Descent La Leze Canyon (Álava)

Level: II–Medium.
Adventure Sports: Canyoning

In 2021, Inguru Abentura received recognition from Fitur and Aire Libre Magazine for the Best National Tourism Product for the Descent of La Leze.

The cave of La Leze is a large cave 80 metres high, which crosses the Sierra de Altzania massif from north to south. A cave excavated in limestone rock with abundant fossils. An incredible and unique ravine descent located in the Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park in Alava (Basque Country).

Unique in Europe due to its geological characteristics, there are only 7 similar caves in the world. The origin of this cave is to be found in the natural water outlet of the valley on the other side of the sierra, known as the “Hoya de La Leze”, where our descent down the river begins.

More than 6 rappels of between 3 and 25 metres in length that will test our dexterity and balance; 2 jumps of about 3 metres in height where we will demonstrate our courage and cold blood and 3 fun slides that will give us the perfect combination for a cocktail that will refresh all our senses.

The Artzanegi river, which crosses the Altzania mountain range from one side to the other, has made its way through the karst system, transforming itself into an underground river that has its natural outlet at the entrance to the cave in the municipality of Ilarduia, Álava. There are several waterfalls inside the endokarst to overcome the great difference in level between the entrance and the exit.

Enter the gap carved by the Artzanegi river and penetrate the mountain, negotiating all the difficulties that we will find along the way. Slides, jumps, rappels, abseiling, siphons, etc. that we will do in absolute darkness, only altered by the light of our headlamps.

Enjoy the descent of La Leze, a canyon dominated by the roar of the water and the embrace of darkness.