Rafting on the Mijares River in Montanejos

What it is

The Mijares is, according to Somos Aventura, the only river in the area with enough gradient for rafting. Its descent is class III and combines the raft with aquatic canyoning stretches, with jumps and swimming outside the boat, which are optional. The activity lasts about three hours from when you arrive at the base, with 1 h 40 min to 1 h 45 min in the water. The flow comes from a dam and is regulated, so rain doesn't cancel the outing; the company only cancels it if there is a real safety risk, and then proposes another date or alternatives.

Each raft carries up to nine people and a professional guide who steers it; no experience is needed. During the descent there are safety staff on the bank and a path that lets you leave the river if anyone needs to.

Price, age and times

The price falls with group size: €50 per person for one to three people, €48 for four to seven, €45 for eight to thirteen, €42 for fourteen to nineteen and €40 from twenty. Above thirty people there is one free place for every 25 paid. A private raft, for groups of up to six, costs €340, and must be requested when booking. If anything remains to be paid, it is paid in cash and in exact change before starting.

From age 8, you must be able to swim and weigh no more than 100 kg (above that, ask). It is not recommended with recent back, neck or joint injuries or during pregnancy; asthma, diabetes or other conditions should be mentioned beforehand. There are departures at 9:30 and 16:00. The season runs from late March to late October; the website also mentions early November, so it is worth confirming when you book.

What's included and where you meet

5 mm wetsuit, approved helmet and life jacket, booties, paddle, guides, safety talk, changing rooms with showers and the van transfer to the river, about six minutes away. It also includes entry to the Fuente de los Baños, which on summer capacity days requires a ticket. You meet at the company's base, at 17 Partida Corral de Prats, with free parking for customers.

Bring a swimsuit, a towel, clothes to change into afterwards and trainers that fit snugly and protect your toes: flip-flops, sandals and beach booties are not allowed. Photos are requested and paid for at the end.

What to combine it with

The river stretch passes through Los Estrechos, the canyon that can also be seen from above on the Estrechos trail. If anyone in the group is under 8, kayaking on the Arenoso reservoir admits children from age 5.