Private Aizkorri Full-Day Trek from San Sebastian
Description
We head to the roof of Gipuzkoa to find a building covered in ‘thorns’, a walk more than 1,000 meters high among meadows and forests, and a breed of Rastafarian sheep from whose milk the most famous cheese in the region is made.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We will pick you up in the morning and take you on this rich with culture and history hiking through Basque 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 artists like 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 tunel or 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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick up available also from different locations - please ask for details! Please wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Distance: 17 km, Elevation: 800 m, Difficulty: Medium
Reviews(4)
Had an amazing experience with Luis today. We started off with a tour of a small farm that makes Idiazabal cheese. Then on to a perfect hike, pace and lunch in the Aizkorri-Aratz national park. The best experience on our trip yet!
From meeting the people behind one of the Basque Country's most iconic cheeses to hiking through the landscapes of Aizkorri-Aratz, that's a day that captures the region at its most authentic. We love bringing together nature, local traditions and great food in a way that feels genuine rather than rushed. Hearing that it was the highlight of your trip means the world to us. Thank you for sharing the adventure with Luis, and we hope the Basque mountains have tempted you back for another visit someday!
Absolutely fantastic day hiking with our guide Luis. His expert knowledge and engaging manner were perfect. And we loved our lunch, including the personal touch of home-brewed tea. His dinner recommendations were also spot on!
Some of the best days in the Basque Country happen away from the busy streets, surrounded by mountains, forests and great conversation. We're delighted you enjoyed not only the hike itself, but also those little personal touches like the home brewed tea and Luis' local dinner recommendations. Those details are what turn a great day into a memorable one. Thank you for sharing your experience. We hope every meal after that lived up to Luis' recommendations!
I don't typically write reviews, but our guide Ernes was absolutely wonderful. He took good care of my friend and I, was very informative of the area, pleasant to talk to, and patient with us, in particular coming down from the top. He made sure we took it slow and did not rush us. The scenery was breathtaking, and we enjoyed every step of the way. We got to see horses and sheep along the way. Definitely worth it!!
Hey !!! Thanks a lot for your nice review. I really enjoy a lot this hike with you...and more happy to read this beautiful words. In Ikusnahi we always take care as much as we can of our clients. And I´m really proud that we arrive to the summit of one of our favorite mountains..Aizkorri! Hope to see you here again in the future ! Big Hug. Ernes.
I took the Aizkorri tour with Ernes today. Absolutely amazing experience. We had a great conversation about Basque culture, possible adventures and geopolitics. Ernes and his team travel a lot and they are very knowledgeable about food, drinks and adventures :) We also had a picnic made of local food. Delicious! I'm very happy I took this tour as without Ernes it would have been very very hard to get to this mountain on my own. I have hiked around Europe quite a lot and it's my goal to cross Pyrenees next year and Ikusnahi team gave me a lot of tips on the crossing as they also have a base in the mountains! I fell in love with San Sebastian and Ikusnahi Tour is a major reason for that! Highly recommended :)
