Rivers of Aragon II - Congost de Mont-rebei Kayak

About three hours inland from Barcelona, the Noguera Ribagorçana river demarks the border between Catalonia and Aragón, winding through the Montsec sierra of the pre-Pyrenees region until it finally approaches the breath-taking Congost de Mont-rebei gorge. It is famous for striking bright blue turquoise waters paired with high cliffs up to 500m in height in the narrow 20m wide canyon.

Congost de Mont-rebei is the last gorge in Catalunya region to remain almost naturally intact with no electricity lines, roads or other man-made infrastructure spoiling the views. The only exception is a section of excavated path on the side of the canyon wall that forms part of the GR1 hiking trail with two suspension foot bridges. This blog is about the kayak route along the canyon parallel to the footpath.

The kayak activity is easy although some effort is required to paddle against the wind in the narrow 20m canyon section.

The kayak route starts in La Masieta parking area near the village of Puente de Montañana. There is an embarkation point in a small lake marsh area.

From the embarkation point, the route turns to the left and heads south along the river towards the canyon/gorge. After the gorge the mountains open out into a spectacular lake with golden coloured cliffs on each side. Continuing on further there is a suspension bridge that crosses between to cliffs. continue under the bridge and hug the right side of the canyon and you will sail under a cliff overhang with a small beach where you can drag the kayak out of the water to have some lunch on dry land.

As you approach this area you will see the Montfalcó stairs.

An alternative to starting in La Masieta is to start in Corçá. Passing through this small village, there is an embarkation point on the edge of the Canelles reservoir called Moll de Corça.

I have kayaked in Congost de Mont-Rebei on three occasions and it is one of the most breath-taking places to visit in Catalonia.