We go into nature to know the so-called Irati Forest. It can be defined as a forest that occupies part of the north of Navarra and the Atlantic Pyrenees. It owes its name to the fact that it is located in the area of the Irati River valley. There we will find the largest area of beech and fir in all of Europe.
Thanks to the efforts of all those who live in that area, their state of conservation is great. Something that is always appreciated, so that we can all continue to enjoy a place as magical as this one. Come with us and discover everything that the Irati Forest can offer us.
How to get to the Irati Forest
Orbaitzeta
It is the first town that is approximately one hour from Pamplona. This will give us one of the best entrances to the Irati Forest. To get there, we will take the N-135, but in the direction of France that takes us through Zubiri. Then, we will take the N-140 and arrive at Arive. There we only have to take the detour to Orbaitzeta. On the other hand, you can also take the A-21 to Aoiz. When we are here, we can continue on NA-172 or NA 2040 that takes us back to Arive.
Ochagavía
The other town is Ochagavía. Again if we leave from Pamplona until it, we have to take the A-21. In less than half an hour, we will have to leave towards the Lumbier sign. Then, we continue on the NA-178 until we reach Ezcaroz. Finally, we take the NA-140 to reach our destination, which is none other than Ochagavía. From here, we only have to take the NA-2012 until port of Tapla and there we will have our Irati Forest.
Routes available from Orbaitzeta
To be able to enjoy this environment to the fullest, you will be able to access various routes through the jungle. They are suitable for all ages. In addition, at the beginning of each tour, you will have the information clearly explained. Still, they are usually less than 10 kms. Each path through which the route is enjoyed is marked in two colors: green and white. The two access points to the forest are Orbaitzeta and Ochagavía. We start with the first one!
Arrazola
One of the first routes that we did not find, it runs through the Arrazola area. In total there are about 8 kilometers that we can do in an hour and a half. There is a rising area that reaches the pasture area and goes down again, since it is a circular route.
Hermitage of San Esteban
Going up Arrazola, we continue until Orionzilo watering hole. It is a climbing area, but it is worth it. The Hermitage of San Esteban awaits us, but not before forgetting the stretches of vegetation that are fairytale.
Beunza Square
A little over an hour will take us Beunza Square tour. It leaves from the parking lot and we have to go in the direction of the dam. We need to cross it but always skirting the reservoir. It is one of the simplest sections and that we can do in an hour. Take a good camera because you will need it!
Erlan paradises
If this route is, it already has the name of what we are going to find. A great paradise is hidden in it. Through the vegetation, we will reach the Irabia swamp. We will go up the hillside of Mozolotxiki. In just 5 kilometers and less than an hour, we will be enjoying nature and its freshness.
Weapon factory
In this case, we are talking about a section of about one hour and forty minutes. But of course, it is also worth it. Leaving the Arms Factory, we jump over a fence and turn left. After a while going up, we will see the ruins of what was the Arkelia Castle. You will do most of the journey through the beech forest.
Tours from Ochagavía
Walk of the senses
With the name, everything is said. On this new route, we will arrive at the hermitage of the Virgen de las Nieves. After enjoying it, we went fully into the forest. Being able in this way to appreciate all the species of trees that it houses.
Urbeltza River Trail
This is one of these tours that we can do with children. In this case we will leave from the Virgen de las Nieves. We will go down the river path. A way to admire its beauty and that of the rest of nature that we will find.
Zabaleta Forest Trail
If you have time, nothing like a route like that. It is almost two hours, but of course it will pass you very quickly. In this case, we will arrive at the forest house. It is located in the Irabia reservoir. A total of 8 kilometers where we will have more than wonderful views.
The legend of the Irati Forest
It was said that in this forest some beings that lived in caves. They only came out of them towards the night to be able to spin. Besides them, there was the lord of the forest. Although he had a human body, he was accompanied by a long mane that barely let his face or body show. Of course, the feet had something peculiar. One looked quite human but the other was made up of a hoof. He was in charge of taking care of the forest and the animals that lived there. He was good and very friendly. When he didn't want him to be disturbed, he turned into beech. Will it still be among them?
Where to stay
You will not have accommodation problems. The area, as well as its surroundings, are full of hotels, hostels, rural houses or hostels. A great variety of places that you can choose depending on your economy.
- Hotels: The rural hotel Besaro it is almost at the gates of the Jungle. An elegant, quiet and perfect environment for relaxation. You can also choose the Rural hotel Auñamendi. Thirteen very spacious rooms found in Ochagavía. In Jaurrieta you can find Hotel Irati. The jungle is less than 12 kilometers from him.
- "Hostales": The Salazar hostel is very close to La Selva, just 3 kilometers away. By proximity, there is also the Sarigarri Inn. Just 500 meters from the main road. In Jaurrieta we can also find Casa Sario. From here you can also access various routes and unique environments.
- Cottages: Some of the rural houses in the area are, Casa Txikirrin, Zubialde or Tainta, among other. All of them will show you the most relaxed places, at the same time that you enjoy a traditional house. Houses with all the necessary equipment for your stay in them.
- Hostel: In this case, you will have the call Pyrenees hostel. You will find it in Oronz and only 3 km from Ochagavía.
Campsites Selva de Irati
You can choose between two campsites. On one side is the Camping Urrobi which is about 15 minutes from La Selva. While on the other hand, you can opt for the so-called, Murkuzuria. The latter is located in Esparza de Salazar, or what is the same, at the door of the Jungle. In them you have both camping areas, bungalows or bunk huts. In addition to a bar area and of course, a swimming pool. For more than reasonable prices, you can choose the option that best suits your pocket.
What's the weather like in Irati?
It must be said that it has enough rainfall throughout the year. Even so, in the summer season, the month of July stands out for its high temperatures. For this reason, it is essential to visit the area in spring or the first days of summer to be able to make the stretch without problems. Although really in summer the heat is not suffocating either. Yes it is true, that sometimes they can exceed 30º. The average temperature, throughout the year, is around 10 degrees. The month with the most rainfall is December, while the coldest is January.
Map
Surely seeing an image like this, you already get a better idea of everything you have at your disposal. In this case, words are unnecessary. Both nearest towns, such as car parks or points of interest, they are quite close to our destination.
Interesting Facts
Now that we know how to get there, the different routes to follow and where to stay, it is worth knowing another important point. You have information points as well as a guard service. When this service exists, it is charged. It will be 2 euros to park the motorcycle, 5 the car and the bus 30 euros. Although if you consume more than 15 euros in the valley of Aezkoa or Salazar, then these prices change. It will be 1 euro for motorcycles, 2 for the car and 15 for buses. It goes without saying that we will have to put on very comfortable and sporty shoes, as well as carry a small backpack with water.
Map image: selvadeirati.com