VIRGIN OF THE SNOW, IRATI JUNGLE
Round trip linear route. Long Jump 9,10 km. Elevation 314 metres. Estimated tour time: 3 hours.
This is an easy route, the starting point is next to the area of Iratí houses, crossing the bridge over the point where the Urbeltza and Urtxuria rivers converge and the Iratí is born. 50 meters away is the Iratí Forest tourist information point and access to the route trail. You can drink water from a fountain at the beginning of the trail.
To the right there is a picnic area and an information panel for the route. A few meters further on is a path to the right that leads to an old beech tree decorated like an enchanted forest with elves, gnomes and a Wish Box.
Returning to the trail, 400 meters away we find an information sign at the intersection of the path; We take the one on the right and further on we find some steps. We begin an ascent of Loma de la Vieja for 800 meters until we reach a point from which we have beautiful views and it is possible to see part of the Sierra de Abodi: It is useful to bring some binoculars. A little further on is Loma del Cuervo.
We begin the descent along a 1 2 kilometer zigzagging path that takes us back to the forest track. We go down carefully because the ground is somewhat slippery as it is a little wet. The beauty of the colors of this forest is indescribable, you must come see it.
We find an information sign and an intersection, we take the path on the right towards the Zabaleta stream. About 700 meters further on is the Duedas stream and approximately 800 meters away is the Irabia reservoir. We cross the bridge over it and head towards a forest and a ruined cabin.
Next to this cabin there is a path to the right that we take to return, we pass again next to the Duedas stream and we find the next information sign at a fork 1,5 kilometers away, at this point we take the path to the right.
Approximately 1,5 kilometers we pass next to the Iratí River and from here it is only a little more than a kilometer to reach the starting point of the route.
TIPS
– Access to the area requires payment of a fee for services and to contribute to the care and development of the valley. There is a guard service and they provide you with a map with the available trails.
– Next to the Virgen de las Nieves hermitage there is a large parking area, information booths, fountains and the bar opens depending on the day.
– Please note that during the fall, generally on busy weekends, access may be closed when all parking spaces are occupied.
– The route is well signposted. We recommend going to the swamp bridge and walking along its banks if the water level allows it.
– Autumn and spring are the times of year when the forest acquires its most spectacular colors.
– Restaurants Casas de Irati – Iratiko Etxeak Jatetxea
948 050 700 / 621 275 807
