Artazul waterfall

Artazul Waterfall is a roughly 40-metre cascade tucked into the Ollo valley in Navarre, close to the village of Ultzurrun and near the Goñerri area, only about 30 km from Pamplona. Water tumbles into a stone amphitheatre wrapped in the lush, damp vegetation typical of this corner of the Sierra de Andia — a spot that still stays refreshingly under the radar for most visitors.

How do you get there?

The trip starts at the car park by the Arteta spring (manantial de Arteta), where a clearly marked footpath begins. The full approach runs a little over a kilometre, and the final stretch from the main trail down to the foot of the falls is only about 500 metres of easy walking — no special fitness or gear required. The path follows the stream fed by the Arteta spring, so the walk itself is already part of the experience.

What will you see?

The centrepiece is the waterfall itself: water dropping roughly 40 metres into a rocky cirque carved out over centuries of erosion. The scale of that stone amphitheatre is striking even when the flow is modest, and the surrounding greenery — thick, damp valley vegetation typical of northern Navarre — closes in around the ravine. You'll usually hear the falling water well before you reach the viewpoint.

The Artazul ravine that channels the stream is also used by canyoneers, who descend through its rock walls as a popular activity for more experienced water-sport enthusiasts. Reaching the viewpoint on foot, however, needs no technical equipment at all — it's an accessible walk for most visitors.

When should you visit?

The waterfall looks its best between November and May, when autumn, winter, and spring rainfall keeps the stream running high. Turning up right after a good rain is another reliable bet for a more dramatic flow. During the drier summer months the stream can shrink considerably, so if you want to see the falls at full force, plan your visit outside peak summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high is Artazul waterfall? The falls drop around 40 metres, making it one of the more impressive cascades in this part of Navarre.

How long is the walk to the waterfall? From the car park at the Arteta spring it's a walk of just over a kilometre, with the last roughly 500 metres leading directly to the foot of the falls — an easy route suitable for most visitors.

When is the best time to visit? Water flow is strongest between November and May, and in the days right after rainfall. In summer the stream tends to run much lower.

Are there other activities nearby? Yes — the Artazul ravine is used for canyoneering, and the wider Ollo valley offers further walking trails around the Arteta spring worth combining with a visit to the waterfall.