Aigüeta de Barbaruens Ravine

Canyoning in the Benasque Valley:

Aigüeta de Barbaruens, the best canyon in Benasque.

The Aigüeta de Barbaruens is one of the classic canyons we explore as part of our canyoning program in the Benasque Valley. It’s quite different from the 12 Cascadas de Liri canyon. Here, the activity begins before we enter the water. We have a mountain approach that’s part of the day’s activities, followed by a very varied descent featuring water, pools, natural slides, optional jumps, scrambling, and rappels.

Personally, one of the things I like most about Barbaruens is the setting.The ravine winds through rock heavily eroded by water, vegetation, and narrow gorges, with that lush green landscape so characteristic of some ravines in the Pyrenees.It’s a very well-rounded activity and a great option for anyone who wants to explore a Pyrenean ravine beyond a simple first-time experience.

Descent of the Aigüeta de Barbaruens ravine Why do we recommend it?

Above all, because of the variety. There are canyons where one technique plays a much more prominent role. In Liri, for example, there is a continuous series of waterfalls and rappels.

Barbaruens is different. During the descent, we alternate between:

• water areas
• short descents
• natural slides
• Jumps—When They Can Be Performed
• abseils
• swimming
• different ways to make your way down the river

That means the activity is constantly changing, making the canyon a very entertaining place.

We also have a significant hike, so it’s not just a water activity: it’s a day of hiking and canyoning. For this reason, in addition to technical skill level, we take the group’s physical fitness into account.

Where is the Barbaruens Ravine?

The ravine is located near the town of Barbaruens, in the Aragonese Pyrenees and very close to the Benasque Valley. From our base at Guías Roca y Agua / All Radical in Benasque , we can easily organize the activity and transport you to the starting point.

It’s one of the descents we usually practice when conditions are right.

What is the elevation of Aigüeta de Barbaruens?

In our program, we present it as a canyon for people looking to take it a step further beyond the beginner levels. It’s not just because of the obstacles we encounter within the ravine. The approach, the total duration, and the need to move with ease over mountain terrain make it important to be in reasonable level of physical fitness. It can be a great option if:

• Have you ever gone canyoning?
• Do you exercise regularly?
• You’re good at hiking in the mountains
• Are you looking for a more comprehensive activity?
• Do you want a descent with plenty of variety?

As always, you don’t have to decide for yourself what level you’re at. When you contact us, we assess your experience, fitness level, and expectations, and let you know if Barbaruens is the right choice for you.

What is the Aigüeta de Barbaruens ravine like?

The activity begins with a hike through the mountains that is considerably longer than in other canyons in the valley. This alone sets the tone for the day. Once we reach the canyon floor, a very varied route begins. The water has gradually carved out narrow passages, pools, and smooth-worn sections in the rock. Along the descent, there are slides, jumps, short rappels, and stretches where you have to swim. We aren’t constantly doing the same maneuver. And that, to me, is one of Barbaruens’ greatest strengths.

There are sections where we’re mostly in the water, and others where we simply make our way through the ravine, enjoying the scenery. Also, the jumps are not mandatory. If someone doesn’t want to jump or a jump isn’t safe, we’ll find a suitable alternative.

The Natural Water Slides of Barbaruens

If there’s one thing many people remember after hiking this canyon, it’s its natural slides. The water has smoothed out certain sections of rock, allowing us to navigate some passages by sliding down the riverbed itself. They’re part of the variety that sets Barbaruens apart from other, more vertical descents. But, as with jumps and other obstacles, we don’t automatically perform a maneuver just because we’ve done it before. First, we assess the condition of the ravine that day.

Are there any jumps in the Barbaruens ravine?

Yes, Barbaruens has jumps, but I want to clarify something important: the jumps aren’t mandatory. Besides, I don’t think it’s right to talk about a specific jump as if it always had exactly the same depth or the same conditions. A ravine changes. The water moves rocks, logs, and sediment, and the landing areas can vary from one season to the next. That’s why we check the conditions and decide how to navigate each section.

If you like jumps and they’re in good condition, Barbaruens can be a lot of fun. If you don’t want to jump, you can still enjoy the canyon.

How long is the Aigüeta de Barbaruens canyon?

This is an activity for which it’s a good idea to make a reservation a good part of the day. The usual hike takes about an hour and a quarter / an hour and a half, depending on the group’s pace. Then comes the descent and the return trip. Exact times always vary depending on:

• number of people
• physical condition
• experience
• flow rate
• rhythm within the ravine

That’s why I prefer to talk about a full day of activities rather than promise an exact time for when it will end.

When is the best time to go on a Barbaruens trip?

As with any ravine in the Pyrenees, it depends on the year and the conditions. Snow that accumulates during the winter, snowmelt, rainfall, and storms have a direct impact on river flow. During the season, we assess the condition of the canyon and whether it’s a good fit for the group we have that day. If the conditions aren’t right, we’ll look for another descent. In the Benasque Valley, there are enough options that we don’t need to settle on any one specific activity.

Barbaruens or the 12 Waterfalls of Liri: Which One Should You Choose?

These are two canyons that I like to compare because they’re in the same area but offer completely different activities.

