For canyoning enthusiasts and beginners alike, the Barranco de l'Infern is one of the best options, as it’s not overly challenging yet still offers a thrilling adventure.
Are you thinking of visiting the Barranco de l'Infern? Below, we detail all the features of this famous canyon in Lleida. But first, check out the canyoning deals in Lleida. Let’s begin.
Are you thinking of visiting the Barranco de l'Infern? Below, we detail all the features of this famous canyon in Lleida. But first, check out the canyoning deals in Lleida. Let’s begin.
Canyoning in Barranco de l'Infern, Lleida
The Barranco de l'Infern, located 20 kilometres from Sort, lies within the Congost de Collegats in Lleida. It’s one of the most famous and frequently visited canyons in Catalonia and one of the most spectacular in the Lleida Pyrenees.
To reach the canyon, you must cross the Noguera Pallaresa river as it flows through Collegats. There are several ways to do this, depending on the season.
This is a breathtaking canyon with walls over 160 metres high. Its standout feature is the stunning midway cave known as the "Cova de l'Infern" (Hell’s Cave), which gives the canyon its name.
The recommended time for the descent is spring, when the water flow is abundant, though summer is also suitable.
The descent takes approximately 2-3 hours, with a low-to-intermediate difficulty level. It has a vertical drop of over 18 metres.
You’ll enjoy marvellous views and encounter stunning natural formations. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by white rocks and turquoise waters.
Canyon Route
This canyon is dominated by abseils. During the descent, you’ll tackle 4 abseils of 9, 20, 11, and 7 metres respectively, along with slides, a siphon, and several small drops. You’ll also discover the magnificent 20-metre-high "Cova de l'Infern".
The descent begins with a couple of small drops leading to the first abseil (9 metres). After descending, you’ll enter some beautiful narrow passages.
After navigating the passages, you’ll reach the most stunning abseil of the route—the 20-metre drop inside the "Cova de l'Infern". It’s awe-inspiring and surreal: a dark, vertical descent with a waterfall that guarantees you’ll get wet.
After passing through the cave, you’ll reach the next abseil (11 metres). You’ll find yourself in a large, cold, dark chamber with a few twists before reaching the abseil point. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks (and sounds). To exit this section, you’ll descend about 5 metres.
From here, only one abseil remains—the 7-metre drop. This straightforward abseil leads to the final section, which requires some scrambling.
Once the canyon descent is complete, you’ll need to cross the Noguera Pallaresa river again.
