Ribeira Sacra Tour; Canyons, Sil River and Ourense





Description
Visit one of the most magical and beautiful places in Galicia. You will get to know the imposing canyons of the Sil while sailing through the peaceful waters of the river. From one of the best viewpoints in the area you will see the canyons in all their splendor. You will visit a special place, a very ancient monastery (6th century), located in a magical enclave of the Ribeira Sacra, San Pedro de Rocas. We will stop for lunch in the city of Ourense and then take a tour of its monumental area. You will see there its beautiful Cathedral, Roman Bridge and the Burgas (source of boiling waters!) Our guides, experts in the area, will make you live a special day full of stories, landscapes and anecdotes of a different and exciting area. Come with us to experience the Ribeira Sacra!
Tour Options
Itinerary
We left the city of Santiago at 8:15 for Ourense. In Ourense we pick up the rest of the passengers and continue to the bank of the Sil.
Here you have free time on the river to enjoy the canyons of the Sil If you wish you can go up there in the catamaran will take you through the impressive canyon of the Sil. The price of the boat is 13€ per person. You will enjoy a unique experience between almost vertical rock walls and vineyards located in implausible places.
From this viewpoint we will enjoy a privileged view of the canyon. We will see here the river, the canyon, the "Pé do Home" area, old "albarizas"... A place that is undoubtedly spectacular. 25 minutes of observation and 20 minutes of travel
This monastery was founded by hermits in the 6th century!!! and it is linked to the Christianization of this entire part of the peninsula, between history and legend. We will also be able to see the ancient tombs of the monks carved into the rock of the mountain itself. A tremendously special monastery without a doubt. Visit to the Monastery 45 minutes journey there 30
We will arrive at the capital of the province and you will have free time to eat. Ourense has a huge gastronomic offer for all tastes. The guide can guide you, don't hesitate to ask! After lunch we will enjoy a guided tour of the Monumental city; Cathedral, Burgas... Trip to the city 30 minutes Lunch free time 100 minutes Guided tour of the monumental area 75 minutes
Return to the city of Compostela
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(9)
Great trip, the tour guide (Sonia I think) was super knowledgeable and helpful, she made everything so easy and was very informative. The Sil river trip was relaxing, monastery and Ourense both very interesting. Thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend.
A super well-organized excursion It has been a very full but relaxed day at the same time, the ride on the river without a doubt the best part of the tour along with the friendliness of the guide The best way to get to know that area from Santiago
This tour exceeded our expectations by far! Anna was an amazing guide and we learned so much about the history of the region. We had been on several other tours around Galicia, but this one was definitely our favorite! We took so many beautiful photographs and it’ll be a trip we will always remember.
I had the excursion paid for months ago, since spots sell out in summer and it is recommended to book in advance. 3 days before they call me saying it is not going to happen because the guide cannot. Without further explanation. They give me the option to refund my money, change it to the next day or the previous one. I cannot because I will not be there for more full days. I booked the trip to see this. There are no more spots left with other providers. Finally I do it the next day although I will have to miss half of it without them refunding the proportional part of the excursion cost because my train leaves at noon. They arrive 20 min late to the meeting point. The guide was good. The boat ride was nice but not an exceptional thing either. The monastery is curious with surroundings that are worth it. Conclusion: if you are going to do it, better with an operator THAT IS NOT TOTXO
They canceled our excursion to the Sacred River the day before leaving Madrid at 7:00 PM. The excursion was supposed to be on 06/22/2026. It was booked on 05/10/2026, more than a month and a half in advance. THEY DO NOT PROVIDE A SOLUTION. THEY ARE NOT RECOMMENDED AT ALL. UNFORMAL IN EVERY WAY. NARCISO CARRASCO PACHECO
That was great. Tempo accompanied. The guide gave him a lot of sympathy. It seems he had done it many times before. In my opinion, half an hour less would not have mattered either since it lasted two hours, it was cold in the faces of several of the group and they did not fully enjoy it.Instead, it is impressive how much culture, art, history, nature can be put together in just kilometers. Price for nothing excessive.
It was a great trip with a small group which was the best part. You didn't get lost in the huge crowds and were taken care of. Totally worth the money.
Excellent excursion, spectacular views, pleasant afternoon, unheard images, unrepeatable experiences, unforgettable stories.
A magnificent experience, I was delighted with the excursion to the Sacred Bank, Alex the guide was 10!!!!, made the excursion very entertaining and enjoyable, explained everything to us in detail and even offered to take pictures, always attentive to all, thank you Alex for the fantastic day!!!, recommended 100x100!!!!.



