The Abandoned Village of Espluga de Cuberes, Catalonia

Enclavado en las montañas, se halla uno de los pueblos abandonados más bonitos de Cataluña que guarda el eco de tiempos pasados - Espluga de Cuberes. Este rincón olvidado, donde la naturaleza ha reclamado su espacio entre las ruinas de casas excavadas en rocas, es testimonio de la historia y el paso del tiempo. 

Ficha técnica
  • Duración: de 4 a 5 horas
  • Desnivel positivo acumulado: 250 m
  • Altitud máxima:1096 m
  • Altitud mínima; 910 m
  • Distancia; 5,5 Km
Incluye
  • 4x4, guía de montaña local, prismáticos y guía de rastros animales.

Necesitas llevar: Ropa de montaña, zapatillas de trekking o de media caña, mochila con agua y algo de picoteo.

Recomendable: Llevar ropa de abrigo y repelente al agua, si te sobra a la mochila, bastones, gorra gafas de sol y crema.

Precios
  •  60 euros por persona.
 671096436

The Abandoned Village of Espluga de Cuberes, Catalonia

Pueblo abandonado de Espluga de Cuberes, Lleida, Cataluña

The abandoned village of Espluga de Cuberes is located in a unique setting, situated between two natural areas and right in the heart of the Collegats gorges. One of these natural spaces is the Boumort National Hunting Reserve, and the other is the Collegats-Queralt Protected Natural Area. The name Queralt refers to the large reddish conglomerate wall at the entrance of the gorge, known as La Roca de Queralt.

The Collegats gorge itself acts as a natural border between the two counties, Pallars Jussà and Pallars Sobirà. Both counties, along with Vall d’Aran and La Ribagorza, form the northern part of Lleida. Thus, Espluga de Cuberes is one of the most beautiful abandoned villages in Catalonia and possibly all of Spain.

Abandoned Village of Espluga de Cuberes: History and Curiosities

Espluga de Cuberes is a troglodyte (cave) village abandoned in Catalonia. It is built into the caves of a large rock face and at a considerable height from the ground. It has only one access via a large staircase and consists of two large cavities with constructions in both.

One of the buildings is the hermitage of Santa Coloma, with many well-preserved details. It is magnificent to observe through its windows, enjoying the same views as its former inhabitants — a great reconnection with the past.

Another curiosity and charm of this beautiful village is that it cannot be reached by vehicle. The closest point is about an hour and a half walk along beautiful trails overlooking the impressive Infierno Gorge, where most of the canyoning in both counties takes place.

Why is it one of the places in Spain you can’t miss?

Simply put, you must not miss it because it is unique in its kind. Being a troglodyte village, the rock formation provides the perfect defensive location. It belongs to a time when invasions and conquests were common, and this location gave an advantage against enemies. Honestly, it’s spectacular.

It is also full of recent stories told by descendants of the families who lived there.

Another reason to visit this magnificent place is what you will learn about geology. Along the entire route, whether by car or on foot, you can clearly see how the earth speaks to us and tells its story of creation. Additionally, it is part of the UNESCO Global Geopark.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Espluga de Cuberes is in autumn, winter, and early spring, as you need to walk to get there. It is not recommended to visit in summer due to excessive heat.

Remember to bring water as there are no nearby drinking fountains, and some snacks because the activity can be long.

Tips for visiting the abandoned village of Espluga de Cuberes

The best way to visit Espluga de Cuberes is with a local guide. They will pick you up in La Pobla de Segur, the closest town. From there, it is about 35 minutes in our 4×4 vehicles to the parking lot where the trail begins. From there, it is a linear route, round trip by the same path to the abandoned village, lasting approximately an hour and a half, with stops to enjoy majestic aerial views of the Collegats gorge and the Boumort mountain range.

 

You can also send us all your inquiries to mundocanyon@gmail.com