Canyoning / Barranquismo
What is Canyoning?
Canyoning is travelling in canyons using a variety of techniques that may include other outdoor activities such as walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling, and swimming.
Canyons that are ideal for canyoning are often cut into the bedrock stone, forming narrow gorges with numerous drops, beautifully sculpted walls, and sometimes spectacular waterfalls. Most canyons in our region are cut into limestone, granite, or conglomerate rock.
Canyons can be very easy or extremely difficult, though the emphasis is usually on aesthetics and fun rather than pure difficulty. Our guided canyoning can be enjoyed by adults and children aged 8 years upwards and all skill levels. You do not have to know how to swim to go canyoning! Canyoning gear includes climbing hardware, ropes, helmets and wetsuits.
Surrounding Canyons
Close to Abella de la Conca and Coll de Nargo are the really nice and easy canyons of Perles and Rialb. These canyons are great family activities and don’t require ropes but offer a spectacular canyon swimming and rock pool jumping experience. You can make it as easy or as challenging as you like.
For a first introduction to using ropes the Sant Pere canyon is a great starting point carving through the incredible conglomerate rock of Collegats.
For those with a little more experience the Boixols canyon is probably one of the best in Catalunya offering high jumps, 15m abseils and plenty of water year round.
There are plenty of other technical canyons in the area including Bordonera, Gurp, Infern and the more famous Viu de Llevata.
In winter, two hours from our base, you can also experience with us the only hot water canyon in Europe, with pools reaching up to 50 degrees centigrade!
More than 30 other guided canyons are available on request. Our prices include all equipment and insurance and are based on a group of 3-8 participants. Other group sizes can be catered for on request.
Going further...
We also organise on request a 3 day Canyoning Rescue Training course for those with previous experience who want to canyon safely and independently.
If you are looking to do Canyoning in the nearby Sierra de Guara we recommend Guias de Guara.
A note on good practice:
Canyons are fragile natural environments which can be easily disturbed. Disposal of human waste is a particular issue due to the proximity of water. Please consider the following guidelines from the Centre for Outdoor Ethics:
Urine: If the water is deep and fast flowing and you cannot easily reach dry land pee directly into the water – dilution is the aim. If water is shallow or still do not pee in or near the water as it can cause severe contamination. Pee in a bottle, seal it and empty it in a suitable place at least 60m away from any water source.
Poo: ALWAYS pack out your poo when in a canyon environment. The proximity to water means burying it is not a suitable option. Water contaminated with human and animal waste can cause severe disease risk. For more information on how to safely dispose of human waste visit Trail Space.
Dates, Location, Prices and Booking Information