Trekking in the Selva de Irati

Photo: Wikimedia Commons · Wikimedia Commons

3.5 hours – 6 hours

Why go

The Irati is a vast old-growth forest on the Pyrenean border that turns gold and copper in late October, with the first 2,000 m peak of the Pyrenees rising from its edge.

When

In season: Sep–Nov · Peak: Oct

Who it’s for

Skill

Beginner–Intermediate

Effort

Easy

Suitable from

8+ · Kid+

Crowds

Steady

Cost

Trekking specifics

Distance: 12 km
Total ascent: 300 m
Max altitude: 2017 m
Accommodation: Village hotels and rural houses
Technical: Waymarked forest paths; one moderate peak

What to expect

Gentle reservoir-side loops and deeper forest trails, plus the moderate climb of Orhi on the French border. Peak-colour weekends are busy; the far side stays quiet.

Routes

What the difficulty bands mean

easy: Accessible with basic fitness; no technical skills or exposure.
moderate: Sustained effort or some exposure; comfort on the terrain expected.

Irabia reservoir circuit
easy
Beech forest round the water, peak colour late October
12 km3.5 hours
Orhi from the Irati side
moderate
The first 2,000 m peak of the Pyrenees, on the French border
13 km6 hours
Casas de Irati to Errekaidorra
moderate
Deep into the old-growth beech, the quiet half of the forest
16 km5 hours