PORTUPEKOLEZE ARCH – SIERRA DE URBASA
Circle route. Long Jump 7 km. Elevation 196 metres. Estimated tour time: 2,5 hours.
This route runs through part of the Urbasa mountain range and heads to the Portupekoleze cave arch, it is an incredible karst formation made up of a huge arch created naturally by the ancient action of water and the elements that created this curious shape from the rock and precedes another smaller arch that simulates the entrance to a cave. It is a unique natural monument that you can only enjoy if you dare to go on this adventure.
This is an easy tour that can be done with children as a family. It begins next to the parking esplanade at the Lizarraga inn.
To the left we find a gravel track, a Canadian pass and the first fork in the road, we take the path on the right and ascend the mountainside, the vegetation, largely made up of small bushes and grass, is dotted with rocks.
Approximately 700 meters we find an intersection of the trail and we turn left, in about a hundred meters we find the sinkhole and the impressive stone arch that is the protagonist of this story. We are at 1076 meters above sea level.
After the obligatory break to contemplate the arch, we resume the route bordering the mountain range and enjoying the landscape, we progressively ascend 1,8 kilometers towards the summit of Ollide, 1132 meters high, one of the highest points on our route.
Next, there is the Arrangarte Gap and at this point we turn left to begin the demanding ascent to the top of San Adrián. This route is frequented by shepherds and their livestock, so we could find them during our tour. A little further on is the hermitage of San Adrián.
We return to the path and begin the descent and find a fork in the path 1,1 km from the summit. We take the path on the right until we reach Tximuako Leze, the remains of an ancient Roman road.
About 300 meters further on we find the ruins of a shelter, we climb a slight slope and then we descend again and then go up to the Portupeko pass, and from here we return to the starting point.
TIPS
– Due to the karst nature of the landscape, you will not find water sources during the tour, you must stock up beforehand.
– It is possible to encounter livestock during the route.
– The normal thing is to arrive from the highway going up the Lizarraga pass. As soon as we cross a tunnel we will find a large parking area next to the Lizarraga inn. On weekends and holidays the parking lot can fill up.
– The route is not marked but it is easy to follow, you just have to approach the Urbasa cornice and walk it carefully, enjoying the views.
– You can go down inside the Portupekoleze arch, the place is worth it. Be careful when walking along cliff edges.
