Asturias enjoys one of the highest densities of cavities and chasms in Europe. A substantial part of the Principality is made up of limestone rocks on which important karst frameworks have developed. This is why the new type of adventure sport has a guaranteed future, and why some active tourism companies have decided to delimit circuits and specialize in this new adventure. We are in good hands, so deciding on speleocanyoning is a safe option and available to anyone with a minimum of physical fitness.
It is well known that rainwater penetrates the fractures of the rock, dissolves it in vertical chasms, and horizontal galleries that function as natural collectors. Throughout the centuries in the Asturian caves, floors have been formed at different levels, authentic inner rivers for which we can enjoy waterfalls and sliders that have nothing to envy artificial water parks. Formations of great beauty that accompany the already classic stalactites and stalagmites, cave terraces, castings, narrow ducts and large rooms. An authentic paradise that is discovered in all its splendor when we put on our neoprene suits to dare with the waterfalls, the slides and the pots.
The underground canyons they are formed by hypogeal rivers (that is, rivers that run through the subsoil) that can only be accessed after a good speleological walk. In favorable circumstances these canyons communicate with the outside, both at the beginning and at the end of the section, which allows us to face them with habitual techniques of canyoning.
In Asturias we find rivers of this species: they are added by a cave and they cross the mountain generating inside it all the typical morphologies of the ravines, to go out again to the light from the outside by another lower mouth.
Canyoning Baptism
Very simple, ideal for families with children or for groups that above all want fun. It is a ravine with slides and jumps into small pools….
Initiation canyoning
With rappelling of less than 20 meters and swimming in calm water. We will enjoy easy-to-execute jumps of less than 6 meters and short slides...
Advanced canyoning
Duration of about 3 hours, with rappels greater than 20 meters. We will find jumps greater than 4 meters and steep slides….
From here we recommend always contracting with specialized companies for years in this type of incursions through the ravines.
Information:
We encourage you to practice this activity in which you will discover a new world of rock, water and darkness. In addition to all the canyoning equipment (harness, helmet, neoprene, eight and anchor rope, etc.), active tourism companies provide you with acetylene and/or electric lighting and, depending on the season and the flow of the rivers, proposes a descent:
The barrage of Purón It is one of the most complete activities that can be done in the area. Combine the techniques of descending ravines with the incredible underground landscape. It is a half-day activity for people who have already made initiation ravines. El Espeleobarranco de Purón is located in the Sierra de Cuera to 20 minutes from Llanes with access only for off-road.
After an approximation of some 15 'we enter through the mouth of the cave, a vaulted room gives us an idea of what awaits us. We will advance along the Purón River, through a wide gallery without much difficulty, until the gallery narrows and the channel is excavated with flooded corridors, some kettles saltable until we reach the first abseiling of 7 m, possibly the most beautiful place in the cave. We continue by some badinas until we reach a large room, we continue with some detours to reach the long abseiling of some 30 m. This rappel leaves us near the exit. In total a little over 1 Km spectacular landscape, with slides, pots, decks and rappels.
Approach walking: 15 minutes.
Descent: 2 hours.
Return to the car: 20 minutes (Complicated).
Canyon length: 1 Km.
Slope: 100 m approximately.
Transport from Llanes, complete neoprene, harness, helmet, carabiners, descender, nonprene socks, frontal or carburetor.
Necessary material: Sneaker for wetting, swimsuit, dry underwear, dry footwear, towel and backpack.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
