Cova de les Llenes

Cova de les Llenes is an archaeological cave in the municipality of Conca de Dalt, in the Pallars Jussà region of Lleida province, best known for holding the oldest confirmed traces of human presence found so far in the Pyrenees.

Where exactly is it located?

The cave sits in the Pre-Pyrenees, on the western side of the Congost d'Erinyà gorge, carved by the Flamisell river, roughly 7 km north of La Pobla de Segur. Its entrance opens on a cliff face high above the current river level. The passage itself is modest in size — about 2.5 m high and 3 m wide — but it runs for 185 m, with a second gallery branching off around 50 m from the entrance.

What have archaeologists found here?

In 2013, a research team uncovered evidence of Neanderthal activity dating back roughly 200,000 years — stone tools including hand axes, cores, and flakes. The cave appears to have functioned as a workshop where animals were butchered and meat prepared, based on cut marks found on bones recovered at the site. Excavations also turned up Quaternary fauna remains, including bones from cave lions, hyenas, and rhinoceroses. Researchers suspect human presence at the site could stretch back as far as 300,000 years. Excavation work has been directed by archaeologists Maite Arilla and Jordi Rosell of the Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES).

How do you get there?

From La Pobla de Segur, take the N-260 toward Pont de Suert. Before reaching the Erinyà tunnel, around km marker 314.07, turn right onto a signposted road; after 100 m take the path to the left and continue for another 380 m to the parking area at Pont del Congost d'Erinyà. From there, a roughly 20-minute trail leads to the cave entrance, including two short via ferrata sections. Technical footwear and clothing, water, and sun protection in summer are all recommended.

Can you visit on your own?

No — access to the cave is currently limited to guided visits organized with the research team. To arrange one, you need to contact the Camins Tritons group, which runs activities at the site, through Facebook or email. This setup protects both the archaeological deposits and visitors, since reaching the cave involves short climbing sections.

When is the best time to go?

Given the demanding access and the via ferrata sections, spring through early autumn is the best window, when the trail is dry and visibility is good. In summer, an early start is worth planning, since part of the approach is exposed to direct sun.

Frequently asked questions

Can you enter Cova de les Llenes without a guide? No. Because excavation work is ongoing and access is technically demanding, the cave can currently only be visited as part of an organized trip with the research team.

How far is the cave from La Pobla de Segur? About 7 km north, inside the Congost d'Erinyà gorge, along the N-260 toward Pont de Suert.

What was discovered inside the cave? Stone tools made by Neanderthals roughly 200,000 years ago, along with Quaternary animal remains including cave lions, hyenas, and rhinoceroses.

Is the approach trail difficult? Yes. The walk-in takes about 20 minutes and includes two short via ferrata sections, so proper footwear and some physical preparation are needed.