Puyarruego

Spain - Huesca
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Puyarruego

Cosy little village with a castle at the top, from where you can see the crystal clear pools of the Bellós River surrounded by the impressive Pyrenees mountains. Located in the north of Huesca (Spain).

Puyarruego is a village of 21 inhabitants in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees in the region of Sobrarbe, Huesca. It’s located 113 km from the city of Huesca, 12 km from the medieval village of Ainsa and a few km from the French border. It preserves a great cultural and natural wealth. Its medieval architecture is typical of the Pyrenean villages of the old Crown of Aragon.

Puyarruego is in a privileged environment to enjoy the wildest nature. It has spectacular views of the Pyrenees; the peaks of Monte Perdido and Tres Marías, the Castillo Mayor and Sestrales. The village stands on a small mound. The rivers Yesa and Bellós, which surround Puyarruego, have carved impressive gorges. The river Bellós, born in the middle of Monte Perdido, descends through the gorges of the Añisclo Canyon. As it passes through Puyarruego, the valley opens up, creating splendid natural crystal-clear pools carved out of the rock. The ‘Zona de baño del Río Bellós’ (bathing area) begins at the bridge to the village and extends 600 m upstream, where there is a waterfall.

1.5 km upstream of the Bellós river is the ‘Fuente de los Baños’ spring. Its water is considered curative due to its mineral-medicinal properties. The gorge is steep, you have to climb down a staircase with 278 steps. This is also the exact spot where the one-way road that crosses the well-known Añisclo Canyon starts. This road reaches the National Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido, which are just a few km away.

Apart from swimming in the natural pools of the river Bellós, there are many sports amidst nature that can be practised around Puyarruego. For example, rafting, kayaking, hydrospeed, bungee jumping, horse riding, caving, skiing, mountain biking. Being in the Pyrenees, this area is ideal for mountaineering, canyoning, rock and ice climbing. There are hiking routes around Puyarruego and in the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), considered one of the most beautiful and valuable natural spaces in Europe.

getting to Puyarruego

There are spectacular views from the bridge over the river.

view from bridge when arriving to Puyarruego

The river Bellós, as it passes through Puyarruego, offers ideal spots for relaxing and bathing.

Puyarruego--swimming holes

The medieval old town of Puyarruego can be seen in the background, at the top of the hill.

natural pools

Puyarruego lies between the Bellós and Yesa rivers.

6 swimming holes Puyarruego Huesca - Rivers, Swimming Holes

The weir has created a small waterfall.

ascade-Puyarruego

Make sure there is enough water if you are going to jump from the waterfall into the water. The flow varies according to the time of year.

natural pools in aragon

In the past, families of ‘navateros’ (log drivers) in Puyarruego traditionally worked exploiting wood.

river swim

In spring, when the flow increased, they built ‘navatas’ (rafts) made of logs. With them, they would go down the Cinca River and then the Ebro River, in order to reach the Mediterranean.

wild swimming in huesca

The nature around Puyarruego is impressive and ideal for outdoor sports.

where to eat and sleep Puyarruego

You will see this canyon 2 km upstream from Puyarruego.

natural pools huesca- aragon

There is a small path leading down to these natural pools in the river. The road that borders the impressive Añisclo Canyon starts 100 m away from here. It’s the gateway to the famous Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park.

Wild-swimming-and-Swimming-Holes-About-

Take the plunge!

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Puyarruego

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Keep it Clean!

The Rules

Clean the swimming holes!

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HOW TO GET TO - Puyarruego

Getting There

Transport Options

The easiest way to get to the village of Cortes de Pallás is by car. You can also get there by bus. From Cortes de Pallás the only option is to go by car or on foot.

Getting There

How to get to Puyarruego

From Aínsa take the A-138 towards Escalona. There, take the HU-631 that passes through Puyarruego.

Once in Puyarruego, you’ll see the river and the pools from the road. You enter the village of Puyarruego by crossing the bridge.

Parking

There are several places along the road to leave your car. The most popular site with the highest capacity is the one next to the bridge, at these coordinates 42°30’33.1″N 0°07’42.4″E.  In the centre of the village, there are also a few places to park (you’ll have to drive up a very steep hill).

Location

Spain, Huesca

Villages Nearby

Huesca (113 km), Aínsa (12.6 km), Escalona (2.4 km), Boltaña (19.8 km)

Difficulty Level

It's easy to get there as it's very well signposted.

Walking Time

1 minute, the road borders the Bellós river.

