5 ravines in the Catalan Pyrenees that you cannot miss

The water is making its way through the valleys of Catalonia, showing us real beauties sculpted in the rock over the years, with playful shapes and diverse colours that inspire and attract the attention of some curious and intrepid canyoners.

Some are attracted only by the purely sporting and physical aspects of the activity and others by the aesthetic and poetic aspects hidden in its corners.

An escape route, an extreme sport or a place of inspiration, canyoning is always a good way to discover nature in its purest form.To disconnect and reconnect, to surpass ourselves, to bring out our most adventurous and explorer side.

Canyoning is always a challenge in every sense.

Fantasy scenery, natural and charming.The ravines are magical places, home to many species of fauna and flora, some of which are in danger of extinction.

Great abysses, small or large gorges, infinite corridors, waterfalls overflowing with water, vegetation ....? the ravines show us the rhythm of water, the passing of time and the rhythm of life.

When we enter a ravine, we inevitably feel that we are invading a hostile territory that is not our own. Our duty is to respect as much as possible the paths already marked or defined within the canyon and to follow the route indicated by the topography.

It is advisable not to blaze new trails and to respect the local flora and fauna.

My name is NoeliaI am a canyoning and caving guide, underground cave explorer and tour guide.

Below I show you 5 canyons in the Catalan Pyrenees that you shouldn't miss! But, these are just a few, if you want to know more, here you can find more information about other canyoning trips I usually do and adapt to your needs.

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1. GORGUES DE NÚRIA

We are facing the most technical canyon in Catalonia.

In it, we can expect a succession of long jumps and slides, and water abseils.

With a permanent flow all year round, with periods when the ravine is impracticable due to its high flow, or only for experts, it offers us the best time to descend it in its low water season, specifically between the months of June and September.

Playful, committed and adrenaline-fuelled, it is ideal for thrill-seekers and people in good physical shape.

Located in Queralbs, in the province of Girona, it is located in the beautiful Núria ValleyThere are also different trekking routes.

It is divided into two sections, upper and lower, giving us the opportunity to do it either as a whole (both sections on the same day), or in two days, being able to choose the section, depending on the level of the athlete.

It also allows us to leave the canyon before entering the second section.

The the first, more canyon-like section, has a series of large slides and jumps that already show you the dynamics and difficulty of the canyon. Here we find the fun Formula One slide, so called because of the speed you can reach when you go down it.

In the second section, we will find some obligatory abseils, several jumps and launching slides such as the feared slide of death, so called because of its extreme nature, after sliding a few metres down it, it throws us into the void a few metres with a thunderous reception in the water. It is not always advisable to do it.

In short, the star canyon of Catalonia!

2. FORAT DE BOIXOLS

El Forat de Bóixols is a beautiful descent of the Pallars Jussà, located in the beautiful and isolated village of Bóixols.in the province of Lérida.

Ideal for beginners in canyoningthis jewel of the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees, offers us guaranteed fun and a playful descent without too many worries other than jumping and letting yourself be carried away by its slides.

With crystal clear waters and canyoning walls, you can enjoy a fantastic day of canyoning with friends, your partner or family.

Two obligatory rappels await us here, one of which is 12 metres high under a beautiful waterfall.

3. VIU DE LLEVATA

The Viu de Llevata is located in the Alta Ribagorza and near Aigüestortes National Park. It is a very well excavated gorge with whimsical shapes.

It is one of the most frequented canyons in Catalonia.. Here we will be able to enjoy various jumps, slides and a few abseils. All this in an aquatic environment in the spring months and the beginning of the dry season.

Its crystalline waters and its fattened corridors, together with the colour of its limestone, envelop you in an adventurous environment!

This is a very complete descent of medium difficulty, in which we will find sections of walking, swimming, jumping and abseiling !

4. GORGUES DE GURP OR CARAMEL

This beautiful ravine is located in Gurp, a small village near Talarn, Pallars Jussà.

In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful ravines in Pallars.

With two distinct parts, in the first one, we will find the most vertical part and in the second one, a part of long narrow corridors with kettlessome of them deep and very beautiful, from crystal clear waters!

It is a canyon that will gradually take you by surprise as you go along and as you progress, you will be pleasantly surprised.

No corner of this beautiful descent is wasted, of turquoise and crystalline waters.

We will be able to enjoy several abseils, some slides and small jumps.

5. BARRANC DE ROI

If you like the fantasy scenery, greenery and a diversity of coloursthis is your descent. It's a canyon that grabs you as you go down it.

Located in the small village of Castell-Estaó, in the Vall Fosca, Pallars Jussà. It is unique in that the uranium mines are located in this village, and the whole descent has a beautiful reddish colour.

In the spring-summer months, we can see this ravine in all its splendour, with its exuberant vegetation.

This is a decline ideal for beginners, with several short and aquatic abseils, small jumps and some slides.

We will also enjoy small kettles and beautiful corridors like in a fairy tale.

Descent of a sombre character, which gives rise to these such magical settings.

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