What to do · Ordesa Valley
Medio Forcos canyon in Bergua
Information
- From
- €52 per person
- Duration
- 3 h
- Season
- March – November
- Who it's for
- From age 6
What it is
The Medio Forcos canyon is an introductory canyoning descent on the last stretch of the Forcos gorge, beside Bergua, south of Broto. You go down through the water in a wetsuit and helmet, between rock walls, passing three pools with jumps of 1, 4 and 6 m and an introductory 10 m abseil. Everything is optional: the jumps can be skipped. That makes it a good first canyoning experience, including for families.
It is run by Guías de Torla Ordesa, a guiding company with an office on Calle A Ruata in Torla, which also offers rafting, via ferratas and high mountain activities in the valley.
What the activity is like
According to the company’s listing:
- Difficulty: low.
- Duration: about 3 hours in total, with a walk-in of about 40 minutes to the head of the canyon.
- Jumps: of 1, 4 and 6 m, all optional.
- Abseil: one introductory abseil of 10 m, also optional.
- Group: a maximum of 8 people per guide.
- Minimum age: from 6 years.
The same page also describes an intermediate stretch of the Forcos, level 2, with abseils of up to 25 m, slides and 4 or 5 hours of activity, from age 12 and with normal fitness. If you are travelling with young children, the company also recommends the Viandico canyon. Confirm when you book which stretch you will be doing.
Price and season
€52 for children and €55 for adults. It runs every day from March to November; the company recommends summer and early autumn.
It includes the organisation, a qualified guide, canyoning equipment (wetsuit and neoprene boots), helmet, full harness, and public liability and accident insurance. It does not include sports shoes, swimwear to wear under the wetsuit or the technical T-shirt they recommend wearing underneath.
Meeting point and getting there
You meet in the Torla-Ordesa car park, next to the visitor centre. From there the guides take you in the company’s vehicle to Bergua. In July and August access to the National Park is restricted and the Torla bus runs, but the canyon is outside the Ordesa valley: you don’t need it for this activity.
How to book
From the activity’s page on the Guías de Torla Ordesa website, using the booking button, or by WhatsApp and phone from their contact page. In summer it is best to book several days ahead.
What to bring
Trainers that grip and can get wet, swimwear and a technical T-shirt to wear under the wetsuit. A change of dry clothes and a towel for afterwards. Leave your phone and valuables in the car if you don’t have a dry bag.
If the weather changes
A canyon depends on water flow and storms. If heavy rain is forecast, talk to the company before you go and ask when you book what happens if the outing has to be changed or cancelled.
Combine it with
If you want another water activity, the same company runs rafting on the Ara river. To sleep near the meeting point, the Camping Río Ara is within walking distance of Torla.
Tips
- Choose the right stretch Introductory Medio Forcos is from age 6; the intermediate stretch from age 12. Ask for the right one when you book.
- Go in summer or early autumn Those are the dates the company recommends for this canyon.
- Bring shoes that can get wet Footwear is not included; old trainers with a good sole will do.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can you do Medio Forcos?
The introductory stretch is from age 6. The intermediate stretch of the Forcos is from age 12.
Do you have to jump?
No. The 1, 4 and 6 m jumps and the 10 m abseil are optional.
How much does it cost?
€52 for children and €55 for adults, with guide, equipment and insurance included.
With teenagers
Who runs it
- Guías de Torla OrdesaMedio Forcos canyon, beginner level Visit their website
