Cova de les Encantades

Cova de les Encantades is a cave in the municipality of Queralbs, in Catalonia's Ripollès region, at the foot of the Puigmal massif. It sits at roughly 2,027 metres above sea level, on the right bank of the Estremera stream (also known as the Riu de Tosa), in an area known as Costa de les Tutes. At 864 metres long, it ranks among the longest caves in the province of Girona and draws both high-mountain hikers exploring the Pyrenean valleys and visitors specifically interested in natural caves.

How do you get there?

The starting point is the road connecting Ribes de Freser and Queralbs. After passing the hamlet of Rialb, a track leads toward Vilamanya, then turns right into the Estremera / Riu de Tosa valley. The path follows the stream up to a spot called Font de l'Home Mort. From there, it takes about three-quarters of an hour on foot to reach the cave's ground-level entrance. The approach crosses high-mountain terrain, so proper trekking footwear, a map, and a weather check are worth having — conditions in this part of the Pyrenees can change quickly, even in summer.

The area also sits close to the GR11 long-distance trail, which crosses the Riu de Tosa valley near the cave — a natural stopping point or short detour for hikers already following that route.

What will you see inside?

Cova de les Encantades is a large cave with a complex layout, formed as the bed of an ancient underground river. Over thousands of years, flowing water carved several overlapping levels into the rock, creating today's multi-tiered network of passages and galleries. The interior is moderately concretioned, meaning it contains dripstone formations such as stalactites and stalagmites, though the cave's main appeal lies less in decorative formations and more in its scale and the intricate, multi-level structure of its galleries. The internal elevation gain between the lowest and highest passages is around 37 metres.

Visiting a cave like this is an exploratory experience rather than a guided, lit-up tourist circuit — it suits people interested in speleology and untouched underground landscapes more than casual sightseers. Entering the interior without proper preparation, lighting, and knowledge of the terrain is not advisable.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring, summer, and early autumn are the best times to approach the cave, when the high-mountain trails in this part of Ripollès are clear of snow and passable. In winter and early spring, the Estremera valley is often snow-covered, which makes reaching the entrance considerably harder and requires winter hiking experience.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cova de les Encantades the same as the Coves de Rialb in Queralbs? No. These are two different sites within the same municipality. The Coves de Rialb — sometimes associated with prehistoric remains — are a separate cave from the Cova de les Encantades described here. It's worth keeping the two apart when planning a route, so you don't head for the wrong approach trail.

How long is the walk to the entrance? From the spot known as Font de l'Home Mort, it takes about 45 minutes on foot to reach the cave entrance. Total walking time from the Ribes de Freser–Queralbs road depends on your starting point and pace.

Do you need caving equipment? Not for the approach walk itself — sturdy trekking footwear is enough. To go inside the cave, given its complex, multi-level structure, proper lighting, preparation, and ideally the company of someone familiar with the cave or a local guide are recommended.

Is the cave near the GR11 trail? Yes, the Riu de Tosa valley where the cave is located is crossed by the GR11 long-distance trail, popular with hikers making their way through the Pyrenees.