The Cascada de Xorroxin, the source of the Baztan River, a 14.025-kilometre circular hike and distinctive buildings give Erratzu a varied character. If you are looking for a hotel in Erratzu, you can first consider whether hiking or architecture should be the focus of your trip. For planning, you can choose between a walking route to the waterfall and the separate PR-NA 7 circular hike.

Waterfall, river source and mountain views

The walking route to the Cascada de Xorroxin starts at the car park on Calle Ubidea in Erratzu and takes a little over two hours. The route to the waterfall passes through the hamlet of Gorostapolo. The Cascada is the source of the Baztan River and plunges almost ten metres into a deep pool. Water levels and conditions vary by season. As parking regulations may change seasonally, check them before setting out.

The ascent to the Izpegi Pass offers another perspective on the landscape. From there, you can enjoy views of Erratzu’s mountain scenery; visibility depends on the weather. If these views are important to your plans, keep an eye on weather conditions. The ascent to the Izpegi Pass can be considered a separate focus for enjoying the landscape, whether or not you also plan a walk to the waterfall.

The PR-NA 7 circular hike

The PR-NA 7 Iñarbegi circular hike starts in Erratzu, passes through Gorostapolo, Iñarbegi and Zubipunta, and returns to Erratzu. It is 14.025 kilometres long, with 400 metres of elevation gain, and is rated moderate. This distinguishes it from the walk to the Cascada: here, planning is shaped by a fixed circular route, elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. Check the trail markers and trail conditions locally.

A 600-metre detour from the PR-NA 7 leads to the Aznabazterra dolmen. It adds an archaeological point of interest to the hike and is a specific route option to consider when planning your walk. For the circular hike, it is advisable to weigh the distance and elevation gain against your own schedule for the day, rather than treating it as equivalent to the shorter walk to the waterfall.

Palaces, church and crafts

Palacio de Iñarbil is a Baroque Palacio cabo de armería with two towers. Casa Palacio Etxebeltzea is a Palacio cabo de armería in Erratzu. Casa natal de los Gastón de Iriarte also has two towers; it is a palace rebuilt in the 18th century. The two palaces with twin towers therefore differ in how they are classified: the focus at Palacio de Iñarbil is its Baroque architecture, while at Casa natal it is the 18th-century rebuilding.

The Church of San Pedro in Erratzu dates from the 18th century. Its octagonal Baroque bell tower and octagonal apse are two distinctive architectural features. Those interested in architectural forms will find a different focus here than at the palaces: rather than towers and palace classifications, the church is defined by its octagonal forms. Dolmen Sorginetxoa is also located right beside the path in the hamlet of Iñarbegi.

Another cultural facet is the workshop of Santiago Oteiza in Erratzu, known for its woodcraft. This includes kaikus in particular: wooden vessels used to make cheese and curd. Infernuko Zubia in the hamlet of Iñarbil is also associated with a tale. According to legend, the devil jumped from the bridge when he realised that he would never understand Euskera. Erratzu’s patron saint’s festival in honour of San Pedro is celebrated on 29 June. If the festival is important to your travel plans, check the latest information about the programme.

Getting there and planning

For the final leg of the drive to Erratzu, follow the N-121-B and then turn onto the NA-2600. Road conditions and route directions may change, so check your journey plan before setting off. Whether you focus on the walk to the waterfall, the moderate circular hike or the buildings, the details of each offer different ways to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Tafalla, Navascués, Gallipienzo Antiguo, Iza, Burguete, Aribe, Bakaiku, Roncesvalles

For the wider travel overview: Navarra.