10 April 2025.
Foz de Lumbier and Foz de Arbayun are two of the most beautiful natural destinations in the Navarre region of Spain. This guide covers everything you need to know for your visit.
Carved into the rugged landscapes of northern Spain lie the dramatic limestone gorges of Foz de Lumbier and Foz de Arbayún.
Framed with vertiginous cliffs stained in ochre and charcoal, these craggy chasms form one of Spain’s most important bird habitats and are home to an abundance of Eurasian griffon vultures which stand guard along the clifftops and soar overhead with their enormous wingspan on display.
Located less than half an hour apart, both canyons are distinctly different but each offers an enjoyable walking trail that best showcase its unique setting from above or below.
Paired together, these vast ravines make an excellent and adventurous day trip from Pamplona or can be used as a stopping point to break up the journey between Zaragoza and the Pyrenees.
For a weekend getaway, combine a day at the canyons with a visit to the Loarre Castle and Los Mallos de Riglos which lie just 1.5 hours away.
This short guide covers everything you need to know for visiting both Foz de Lumbier and Foz de Arbayún, including how to get there, where to park and the various walking trails on offer.
Although Foz de Arbayún is the more impressive of the two, the wide, flat trail and easy access of Foz de Lumbier makes it by far the more popular choice.
Towering above the blue-green ribbon of the Irati River, the rugged persimmon-coloured cliffs of Foz de Lumbier play host to hundreds of Eurasian griffon vultures which cluster along the craggy escarpment, their beady eyes watching the visitors far below, or whirl effortlessly through the sky using their powerful outstretched wings to ride the thermals overhead.
Set in the Reserva Natural de los Foz de Lumbier, this intriguing gorge is best experienced via the flat riverside trail which follows the former railway track that connected Pamplona to Sangüesa and is popular for both walkers and cyclists.
Meander between open path, rocky overhangs and pitch-black tunnels, craning your neck back at the staggering cliffs for a glimpse of these enormous birds of prey.
Set just outside the picturesque village of Lumbier in the Navarre region of northern Spain, Foz de Lumbier is easy to reach along the A-21 and lies just 30 minutes from Pamplona or a little over an hour from Jaca. Both Huesca and Zaragoza are also just 2 hours away.
As you approach the village, follow the signs for Foz de Lumbier along the Via Verde del Irati for 1.5 km where you’ll reach a large, well-organised parking area at the entrance to the gorge.
Parking is €3 for cars, with a small information centre, toilet facilities, picnic tables and several signs on visiting the surrounding area nearby.
Continue down the paved road on foot to reach the starting point for the Foz de Lumbier trails.
As part of a slow, 2-day sojourn between Zaragoza and the Pyrenees Mountains, I paired a fantastic day at Loarre Castle and Riglos with a visit to both Foz de Lumbier and Foz de Arbayún which provided an excellent introduction to the area and was a great way to break up the drive for those planning a similar route or looking for a weekend escape in the area.
Otherwise, both gorges make an easy and popular day trip from Pamplona.
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FIND YOUR RENTAL CAR // Pamplona and Zaragoza are the closest major cities to the canyons and have numerous options available for car rental from their respective airports and train stations. I recommend using Discover Cars who offer a variety of suppliers at competitive rates for the region. Find the best deals here.
There are two main trails or rutas for visiting Foz de Lumbier – the paseo corto or short walk and the recorrido largo or long route.
Foz de Lumbier – Paseo Corto
The short walk is 2.6 km out and back and takes around an hour to complete.
Veering out from the parking area, the trail is wide and flat and hugs the river as you progress through the most dramatic stretch of the gorge where staggering ochre-stained cliffs soar on either side.
Along the way, you’ll pass through two eerily dark tunnels hewn into the rock and have ample opportunities to view the vultures careening overhead.
At the far end, the Irati River bends to the left and the ravine opens into a lush swathe of greenery where a rough side path leads to Puente del Diablo or the Devil’s Bridge in just 110 metres.
Dating back to the 16th century, this once significant stone bridge now lies in ruins with just the abutments remaining on either side of the river at the mouth of Foz de Lumbier having been destroyed during the War of Independence in 1812 .
Still, the views are impressive looking directly between the narrow gorge walls while vultures swirl above the furrowed cliffs.
The path itself is rocky and clings to the rock face with a short exposed section and a steep, slippery descent onto the platform beside the bridge. There are fixed chains for support but focus and caution are required.
From here, head back via the same path to complete the Paseo Corto and return to your car.
Foz de Lumbier – Recorrido Largo
The long route is a 5.5 km circular trail that takes around 2 hours to complete, starting with the Paseo Corto before climbing into the countryside and wrapping back around to the starting point.
From the end of the gorge, the wide path continues alongside the river following the former railway line before turning left onto a narrow trail and pitching up through scraggly shrubs to intersect with a gravel road above where you can enjoy the views overlooking the surrounding landscapes.
The road continues climbing to the top of the rise and a four way intersection where you’ll need to turn left again to return back to the carpark.
Descending from here, the track skirts alongside a long chain of cliffs that rise above a sea of lush vegetation and mark the green tabletop plateau of Reserva Natural de los Acantilados de la Piedra y San Adrián with Ermita de la Trinidad peaking over the edge of the escarpment.
Finally, turn left again onto a narrow rocky path to return to the trailhead.
There are some pretty views along this circuit but the most dramatic stretch by far is the section that falls within the Foz de Lumbier.
If you’re short on time or torn between either route, the long way is enjoyable enough but I didn’t feel like it added hugely to the experience so if you do opt for the short route only, you won’t be missing out on too much.
With cliffs that soar to 300 metres above the serpentine Río Salazar, Foz de Arbayún is more striking than its neighbour, extending for nearly 6 km through the remote and rugged Navarre countryside.
