Cinca River

The easiest way to get there is to reach any of the 5 natural pools of Gorgas de Puértolas by car.

How to get to Gorgas de Puértolas in the river Cinca

There are 7 bathing places in the Cinca river, between km 59 and 63 on the A-138 motorway.

From Aínsa take the A-138 motorway north to Escalona. Once in Escalona, continue 1 km along the A-138. At this point, the motorway runs parallel to the river Cinca. After about 500 m, you’ll see the car park of the first natural swimming hole (Gorgas de Puértolas I) on the right-hand side of the road.

Continue driving along this road. Every 1 or 2 km you’ll see big blue information panels of the other natural pools of Gorgas de Puértolas (and their corresponding car parks).

Each car park has a staircase leading down to the river Cinca. It takes 1 minute to walk from the car parks to the corresponding natural pool.

Each of the 7 natural pools of the Gorgas de Puértolas has its own car park at the edge of the A-138 motorway.

Gorgas de Puértolas (I) 42 ° 30’57.6 “N 0 ° 08’35.4″E 
Gorgas de Puértolas (II) 42 ° 31’13.5 “N 0 ° 08’24.6″E 
Gorgas de Puértolas (III) 42 ° 31’49.9 “N 0 ° 09’04.2″E 
Gorgas de Puértolas (IV) 42 ° 32’09.7 “N 0 ° 09’28.1″E 
Gorgas de Puértolas (V) 42°32’29.6″N 0°09’32.0″E 
Gorgas de Puértolas (VI) 42°32’36.5″N 0°09’34.3″E
Gorgas de Puértolas (VII) 42°32’39.8″N 0°09’34.8″E

It’s beautiful and can be visited all year round. In summer and the start of spring, it’s ideal for swimming. In the other seasons, it is quite cold and often snows. Autumn is known for the variety of mushrooms that grow here. There are no opening hours, it’s always open.

Swimming in the natural pools of the river

Hiking

Picnic

Canoeing

Fishing: The crystal clear waters allow you to observe how the fish move in the waters of the river.

Nobatas descent: This event is held on log boats, remembering the history and how man used wood to navigate on the water. It takes place on the penultimate Sunday in May, coinciding with the thaw and rising of the River Cinca.

Camping, leaving rubbish and making fires are not allowed.

The water level and drive vary widely with the seasons and storms. Besides, there is a hydroelectric power station 5 km upriver (in Lafortunada) which may also cause sudden changes in water level.

If the current pulls you with it, do not swim against it, swim parallel to the bank.

Check the depth before jumping into the water or diving headfirst.

Avoid carrying coolers (and chairs, hammocks, tables) and playing loud music.

Remember that soap and detergents should not be used in rivers and pools. Also, most sun creams contaminate the water, try to apply them well before taking a dip.

(Scientists have found that sunscreen releases significant amounts of titanium dioxide, which damages aquatic life.
Soaps have phosphates, are also non-biodegradable and harm the environment). 

Ayuntamiento de Escalona-Puértolas – 974 505 189 – secretaria@vallepuertolas.es

Things to do near Gorgas de Puértolas of Cinca River

The village of Puyarruego has a sequence of spectacular pools in the Ara River. A little further south is the medieval village of Ainsa with a beautiful old town and main square. The views of the Pyrenees from the citadel and walls of Ainsa are breathtaking.

Boltaña also has an amazing medieval old town. It also has La Gorga, a bathing area in the Ara River. It has huge rocks under the water in the form of long sheets, that can be seen through the crystalline blue water.

Further north, in the Pineta Valley, you can do the 7 km hiking route to the Cinca River source (avoid winter because of the snowfalls). This hiking route passes by the great ‘Cascada del Cinca’ waterfall, also known as ‘Cascada de Lalarri’. It’s the largest in Spain! You’ll hike through a beautiful alpine forest of peaks over 3,000 m with forests of pine, fir and juniper trees and various rivers. During the thawing season, there is more water and the route is more impressive.

There are several places to eat in Puyarruego, including Camping Valle Añisclo. Yet, we recommend O’CADO (Casa Angela) which is in the castle in the centre of the village. The food, service and views are unbeatable. They have a huge terrace with privileged views of the valley, river and mountains. You can also order in advance by choosing what you want to eat at a certain time, and the owner Paco, will have the food ready for you. Call 974 50 50 13.

There are quite a few restaurants in Escalona. This village is next to the river Cinca, 1 km downstream from Gorgas de Puértolas. 

There are two hotels in Escalona and one in Lafortunada. There are also several rural houses in the area next to Gorgas de Puértolas on the river Cinca.

Two km away from River Cinca is Puyarruego, with Camping Valle Añisclo and a rural house next to the bridge. Yet, we recommend Casa Angela. It’s in the castle at the top of the village and offers spectacular views of the Bellós river below, the valley and the Pyrenean mountains. This rustic and authentic hotel is made with care and attention to detail. When you enter, it feels like you are in another world.

The owner Paco is charming and does whatever it takes to make your stay unforgettable. The hotel has not been advertised anywhere on the internet. Yet, they always have clients because of the type of hotel, the service and the food. Paco prefers clients who are genuinely interested in nature and take care of it, which creates a very pleasant atmosphere. Call 974 50 50 13.

The natural pools in the river in this area of Gorgas de Puértolas in the Cinca River are very large. Some are longer than 50 m long and 10 m wide.