How to get to the Xorroxin waterfall: easy route through forests and legends

Xorroxin: the watery heart of the Baztan valley

Water is a precious resource and the people of Baztan treasure it as such. The green valley receives abundant rainfall, which preserves the natural wealth of its Atlantic forest and ensures that the land can still be used as it always has been, such as for livestock grazing. At the same time, the earth pumps out water in the form of natural springs, the origin of the rivers that flow through many Baztan villages.

A cascade of life: the source of the Bidasoa river and its magical surroundings

Xorroxin is a waterfall on the Iñarbegi brook. Its crystal-clear water gives birth to the main river in the region: the Baztan. Its course, a Natural Monument, is a special conservation habitat. Leaving the valley, the river is rechristened the Bidasoa as it makes its way to the sea in Hondarribia, Gipuzkoa.

A humid environment where lichens and ferns thrive, moss surrounds Xorroxin. With its four-metre drop, the waterfall invites you to reflect and listen carefully. If you open yourself to its magic, it will speak to you of Basajaun, the lord of the woods, and other local mythological characters. Their presence lives on thanks to oral tradition, through stories told on long winter nights by the glow of the fire in farmhouses enshrouded in mist.

The path to the waterfall: a walk to connect up with nature

Want to make the most of the route to the Xorroxin waterfall? We invite you to follow it with your eyes wide open and your curiosity at full throttle. The waterfall is a beautiful place to reach, but the enchanted mystery of the forest follows you the whole way.

Erratzu, starting point: distance, time it takes and elevation gain

The route begins and ends in Erratzu. Its 7.4 kilometres can be covered in about two hours. It’s an easy path with an elevation gain of 150 metres and is fully signposted, so it makes for a great day out with the family.

The trail: bridges, brooks and the magic of the forest

Outward leg. Leave your car in the car park at the entrance to Erratzu. Walk the narrow streets of the village all the way to the stone bridge over the Aranea brook. From there, the trail, which passes by meadows, enters a forest of beech, chestnut, oak and hazelnut trees, and follows the Iñarbegi brook to a crossroads, where you need to take the left fork. Cross the wooden bridge over the brook and carry on to Xorroxin.

Return leg: return along the same path to the crossroads and head towards the Gorostapolo district with its typical Baztan houses and cobbled streets. Then follow the road back to the centre of Erratzu. 

Get ready for your visit: essential tips to enjoy Xorroxin

You need three things for everything to flow at the Xorroxin waterfall: a reservation, a backpack and a great love for nature.

Car park and booking - get there without setbacks

Booking. To visit Xorroxin, you need to reserve a space in the car park at the entrance to Erratzu. Bookings are made online and are free of charge at certain times of the year.

The best time of year and essential equipment

The Xorroxin waterfall can be appreciated in all its splendour at the end of spring when it bears more water, but any time of the year is a good one to marvel at the Navarrese Pyrenees. In summer, when the heat takes hold, the forest is there to cool you down. In autumn, the colours of the beech trees paint a beautiful scene just before their leaves fall. In winter, the forest is eerily still before the vegetation sprouts again.

Backpack. As on any hiking trail, you should wear comfortable footwear and suitable clothes (a warm, water-resistant jacket), and take water and something to eat (nuts are a great option) along with you.

Tip. If it’s raining or has rained in the last few days, parts of the trail can get very muddy. Be careful not to slip, especially when treading on stones or tree roots. Remember, it's a damp area.

Responsible tourism: take care of this natural paradise

A great love for nature. In Navarre, we don’t just go walking in the mountains for the exercise. It means sharing quality time with the family, friends or as a couple. It allows us to switch off from our daily worries and feel at one with the peace of nature. It involves supporting the rural world, protecting the environment and appreciating the landscapes our land has to offer. Whether you visit Xorroxin or want to discover other top nature spots, we encourage you to take care of and respect them as well.

Beyond the waterfall: legends and enchantment of the Baztan valley

Must-visit places:

• Elizondo: stroll through the capital of the valley and enjoy its famous artisan chocolate with hazelnuts.
• Señorío de Bertiz Natural Park: explore a protected forest and discover its historical-artistic garden.
• Zugarramurdi and the caves of the north: acquaint yourself with witchcraft and legends at a mythical location.

More information about the Baztan valley

Local experiences

• Food: try some of the typical high-quality local products (Latxa sheep’s cheese, junket, trout, veal, cider, liqueurs, jams...) at one of the restaurants or sidrerías (cider houses) in the region, or visit a mill where you can try a talo (corn flatbread).
• Activities: get to know the area with the help of a local company and enjoy guided tours of villages, museums, cheesemakers ... trails on foot, by bike or on horseback ... and other leisure, adventure and well-being experiences.

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