The Noguera Pallaresa, the Best River in Lleida for Rafting
The Noguera Pallaresa is one of Europe's premier rivers and the Pyrenees' most voluminous for kayaking and rafting. Rafting is a key driver of Lleida's economy.
As Lleida's top rafting river, there are numerous companies offering this activity on its waters.
This river originates over 2000 metres high in Pla de Beret (Vall d'Aran), crossing the Pallars Sobirà and Pallars Jussà regions before merging with the Segre River, spanning 145 kilometres. It boasts one of the steepest descents on the peninsula.
Commercial operations run from Llavorsí to Collegats, with the busiest sections around Rialp and Sort.
The rafting descent stretches from Llavorsí to the exit of the Collegats Gorge. While shorter routes exist, the full 35-kilometre run is entirely feasible.
The Llavorsí to Rialp section is most popular, featuring famed rapids like La Moleta, Quart Llarg, Quart Español, and Salto del Ángel.
With 60 kilometres of year-round navigable water, the descent combines varied difficulty levels.
Rafting season runs from February to October, peaking between May and June when water levels rise.
Noguera Pallaresa Sections:
• Section A (Llavorsí-Rialp): This 14-kilometre classic route packs the most rapids. As the easiest and busiest section, it's also the liveliest and most fun. Difficulty ranges between III-IV depending on flow. Ideal between May and October.
• Section B (Montardit-Baén/Baro-Collegats): The lower Noguera Pallaresa. Easiest section (Grade 3), spanning 18km in summer months. Total activity duration: 2.5 hours.
• Section Llavorsí-Sort: Known as Section E (18km, 2.5 hours). Best between March-October, featuring numerous rapids.
• Section C (Llavorsí-Collegats): The longest at 40km (full-day). Combines Sections A+B: the Noguera Pallaresa's iconic rapids and Collegats' landscapes, including the Collegats Gorge in Collegats-Terradets Territorial Park.
