Potholing
Chasms and caves are dotted across the region of Navarre, from north to south and from east to west, so cavities in the rock are common and (therefore) so potholing. Any time of year can be a good time for discovering the secrets in the depths of the caverns; however, it is important to know the actual condition of each cave in advance, together with its strata and the weather forecasts. For this reason, it is advisable to carry out this activity in the company of specialist guides.
The Karstic (limestone) phenomenon is most clearly in evidence in the geography of the northeast and east of the region. The main caves can be found in limestone regions such as Aralar, Urbasa and, of course, in Larra, which is home to some of the largest chasms in Europe, such as the well-known St Martin's Chasm, which is more than 1,300 metres deep.
Each cave has its own characteristics, as much to do with its composition as in relation to its pothole formations or the technical difficulties of traversing its galleries. For this reason, one cannot generalise in talking about the caves of Navarre and one has to refer to each one in particular. Some of the most visited ones are:
- Los Cristinos: one of the most beautiful of the Urbasa mountain range.
- Auandi: also in Urbasa with pools marked out by stalactites.
- Tximua (the Basque word for “monkey”): so called because of its anthropomorphous features, it has numerous stalagmites. It is of a high technical difficulty, requiring good knowledge of potholing techniques of descent and ascent. It is also located in Urbasa.
- Basaura: situated in the Lóquiz mountain range, it comprises multiple galleries and, with the meanders of the underground river that forms it, offers complex passages and requires special equipment.
- Ormazarreta: the same as the Tximua cave, but this time in the Aralar range, it is technically very difficult. Stalagmites of great beauty and size can be seen there.
Arrarats, Aezkoa, Ezkaldo in Baztán and the Ibón Cave in Roncal, which has a difficult access and boasts a chamber with stalactites, are other notable examples, although there is an infinite number of caves spread out across Navarre.
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