IRABIA RESERVOIR – IRATI SWAMP
Circle route. Long Jump 11,2 km. Elevation 77 metres. Estimated tour time: 3,5 hours.
This route surrounds the Irabia reservoir in the heart of the Iratí jungle, in a basin surrounded by mountains in the Aezkoa and Salazar valleys. It is accessed from Orbaiceta. You will find an information booth where you will have to pay a small fee per vehicle if you want to access the parking lot next to the Irabia reservoir dam. The road is in good condition but it is very narrow so you will have to drive very carefully. We start at the reservoir dam parking lot, cross over the dam and take the SL NA 053-C trail, which is very well signposted on the right. The route is easy and has little unevenness.
The route is easy to follow as it involves skirting the swamp. The relief is a little sinuous and undulating.
After traveling 7,3 kilometers we find a first bridge, the views are very beautiful. About 600 meters further on we find the forest house of the Irabia reservoir. It is a good place to pause, take photos and replenish hydration and energy.
We return to the road and after walking approximately 3 kilometers we reach the second bridge of the Irabia reservoir.
We continue skirting the swamp and return to the starting point of the route.
TIPS
-Next to the dam there are two parking spaces.
– It is important to wear comfortable clothing and footwear, according to the season.
– As a precaution and depending on the season you should also bring some warm clothing or a raincoat
– It is necessary to bring snacks and enough water, as there are no fountains available.
– If you do the route in summer you should bring a hat, sunglasses and sun cream.
– Spring and especially autumn are the times when the forest offers us its most spectacular colors.
