Nature

“Aralar is a mountaineer’s paradise.” This statement by the renowned writer José María Jimeno Jurío becomes a reality every week, as hundreds upon hundreds of hiking and nature enthusiasts; travelling in family groups, with friends, or with colleagues, go on excursions and walks through the different areas of the mountain range. Each of the four seasons has its own particular appeal, and it is fascinating to admire completely different landscapes along the same route, discover traditional shepherds’ huts, or come across dolmens built thousands of years ago.

Within the mountain range, the main starting points for excursions and walks are as follows:

Ganbara, in the Realengo area at kilometre 10 of the NA-7510 road connecting Lekunberri with the sanctuary. From there, a forest track—which is closed to vehicles—branches off to the right towards the southwest, reaching Pranzes Erreka before continuing as a path across the broad green slopes leading to the peaks of the Malloas: Ttutturre (1,282 m), Pallardi (1,291 m), Kurutzeaga (1,310 m), and Intzako Dorrea (1,431 m). These peaks can also be reached from the following starting points.

Campas de Albi. Located at kilometer 12 of the NA-7510 road connecting Lekunberri with the Sanctuary of Aralar. At the far end of the meadows, beside the dolmen of the same name, a path heads northwest into a wooded area and grasslands, from which you can climb peaks such as Txameni (1,299 m) and Beloki (1,271 m).

Casa Forestal–Guardetxe. A traditional starting point for excursions. A track heads west from here, motor vehicles are not permitted, which leads to Pago Mari and the Igaratza meadows in Gipuzkoa.

Sanctuary. In addition to being the destination of numerous paths used for centuries by pilgrims from the valleys on both the southern and northern sides of the mountain range, it is also an excellent starting point for interesting walks or longer treks. From here, visitors can climb to the summit of Altxueta (1,343 m), descend to Uharte-Arakil along the traditional access route used until the road was opened, or descend to Madotz through the Ata Valley.

Outside the mountain range, highly appealing walks, climbs, and traverses can be started from nearby villages such as Uharte-Arakil, Madotz, Iribas, Baraibar, and Intza.