiar with the location.
When is the ideal time? Without doubt, Spring. The thaw fills the ravines with water and shows them off in their greatest splendour.
Some of the most common and exciting are:
Artazul:
Located in the foothills of the Urbasa-Andía Nature Park. A technically very difficult ravine, which has a very high abseiling leap (40 metres).
| Access |
In the Ollo valley, 32 kilometres from Pamplona. We leave Pamplona on the AP-15 towards Arazuri, where we take the NA-700 towards Ollo and the turn-off to Aizpún. Leaving Aizpún in the direction of Goñi, after some 300 metres we come to the stream that signals the start of the canyon. |
| Difficulty |
It is approximately 600 metres in length, with a drop of 200 metres. The difficulties lie in its abseiling drops and the odd difficult pool. |
| Time |
Approximately 2 hours to get there and 40 minutes for the return. |
Arandari:
In the Roncal Valley, this is a beautiful canyon in which to get started in this sport. La Garona is a ravine that boasts 3 fine abseiling descents; although part of it is located in the province of Zaragoza, it starts in Navarre.
| Access |
Approaching the Roncal Valley, before arriving at Burgui, at the 14 km mark on the N137, is the path that leads up to the ravine. |
| Difficulty |
300 metres in length, with a drop of approximately 100 m, 4 abseiling drops (one of 20 metres) and various overhangs. |
| Time |
15 minutes to get there and over an hour for the descent. |
Arrako and Jordán
Situated right in the Belagua Valley, these are very pretty, technical canyons, with plenty of abseiling and cold water. The difficulty level is average.
| Access |
Leaving the Roncal Valley, on the road that leads up to the Belagua Pass, at the “Venta Juan Pito”, behind which the path leads to the ravine. |
| Difficulty |
It is approximately 600 metres in length, with a drop of 250 metres. It consists of various abseiling drops, a waterfall and overhangs of between five and 15 metres in height. |
| Time |
Allow 10 minutes to get there, over two hours when you are there and approximately 1.5 hours for the return. |
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