Drinking Water Spots

None

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USEFUL INFORMATION - Puyarruego

Handy Things to Know

When to Go

It can be visited all year round. In summer, it tends to be very crowded, especially on the weekends. You can enjoy the site more during the week, and it’s also better to protect the place. In the other seasons, it is quite cold and often snows. Autumn is known for the variety of mushroom that grow here. There are no opening hours, it’s always open.

Entrance Fee

None

Activities

Swimming in the natural pools in the river

Rafting, kayaking, hydrospeed, and bungee jumping

Walk along the riverbank, horseback riding, 4 × 4 trips and mountain bike routes

Picnic

Hiking, canyoning, climbing (rock and ice)

Skiing

Speleology

Facilities

None

Kids

It's a perfect place to visit with children that can walk. The rocks are not suitable for baby strollers.

Dogs

Yes

Skinny Dipping

No

Wheelchair Access

No

Restrictions

Camping, leaving rubbish, making fires and diving headfirst (as most areas are not deep enough) are not allowed. Respect the environment and use rubbish bins.

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). 

Managed by

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

Things to Do – Puyarruego

Things to Do

Things to do at and near Puyarruego

Puyarruego is ideal for activities in nature due to its location next to the river and some of the most emblematic valleys of the Pyrenees (Cinca River Valley, Pineta Valley, Chistau Valley, Ordesa Valley).

In Puyarruego village,  it’s worth visiting:
– Its old quarter shows the typical architecture of the Aragonese Pyrenees, with sturdy houses made of large stones.
– Church of San Pedro Apóstol (16th century).

To take the dip of your life:
– The river Bellós at Puyarruego offers ideal spots for relaxing and bathing with great views.
– On the outskirts of the village (1.5 km upstream) is Fuente de los Baños spring. It’s a spring with warm water with mineral-medicinal properties. It’s in a very steep gorge, so you’ll have to go down a staircase of 278 steps.
– The Cinca River is 2 km from Puyarruego. From Escalona, the A-138 road runs parallel to the river. There are 6 places for bathing, called Gorgas de Puértolas. They are a few km apart. Few places to swim have such clear water and beautiful views of the Pyrenees.

Near Puyarruego:
Sobrarbe Geopark is one of the few geological parks that exist in Spain.

The starting point of the impressive Añisclo Canyon, is 2 km from Puyarruego. The thin road that crosses this canyon, reaches the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park.

There are hiking routes around Puyarruego. Yet the best known are those in the National Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido. This park was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It’s considered one of the most beautiful and valuable natural sites in Europe. Information points of the National Park can be found in Escalona, Escuaín and Tella. They help plan routes and visits. This mountainous area is also perfect canyoning, rock and ice climbing and skiing. The abundance of rivers makes swimming, rafting, kayaking, hydrospeed and bungee jumping possible.
Finally, this area is also ideal for caving, horse riding, 4×4 excursions and mountain bike routes.

The forests of Sobrarbe are a paradise for mycology. In autumn, a great variety of mushrooms grow here.

Nearby towns with amazing medieval centres are:
Aínsa has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site. Its square, the Romanesque collegiate church of Santa María (11th-12th century) and the castle (11th-18th century) are outstanding.
– In Boltaña, the Collegiate Church of San Pedro (16th century) and the remains of the castle (11th century) stand out.

Where to Eat

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.

Accommodation

Puyarruego has the Camping Valle Añisclo and a rural house next to the bridge. Yet, we recommend Casa Angela. Being in the castle at the top of the village it 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.

Geography

Altitude

620 m. (2034 ft)

Size

The Bellós river has many natural pools of various sizes, along 600 m of its course.

Under Foot

Rock

Maximum Water Depth

There are a few areas where you can not stand.

Minimum Swimming Level

You must know how to swim only in some specific spots.

Shade

There are several trees under which you can shelter from the sun, but not many.

How Clean is Swimming Spot?

Very clean

Water

Underwater

Visibility is very good (12 m). There are small fish.

Water Temperature

Cold

Water Colour

Crystalline blue green

How Clean is Water?

Clean
WILD SWIMMING
IN ALICANTE

 Wild-swimming-in-the-ocean--beaches-and-coves

Check out the best Wild Swimming spots on the COAST!

Cala Granadella
Cala Portitxol
Playa del Carabassí

Keep it Clean!

The Rules

Clean the swimming holes!

Swimming Safety

Read these Tips
&
be Safe
when Wild Swimming

DESTINATIONS

UK
Spain
Bali
Belize
Mexico
Trinidad and Tobago
Costa Rica
India
Martinique

SWIMMING SPOTS

Best places to swim in nature in the world

Check out the best places to go wild swimming, by the TYPE of swimming spot

Swimming Holes
Lakes
Rivers
Waterfalls
Sea

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