With the arrival of autumn, the Selva de Irati, located in the Navarre Pyrenees, transforms into a unique spectacle of colors. This “magical forest” changes its appearance with each season: fluorescent green in summer, snow-white in winter, and a blend of ochres, golds, and reds in autumn. The second-largest beech-fir forest in Europe, spanning over 17,000 hectares, offers dreamlike landscapes with rivers, waterfalls, and impressive hanging bridges. The valleys of Aezkoa and Salazar are home to three natural reserves: Lizardoia, Mendilatz, and Tristuibartea. Enjoy unique hiking trails in these magical valleys.
Estadio Mestalla, Av. Aragón 31 (Google Map)
04:30 / 05:00 (AM)
We will leave in the afternoon So YOU DON’T LOOSE THE THURSDAY (WORKING DAY) . We go directly to Pamplona to our hotel. On Arrival a small rest and we go out for Dinner and Haloween celeberation. (Not so late because, tomorrow we have the hike day.)
Distance: 15 km
Positive elevation gain: 482 m
Technical difficulty: easy to medium
Negative elevation loss: 482 m
Maximum altitude: 1,099 m
Route type: circular
Good physical condition is required for this trip.
Distance: 7 km
Positive elevation gain: 298 m
Technical difficulty: medium
Maximum altitude: 1,063 m
Minimum altitude: 982 m
Route type: circular
Good physical condition is required for this trip.
We have chosen our hotel with great care, keeping in mind all types of guests and making the most of our 3 days. Sancho Ramirez is a 3-star hotel in the city of Pamplona, located a 20-minute walk from the city center, and very close to supermarkets, bars, etc. Triple, double, and single rooms are available upon request. We had a great time there last year, so this year we decided to return.
It’s like being in a Western movie, a lunar landscape, or the Grand Canyon, but in Spain. Can you believe it? The Bardenas Reales is a Natural Park covering 42,500 hectares, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. You can visit by bus or take a 4×4 or segway tour (optional activities).
The Salazar Valley is a region of architecture, art, nature, and history, rich in culture, traditions, and gastronomy. Charming villages such as Escaroz, Esparza de Salazar, Gallués, Izal, Ochagavía, Sarriés, and Uscarrés are located alongside the Salazar, Urbeltza, and Urtxuria rivers. Natural spaces include the Irabia Reservoir and the Orhi Peak, standing at 2,000 meters.
12,000 hectares of forest, including the Selva de Irati, hidden caves, dolmens, hermitages, and stelae, are key features of this valley, which is home to nine municipalities. Among them is the highest village in Navarra, Abaurrea Alta, known as the “balcony of Aezkoa.”
A fairy-tale village in the Navarre Pyrenees, Ochagavía is one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and a must-visit in the Selva de Irati. If you are a photography enthusiast or an Instagram influencer, this village will not disappoint with its picturesque scenes. In the afternoon, Ochagavía becomes even more charming as the sunlight highlights the façades of the houses along the Anduña River.
Pamplona, the capital of Navarre, was once a medieval city made up of three neighborhoods: Navarrería, San Cernin, and San Nicolás. Today, it boasts four million square meters of parks and gardens, making it one of Europe’s largest “green cities.” It’s a tranquil city with iconic spots marked by the Sanfermines festival and the Camino de Santiago. We will spend 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in this city.
Known as the “medieval fantasy,” the Castillo de Olite is one of the most intriguing Gothic ensembles in Europe and one of the most luxurious medieval castles on the continent. Declared a National Monument in 1925, this fascinating castle still retains its historic grandeur and elegance today.