The Pyrenees offer an incredible variety of rivers, perfect for enjoying their waters and picturesque valleys. With rivers flowing from the highest peaks of the mountain range, featuring all levels of difficulty and many navigable kilometers, the Pyrenees are an underrated whitewater destination.
On this tour, we focus on the main valleys of the Gállego, Ara, Ésera rivers and their tributaries.
This trip will take you to unique corners of the Pyrenees, paddling through the main valleys and their tributaries. During the week, we’ll move between rivers while having two base locations for accommodation and downtime.
APRIL · MAY · JUNE
Airport pick-up and/or meeting of all participants at our guesthouse in Boltaña.
Gear preparation and barbecue.
We start paddling on the iconic Gállego River, the perfect setting to warm up. This first session helps us get to know each other, evaluate skills, and build team dynamics. We’ll paddle class III rapids while enjoying the stunning views of the Mallos de Riglos.
Arguably the most iconic river of the Pyrenees, the Ara originates in the Vignemale Massif and the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park. On our second day, we’ll paddle its crystal-clear waters through a beautiful 6 km canyon between Torla and Broto. The rapids become more exciting, reaching class III/IV.
In the afternoon, depending on group skill and water levels, we can practice lines at “la jeringuilla” or “la chicane”, take photos, do safety drills, and enjoy the river.
Options to repeat the Torla-Broto section, or explore the final ramps/canyon of Bujaruelo if the group is advanced. Otherwise, we’ll paddle the lower sections around Fiscal and Jánovas.
Being in one of the wildest valleys of the Pyrenees, we’ll spend the day exploring this river in depth. Those who prefer can take the afternoon off to visit Ordesa National Park.
If water levels allow (depending on the dates), we’ll stop to run the Devotas Gorge — in our opinion, one of the highest-quality rapid sections in the Pyrenees (Class III/IV). This section varies greatly depending on the flow and is subject to changes.
If we’re unable to paddle this section, we’ll head directly to the Ésera or stay an extra day on the Ara to explore it in more depth.
If conditions don’t allow, we’ll either head straight to the Ésera or spend one more day exploring hidden gems of the Ara.
The Ésera River, flowing from Aneto — the highest peak in the Pyrenees — will be one of our longest kayaking days, with more than 20 km of whitewater.
Several Class III/III+ sections are available, with the possibility of paddling its canyons, Seira and Ventamillo (Class IV).
On this final whitewater day, we’ll explore any remaining sections in the central valleys. Depending on the dates and the group’s level, we can discover different stretches such as the Ventamillo Gorge, the Esca River, or the Foz Verde.
From Boltaña, we’ll spend the day packing up and driving to the airport.
We’ll celebrate the end of this intense week of pure kayaking in the heart of the Pyrenees with a good traditional meal.
Beyond paddling and exploring new rivers, our aim is to respectfully experience the nature and culture of the Pyrenees. We’ll also focus on improving our creek boating skills and paddling as many sections as possible.
We’ll prioritize rivers that suit the group’s skills, with safety and team integrity always as our top priority.
We’ll also refine our rescue techniques, including rope throws, mechanical advantage systems, and team navigation and scouting skills.
The rivers included in the program are class III/IV. If your level doesn’t match, we can adapt the difficulty. Likewise, if the group has strong class III/IV skills, we can add more challenging sections. The program is flexible and can be tailored to group needs.
There are slalom courses available in a couple of locations for skill development or calmer sessions.
As with all nature-based sports, river levels may change, so the plan is flexible. We will adapt to conditions to ensure a safe and fun experience.
7 DAYS OF KAYAKING IN THE PYRENEES
FROM €1000/PERSON FOR GROUPS OF 4–6
· Must know how to swim
· Personal kayak gear
· Have completed at least one RESCUE3 course
· Minimum 2 participants (different price), maximum 6
· Transportation between river valleys
· Shuttle to and from the river
· Activity insurance
· Accommodation
· Kayak guide
· Travel to and from the starting point
· Kayak and personal gear (available for rent or transport by us)
· Food and drinks (to be shared among participants)
· Airport pick-up available
· Private accommodation option
· 2-day program extension available
· Restaurant options
·Kayak rental
We’re open to other proposals. If your skills aren’t yet up to this trip’s level, we can adjust the program. We also offer skills training during the tour to help you get the most out of the experience.