Aigüeta de Barbaruens

I’d especially recommend it if you’re looking for:

• a more fulfilling day
• mountain approach
• a very diverse ravine
• optional jumps
• slides
• water and swimming
• abseils
• a very green and distinctive setting

12 Waterfalls of Liri

Liri has another side to her:

• very short approach
• a more concentrated route
• many waterfalls
• a greater focus on rappelling
• a more vertical and continuous progression

None is better than the other. It depends on what you’re looking for and your level. And if you’re spending two days in Benasque and are at the right skill level, doing one each day is a great combination.

Information on the Aigüeta de Barbaruens Ravine

Area: Barbaruens – Huesca Pyrenees
Activity: Canyoning
Rock and Water Guide Level: Moderate / athletic, depending on the group and conditions
Type of canyon: Water-based and varied
Estimated time: approximately 1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 30 min
Descent: about 3 hours as a guideline
Travel time: approximately 30–45 minutes
Main attractions: water slides, optional jumps, rappelling, natural pools, and scenery
Physical fitness: It is recommended that you be accustomed to participating in sports and hiking in the mountains.
Season: depending on water flow and conditions

All times are approximate and may vary depending on the group and the conditions in the canyon.

What do you need to bring for the canyoning trip?

This is definitely worth paying attention to, because having the right gear makes a big difference in how much you enjoy the activity.

Swimwear and athletic wear

Bring:

• swimsuit
• comfortable athletic wear for the approach and afterward
• clothing appropriate for the day’s weather

Footwear: very important

You’ll need hiking shoes or athletic shoes with good soles that are in good condition. Your footwear must allow you to walk safely during the approach and move properly inside the canyon.

The following are not acceptable:

• neoprene booties with soles
• flip-flops
• sandals
• hiking sandals
• other shoes that don’t support the foot properly and don’t have a good sole

If you don’t have the right footwear, at our store in Benasque, you can rent boots specifically designed for canyoning. In the Sierra de Guara, you can also rent this type of footwear.

Food and water

Barbaruens is a relatively long activity, so you’ll need to bring:

• water
• some food for the day

We provide you with airtight containerswhere you can store the food and items we specify. Choose food that takes up little space, is easy to eat, and stays fresh inside the container throughout the activity.

What should we bring?

When you do Barbaruens with Guías Roca y Agua, we provide the specific technical equipment needed for the activity:

• wetsuit
• helmet
• canyoning harness
• descender and ascending equipment
• strings
• leak-proof drums
• collective technical material

In addition, the activity includes:

• guide titled
• accident insurance;
• liability insurance
• Organization and Planning of the Activity

Your main concern should be to bring swimsuit, sportswear, food, water, and good shoes.

Is Barbaruens a good option for guided canyoning?

If you’re looking for an activity that’s a bit more comprehensive and physically demanding than a beginner’s canyoning trip, this can be a very good option. But I don’t automatically recommend it to everyone. First, I’d like to know:

• How many of you are there?
• ages
• What canyons have you hiked?
• What sports do you play?
• How are you feeling physically?
• What kind of activity are you looking for?

With that information, we can recommend Barbaruens or suggest another canyon in the Benasque Valley that might be a better fit. That selection is part of our job as guides.

Canyoning in the Benasque Valley

Barbaruens is just one of the options we have for canyoning in the Benasque Valley and the Pyrenees. Depending on your skill level, the conditions, and what you’re looking for, we can suggest other routes such as:

• 12 Waterfalls of Liri
• Eriste
• Gorgutes Torrent
• other canyons in the area

Everyone has a different personality. So, if you’re not familiar with the canyons in the valley, you don’t need to make your choice based solely on photos or names. Tell us your level, and we’ll help you choose.

Reserve the Aigüeta de Barbaruens Gorge

If you want to hike the Aigüeta de Barbaruens gorge with a guide, check out our page at:

[Canyoning in the Benasque Valley]

Tell us:

• the dates
• How many of you are there?
• ages
• experience
• What kind of activity are you looking for?

With this information, we can confirm whether Barbaruens is the best option or recommend another descent.

And if you’re planning to spend several days in Benasque, you can combine your visit with the 12 Liri Waterfalls, via ferrata, rock climbing, hiking, high-mountain trekking, or biking.

About the Author

Nacho Segorbe

Nacho Segorbe is part of Roca y Agua and All Radical Guides He works as a mountain and canyoning guide, in addition to working as a ski instructor and coach. His work is particularly linked to the Benasque Valley, the Pyrenees, and the Sierra de Guara, where Roca y Agua Guides has offices in Benasque and Adahuesca. Throughout his career, he has also worked in mountain destinations such as the The Alps, Madeira, Réunion, and the Himalayas. This article is based on firsthand experience in the field and professional judgment gained from actual work with clients and groups in the mountains.

Text: Nacho Segorbe · Roca y Agua Guides
Photos: Nacho Segorbe / Roca y Agua Guides

Our recommendations for canyoning and other activities in the Pyrenees and around the world:

• Canyoning Sierra de Guara

• Canyoning in the Pyrenees easy and medium levels

• Canyoning in the Pyrenees advanced and very difficult levels

• Canyoning in Reunion Island: Takamaka and Dudu Program

• Canyoning in Reunion Island: Trou de Fer Program

• Ascents to peaks of 3000 meters.

• Ascent to Aneto Peak

• All activities in the Pyrenees

• All activities in the Alps

• All Trips and Expeditions: Nepal and the rest of the world