What to do · Jerte Valley
Canyoning in the Garganta de los Hoyos
Information
- From
- €40 per person
- Duration
- 3 h
- Season
- All year; best from spring to autumn
- Who it's for
- From age 10, able to swim
The Garganta de los Hoyos is a small stream that runs down into the Papúos one above the village of Jerte, among alders. Its channel is gentler than that of other canyons in the valley, and that is why it is the one used for beginners: the difficulty lies more in how slippery the rock is than in the moves. You go down it with a guide, in a wetsuit and helmet, and move from one pool into the next for about three hours.
Five abseils between two bridges
The descent runs from one bridge to the other. It starts with rock slides that you let yourself drop down into the water, continues with some simple down-climbing and small jumps, and has five abseils already equipped. The valley's tourist office gives their heights: 13, 16, 10, 11 and 6 metres. The guide teaches you how to use the descender before the first one and goes down with you; no previous experience is required.
The length changes with the group. The company reckons about two hours if there are two of you and up to three with a group of eight, which is the maximum number of clients per qualified guide. Also count the time to change before and after.
From the lower bridge to the upper one
You park next to the lower bridge and walk up to the upper one, where the canyon begins: about 15 minutes' approach. If you want to lengthen the morning you can walk up from the village of Jerte itself. At the end, the channel brings you back to where you left the car, so there is no long walk back.
What the company provides and what you bring
In Jerte it is run by Garganta de los Infiernos, the same company that runs the 4x4 up to Los Pilones, at €40 per person. The price includes wetsuit, helmet, harness, descender and the rest of the technical equipment. Anyone over 10 can go, with under-18s accompanied by an adult, and everyone must be able to swim.
You provide what goes under the wetsuit: swimwear or leggings and a lycra T-shirt. Footwear must be trainers or hiking shoes that can get wet; sandals and water shoes are not allowed. Also bring a full change of clothes and other footwear for afterwards, and sun cream. The tourist office mentions a second company that guides this canyon, Gecko Turismo Activo (661 093 233): ask there about price and conditions.
If you want more: Los Papúos
The same company goes down Los Papúos, the canyon that Los Hoyos flows into, of medium-high level and with a 30 m abseil. It takes about six hours and costs from €60. It is the logical next step if you enjoyed the first canyon and are already comfortable with a rope.
A swim without a harness at Los Pilones
The water comes down from the sierra cold in any season. The company offers it all year, but the first canyon is enjoyed more when it is warm out of the wetsuit, from late spring to early autumn. If afterwards you want a swim without a harness, Los Pilones are a few kilometres away, and for lunch in Jerte there is Las Tenerías, next to the village's natural pool.
Tips
- Ask for small groups With two or three people the descent is shorter and the guide spends more time with you at each abseil.
- Leave your change of clothes in the car The canyon ends near where you park: having dry clothes to hand is welcome after three hours wet.
- Watch the smooth rock What is hardest in Los Hoyos is not the abseils but walking along the channel: put your whole foot down and follow the guide's line.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can you do it?
From age 10. Under-18s must go with an adult and everyone must be able to swim.
How much does it cost and what does it include?
€40 per person with wetsuit, helmet, harness, descender and the rest of the technical equipment, and one qualified guide for every eight clients at most.
How many abseils does it have and how high?
Five, of 13, 16, 10, 11 and 6 metres, according to the tourist office listing. Before them there are slides and small jumps.
What footwear do I need?
Trainers or hiking shoes that can get wet. Sandals and water shoes are not allowed.
How far do you walk to the canyon?
About 15 minutes from the lower bridge, where you park, to the upper one, where the descent starts.
With teenagers
Who runs it
- Garganta de los InfiernosCanyoning at Los Hoyos, beginner level Visit their website
