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Congost de Mont-rebei. Photo by Diana Delgado Pineda.
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Congost de Mont-rebei. Photo by Diana Delgado Pineda.
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Congost de Mont-rebei. Photo by Diana Delgado Pineda.
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Congost de Mont-rebei. Photo by Diana Delgado Pineda.
About three hours inland from Barcelona, the Noguera Ribagorçana river defines the border between Catalunya and Aragon and winds through the Montsec sierra of the pre-Pyrenees region until it finally approaches the astounding congost (gorge) of Mont-rebei. Its striking bright blue waters paired with high cliffs make the landscape incredible to witness. At some points its canyon walls scale up to 500 meters high and at others as much as 20 meters wide.
Congost de Mont-rebei is the last gorge in Catalunya region to remain almost naturally intact, with no electric lines, highway nor infrastructure to pierce through the landscape. The only exceptions are a few excavated paths that cut through canyon walls, giving hikers the opportunity to enjoy spectacular views of the gorge.
This treacherous walk through the canyon is what brings most visitors to Congost de Mont-rebei. Although the path has handrails on its walls, the excavated trail has no rail on the edge of the cliff to keep visitors from falling. The path is narrow but permits two people to walk comfortably beside each other.
Although potentially hazardous, walking through the Congost gives hikers the opportunity to marvel at rock formations that are millions of years old and to explore breathtaking sites like the Colomera cave. If visitors are not too keen on hiking, kayaks are available to rent, with dock points along the river offering a variety of ways to see different parts of the region.
Humans have long admired this land. During the Middle Ages, hermitages and watchtowers were erected here to protect Aragon and Catalan territories from invasion and continue their autonomy. Even earlier, however, are the origins of the nearby Els Altimiris site, which was home to what archaeologists believe to have been a monastery from when the Visigoths ruled over the Iberian Peninsula (late antiquity to the Early Middle Ages).
The Congost de Mont-rebei forms part of the network of spaces protected by the Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera and hosts a number of animal species, particularly birds. One of the most threatened bird species in the area, the famous trencalòs (bearded vulture), makes its nest among the Congost cliffs, and the llúdria (Eurasian otter) lives among the Congost’s translucent waters.
Planning your trip
It’s recommended that you begin at La Masieta, an old masia that serves as a visitor information center where you can learn more about the different points of interest and other attractions in the area. Parking is available there, and trails leading to special points of interest from La Masieta can be two to three hours long
With more extensive hikes available and a moderately long drive from Barcelona, it is best to arrive early and be prepared for company, especially on weekends. Congost de Mont-rebei welcomes 60,000 visitors a year and is a growing attraction in Catalunya’s natural region. The stunning views from the cliffs overlooking the river’s turquoise waters and Catalunya’s lush forests make the drive to the Aragon border worth it.
Getting there (3-4 hours)
From Barcelona take the B-10 and continue straight to stay on A-2. Take the exit toward A-14 and continue onto Exit 15 (signs for N-230/Vielha/Almenar). Then, take the N-230 road (Lleida–Val d’Aran) up to Puent de Montanyana (Ribagorza comarca). Once you’ve arrived in the village, take the road that goes to Tremp (C-1311) and cross the bridge over the Noguera Ribagorzana river about 200 meters away. The road turns off to the right along a track that indicates Reserva del Congost de Mont-rebei. (Please note this route has tolls.)
Where to stay
Casalet de la Clua
Carrer la Clua 25632
Sant Esteve de la Sarga, Lleida
casaletdelaclua.com
650 276 169
Hotel Terradets
Ctra. Balaguer – Tremp C-13· km 75
25631 Cellers, Lleida
hotelterradets.com
973 651 120
Hotel Restaurant Port d’Àger
Carretera & KM-195
Àger C-12, Lleida
hotelportdager.com
973 292 298 • 647 523 953