Join us on this incredibly beautiful day hike through the Basque highlands speckled with 17th century farmhouses and Roman paths where the shepherds still roam the pastures tending their flocks.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We will pick you up in the morning and take you on this rich with culture and history hiking throughBasque highlands. On the way to the starting point, your guide will give you an introduction on the history of the area, and what to expect throughout the day.
Next, we will stop at the 1950’ Sanctuary of Arantzazu – a majestic monument rising above craggy rocks that is considered one of the most avant-garde religious structures in the world! Leading Basque artistslike Néstor Basterretxea, Eduardo Chillida and Jorge Oteiza contributed to this incredible project. Surroundings of the Sanctuary are breathtaking!
With the spiritual energy of basilica we will start the ascent of Mount Aizkorri. Without a doubt, these rocky peaks are not only the highest but also the most scenic formations of sharp limestone massif in the Basque Country.
The path will take us first through a treeless but green landscape filled with ‘latxa’ sheep and local legends. With time, grazing pastures will turn into rugged rocks and above the mountains will appear gliding birds of prey: peregrine falcon, griffon vulture, booted eagle…
At the top of the mountain we will enjoy panoramic views and a well-deserved rest! It’s a perfect moment to eat delicious lunch made of highest quality local specialities like Idiazabal cheese, cured sausages, ham and tuna fish from a nearby port.
Time to make a decision! You can choose between going down on your own through the San Adrian tunelor descend the same way we climbed up, accompanied by the guide. We recommend the first option that will allow you to enjoy both sides of this impressive peak and experience a historically important natural cave known by the ancients as the ‘hole to hell’. The guide will give you all the necessary information and a Walkie Talkie to safely finish the hike!
Well done! After a 17 km hike you will come back to the car where your guide will reward you with a glass of a local wine before departing for San Sebastian.
My husband and I spent 3 days with Ernes while we were in San Sebastian - one day he showed us round the city and we enjoyed a wide variety of pintos with him at five of his favorite places. The next day we enjoyed a private cooking class at a local gastronomy club and then he showed us his home village of Hundarribia. We spent our third day in the mountains; we visited the very interesting Sanctuary of Arantzazu and took a 9 mile hike in the beautiful Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park. Ernes is a fantastic guide - enthusiastic, energetic, knowledgable and flexible. His focus on cultural, gastronomic and active adventure fit our interests perfectly. There is so much to do in the area - we highly recommend spending time with him to enhance your experience. My husband and I spent 3 days with Ernes while we were in San Sebastian - one day he showed us round...