Erratzu: Xorroxin Waterfall, Hiking Trails and Cultural Heritage
Accommodation in Erratzu
Erratzu brings together natural attractions, distinctive buildings and a local craft tradition. Cascada de Xorroxin is the source of the Baztan River and plunges almost ten metres into a deep pool. Those interested in the waterscape will find a specific starting point here for planning their trip; water levels and conditions may vary depending on the season.
Nature and trails around Erratzu
The walking trail to Cascada de Xorroxin starts at the car park on Calle Ubidea in Erratzu and takes a little over two hours. The waterfall can also be reached via the hamlet of Gorostapolo. As car park regulations may change seasonally, it is advisable to check the current situation before your visit.
A longer hiking option is the PR-NA 7 Iñarbegi circular route. It runs from Erratzu via Gorostapolo, Iñarbegi and Zubipunta, then back to Erratzu. The route is 14.025 kilometres long, has an elevation gain of 400 metres and is rated moderate. Check the trail markers and ground conditions locally before setting out. This makes it possible to assess the hike based on the stated distance and elevation, without confusing it with the walk to the waterfall.
A 600-metre detour from the PR-NA 7 leads to the Aznabazterra dolmen. Another dolmen, Sorginetxoa, is located in the hamlet of Iñarbegi, directly on the trail. These two details give visitors interested in culture different points of reference for planning: Aznabazterra requires an additional detour, while Sorginetxoa is directly on the trail.
The climb to the Izpegi Pass is also among the scenic experiences Erratzu offers; from there, views open up over the mountain landscape. Visibility depends on the weather. Those focusing their trip on nature and cultural heritage can distinguish between a walk to the waterfall, a designated circular route and scenic viewpoints.
Palaces, church and crafts
Notable buildings include Palacio de Iñarbil, a Baroque Palacio cabo de armerĂa with two towers. Casa Palacio Etxebeltzea is also a Palacio cabo de armerĂa in Erratzu. Casa natal de los GastĂłn de Iriarte, in turn, is a palace that was rebuilt in the 18th century and has two towers. These distinct details—Baroque architecture, the designation Palacio cabo de armerĂa and an 18th-century reconstruction—make the buildings individual stops for anyone interested in Erratzu’s architectural history. No opening hours or interior visits are implied.
The Church of San Pedro dates from the 18th century. Its architectural features include an octagonal Baroque bell tower and an equally octagonal apse. Erratzu’s patron saint festival in honour of San Pedro is celebrated on 29 June. For a trip planned around this date, the feast day is a useful point of reference.
The workshop of Santiago Oteiza reveals another side of local cultural heritage. It is known for woodworking, particularly kaikus: wooden vessels used to make cheese and curd. In Iñarbil, Infernuko Zubia is also associated with a local legend. According to the story, the devil jumped from the bridge when he realised he would never understand Euskera. Craftsmanship, architecture and folklore thus offer different ways to experience the town’s culture.
Plan your journey and stay
For the final leg of the drive to Erratzu, follow the N-121-B, then turn onto the NA-2600. Road conditions and routes may change, so check the information before setting out. When choosing a hotel in Erratzu, you can then decide whether your trip will focus primarily on the walk to Cascada de Xorroxin, the longer PR-NA 7 route, the buildings or local crafts.
Discover more destinations: Espronceda, Ollo, Zariquiegui, Dorrao, Undiano, Pueyo, Burgui, Garaioa.
Go to the main travel overview: Navarra.
