Rafting and canyoning in the Collegats gorge

North of La Pobla, the Noguera Pallaresa forces its way between conglomerate walls several hundred metres high: this is the Collegats gorge, the gateway to the Pallars Sobirà. The tourist office presents it as the only place in Europe where all four of the continent's vulture species breed, so whether on the water or in the canyon, look up now and then.

Three ways into the gorge

In summer, the river and the side canyons are done with a guide. The one organising it from the gorge itself is Collegats Outdoor, a small company of Dutch origin based at Càmping Collegats, on the N-260, km 306, at the edge of the village. It works from 1 July to 31 August, Monday to Saturday, in groups of eight at most and with guides who speak Dutch, English and German.

• Rafting through Collegats. Ten kilometres of river through the gorge, less intense than the whitewater stretches further up, but still demanding; the company rates it as suitable for families. From age 8, and you must be able to swim. €55 per person, €49.50 if you stay at the campsite.
• Inflatable kayak (hotdog). Another 10 km through the gorge, but paddling yourself, in an inflatable boat. Recommended from age 10. It leaves at 15:30 from the equipment store: it goes in the afternoon so as not to find the river low. €70, or €63 at the campsite. Includes wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, paddle, guide and insurance.
• Canyoning. Four canyons, which the guides choose according to the water they carry: l'Infern, in the gorge itself, and Boixols, of about four hours; Gurp, of five, from age 10, and Viu de Llevata, of six. €65 per person, €58.50 at the campsite, from age 8 on most.

If you want more water

Collegats Outdoor also runs the whitewater stretch between Llavorsí and Rialp, upriver, at the same price: ten kilometres with high waves and long passages, from age 10. The company rates it as demanding.

Booking and what to expect

Book on the company's website or at the campsite. At La Pobla tourist office they also give its local phone number, 973 680 714, and the email [email protected]. For canyoning, the same office cites two other companies in the village, Guies Vall Fosca and Mundo Canyon.

What to bring is confirmed when you book. Outside July and August, Collegats Outdoor does not operate. The rest of the season, the guided alternative in the area is the Roca Foradada via ferrata, and to sleep near the river the Hotel Solé is a few minutes by car. If you arrive without a car on the Tren dels Llacs, ask the company how to get to the campsite from the station.