AIZKORRI MOUNTAIN

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure, as we take on the iconic Mount Aizkorri, one of the most renowned mountains in the Basque Country! This moderate difficulty route (around 5-6 hours of hiking) will fill you with energy and tranquility, with each step taking you higher and higher towards an incredible view that will leave you breathless.

The San Adrián tunnel, a 55-meter-long cave, is one of the most important points in the Aizkorri mountain range, used by shepherds and locals as a passageway since prehistoric times. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it became one of the main entrances to Guipúzcoa, along with the Arlabán Pass, as the Royal Postal Route passed through it. Prepare to be amazed by the spectacular views that await you!

We’ll start our journey at the Aranzazu Sanctuary, a beloved site for locals. This construction, with its three spiky towers, has an aura of mystery that will capture your attention from the start. At its entrance, you can see “La Piedad” and the 14 sculptures of the apostles by the sculptor Oteiza. Here, we’ll leave our car and begin our ascent through stunning centenary beech forests.

After about an hour, we’ll reach the Urbía meadows, where we’ll take a break and admire the typical Basque horses called “Pottokas.” This flat area is surrounded by the stunning peaks of the mountain range. At this point, you’ll have two options: continue with the guide to the summit of Aizkorri or take an easier walk in the area and then return to the Aranzazu Sanctuary.

If you decide to continue climbing, you’ll see the typical shepherd’s accommodations (known as “bordas”) blended perfectly into the landscape. Reaching the summit will reward you with a spectacular 360- degree panoramic view of valleys and mountains. And of course, you’ll enjoy the peace and freedom that this landscape offers. Get ready for an experience you won’t forget!