Though downstream the river swells and makes a popular summer swimming spot, the best way to experience the canyon is by venturing along its precarious walls or visiting one of the spectacular viewpoints nearby.
After your visit, don’t miss the magnificent Mirador de Iso which sits at the northern end of Foz de Arbayún and is easily accessible by car.
Located just 20 minutes from Foz de Lumbier, Foz de Arbayun can be reached from the tiny village of Usún via the NA-178 before turning off at Romanzado.
As you approach, there’s a roadside parking bay on the right where you’ll need to leave your vehicle. Parking costs €3 and is payable in advance here or on the spot via the same link.
Wifi is available if you haven’t made a reservation and the officer onsite is very helpful and informative. Outside of peak season, the area isn’t manned.
From the parking area, it’s a further 1.5 km to reach the gorge at Puente de Usún.
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FIND YOUR RENTAL CAR // Pamplona and Zaragoza are the closest major cities to the canyons and have numerous options available for car rental from their respective airports and train stations. I recommend using Discover Cars who offer a variety of suppliers at competitive rates for the region. Find the best deals here.
There are two main hiking trails within the Foz de Arbayún – the Ruta Ermita de San Pedro de Usún and the stunning Canaleta trail.
Foz de Arbayún – Ruta Ermita de San Pedro
The Ruta Ermita is a 3.5 km circular trail that can be completed in around 1.5 hours.
Passing through Usún, the route follows a dirt road to the left and leads into the countryside, passing a horse riding centre before joining a steep rocky trail that pitches downhill towards the river and the Puente de Usún.
Though I didn’t swim here myself, there are several access points for the river nearby and it’s a popular and serene spot for visitors to enjoy a refreshing dip and bask on the rocks in the sun.
Continuing on the other side of the milky green Salazar River, you’ll pass the medieval Ermita de San Pedro for which the trail is named with its carved chrismon above the door that dates back to the 12th century.
Onwards, the route cuts through farmland and crosses back over the river via a ford where your feet will likely get wet before climbing the hill back into Usún.
The trail is pleasant enough but skips the stunning views that await within the heart of the canyon.
If you’ve already visited Foz de Lumbier and aren’t up for tackling La Canaleta, I’d suggest skipping this trail and heading straight to the impressive Mirador de Iso instead.
Foz de Arbayún – La Canaleta
La Canaleta, or ‘the canal’, is a 4 km offshoot of the Ruta Ermita. It can be hiked in around 3.5 hours as a 10 km out and back trail or combined with the Ruta Ermita to create an 11.5 km lollipop circuit.
Alternatively, the first 2.5 km of La Canaleta are easily the most impressive so it’s also possible to shorten the hike to a 7 km out and back route or 8 km lollipop circuit.
As this trail skirts high along the cliffs of Foz de Arbayún, the views are wonderful but it’s worth noting that there are several narrow and exposed sections that extend for around 100 metres at a time with sharp drop offs that fall away into canyon where cables are installed for support.
If you’re wary around heights, this might not be the trail for you, but if you can steel your nerves it’s a thoroughly worthwhile adventure.
Given the precarious nature of the trail, it’s not signposted or marked but is easy to follow once you’re on the correct path. Attempting the route in wet weather is also not recommended.
After crossing the Puente de Usún, you’ll reach an intersection with a wooden sign indicating Ermita de San Pedro to the right. Take the unmarked and slightly overgrown left fork instead which climbs steeply for 250 metres and brings you to la canaleta which will guide you for the rest of the trail.
This covered concrete conduit is built into the cliffs of Foz de Arbayún and has carried water from the spring at the far end of the trail to the village of Lumbier for nearly a century.
Veering left from here, there are some beautiful mossy sections of trail as you make your way through the forest to the entrance of the striking canyon.
The views are immediately impressive with deep green vegetation painting the steep slopes below and staggering cliffs streaked in vermillion towering on the opposite flank.
After scuttling across the first precarious strip, the trail return to the forest before emerging at another hair-raising section of cliff line.
Beyond this, the canyon opens up and bends to the left with the trail mostly sticking to the forest, meandering alongside the canal to the small cascade crowded with ferns that awaits at the far end.
Although there are glimpses through the treetops of the imposing cliffs overhead, this final stretch is far less scenic and more overgrown. The best views are really found within the first 2.5 km of the canaleta trail so consider turning back shortly before Barranco Valdelaco to save yourself an hour of walking.
Back on the main trail, either cross over the river and climb the hill back to Usún or continue around the Ruta Ermita de San Pedro to complete the circuit.
Set amongst the countryside, there is limited accommodation in the direct vicinity, but lovely Pamplona makes an excellent base for visiting the canyons as a day trip.
Those heading towards the Pyrenees and using this to break up the journey may prefer to start from Zaragoza or Pamplona and overnight in Jaca or Biescas after your visit instead.
Whatever your starting point, these are my top picks for accommodation in the area.
Hotel Avenida | This gorgeous boutique hotel in the heart of Zaragoza is an oasis of tranquility that feels a world away from the bustle of the city. The interiors are an aesthetic dream and have been beautifully renovated in neutral tones and natural materials with a healthy sprinkling of plants throughout. The updated rooms have the same tasteful design, while a handful are still waiting for their makeover and are available at a discounted rate. Check rates and availability here.
Pamplona Catedral Hotel | Located just minutes from the old town centre, this colourful boutique hotel set in a historic building is an excellent option in the heart of Pamplona offering comfortable rooms, valet parking and an excellent breakfast. Check rates and availability here.
Habital Suites | A fab modern hotel offering a range of comfortable rooms on the fringes of Jaca. Breakfast and street parking are also available, though be aware that Jaca is notoriously difficult for parking during summer and on weekends. Check rates and availability here.
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