Garrotxa Volcanic Zone – Hostalets d’en Bas Waterfalls & Cliff‑Views
10 km circular hike from Hostalets d’en Bas through ancient forests, hidden waterfalls and cliff viewpoints in the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone. Best in autumn and winter
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About Els Hostalets d'en Bas
The Bas valley, in the southern part of the Garrotxa region, was once the heart of the lands controlled by the viscounts of Bas. The village of Els Hostalets d’en Bas grew around a medieval hostal on the old road linking Vic and Olot, and many of its buildings date from the 18th century.
The main street, Carrer de la Teixeda, is lined with distinctive two‑ and three‑storey houses built with wooden frames, rough mountain stone, and pitched roofs that extend over the balconies. Many façades are decorated with flowers, and the carved stone lintels above doors and windows reflect the village’s rural heritage.
Els Hostalets d’en Bas sits beside the river Fluvià, surrounded by fertile farmland. The Fluvià basin extends into the surrounding mountains through a network of tributaries that feed a series of spectacular waterfalls hidden within ancient forest.
This easy–medium 10 km circular route begins in the village and follows the river upstream through multiple waterfalls, continuing to high viewpoints and the Mina dels Bandolers. It is especially beautiful in autumn and winter, when the forest turns gold and the water flow is strong.
Allow 5–7 hours to complete the full route at a relaxed pace.
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Visiting Els Hostalets d’en Bas – Waterfalls, Forest Ravines & Cliff Viewpoints
From the parking area in Els Hostalets d’en Bas, walk along the main street, Carrer de la Teixeda, towards Plaça Major dels Hostalets, passing the Church of Santa Maria. Continue south along Carrer de Vic into open farmland. After crossing the Riu Fluvià, turn right onto the footpath known as the Camí Ral de Vic a Olot and follow it to the gravel track beside the Molí Vell barn.
Turn right and continue along the gravel road as it crosses the river at Pont i torrent d’Artigamala. After roughly 600 metres, the track bends right at the El Bertrans farm and begins a gentle climb towards the forest, passing La Cirera farmhouse where the route transitions into a narrow footpath.
Follow the woodland path until you reach the small river of Torrent del Puig. Here you’ll find a millstone seat and the mountain spring of Font de les Fogoses. The trail crosses the Torrent del Puig several times, revealing its layered rock formations and clear pools.
After around 200 metres, the path enters the gorge system known as the Gorgues de les Fogoses. This section includes a sequence of waterfalls: Gorg de l’Ansat, Gorg dels Cristiants, and the dramatic Gorg i Salt de l’Olla, the largest and most impressive cascade on the route.
The trail climbs to the right of the waterfall and enters a steep rocky ravine equipped with a rope handrail for support. After the ravine, continue through the forest for about 300 metres to a small clearing and viewpoint known as El Petró. Turn left here.
Continue along the forested path of Camí Sota la Tossa de Pujolriu for about one kilometre, ascending gradually to the natural spring of Les Fontiques. The route crosses the Torrent de Pujolriu via a rocky section, and 50 metres further on passes the mostly dry Torrent i Salt de l’Hostalot, where water plunges from the high rock face after heavy rain.
Follow the woodland trail for another kilometre, bearing right at a fork to reach Font de les Marrades, a natural spring with a stone‑lined pool. From here, turn right and climb the switchback path to the Masia El Grau farmhouse. About 400 metres beyond the masia is the semi‑natural rock formation known as the Cova dels Bandolers, a ravine carved into the cliff. You can walk inside the rock corridor and continue to the viewpoint of Cingles del Grau.
Return to Font de les Marrades and descend through the forest along the historic Camí Ral Vic–Olot. This old mule track is partially paved with stone slabs and winds through dense woodland. After 1.5 km you’ll reach Collet de la Cirera, a small pass with views over the valley.
Continue for another 800 metres to emerge from the forest near Casa Rural L’Esquirol. Follow the rural gravel road across the fields back to Molí Vell, then retrace your steps to Els Hostalets d’en Bas.
- Where to eat in Els Hostalets d’en Bas:
- Forn de pa Bataller: Catalan bakery – Carrer de la Teixeda 31 (08:00–14:00 Wed–Fri, 08:00–14:00 & 16:00–17:00 Sat, 08:00–13:00 Sun)
- Bar Restaurant Teixeda: Traditional Catalan food – Carrer de la Teixeda 14 (08:00–18:00 Thu–Mon)
- Braseria Esteve: Grilled Catalan mountain cuisine – Carrer de la Teixeda 27 (09:00–17:00 Wed–Sun)
Hiking the Hostalets d'en Bas waterfalls with a Dog
This route is generally suitable for dogs and does not present any major technical difficulties. The paths are mostly forested, with soft ground and plenty of shade, making it comfortable for dogs in most seasons.
However, be aware that the forest can contain poisonous mushrooms in autumn, and during spring and early summer you may encounter pine processionary caterpillars. These caterpillars are extremely dangerous to dogs due to their toxic hairs, so keep your dog close and avoid letting them sniff pine nests or debris on the ground.
The route also passes through farmland and areas with grazing livestock. For these sections, it’s sensible to keep your dog on a leash to avoid disturbing cattle or sheep.
Overall, this is a dog‑friendly hike, but seasonal hazards and livestock areas mean it’s best to keep a leash handy and stay alert along the way.
Best Time to Visit
This route is at its most beautiful in autumn and winter. The ancient beech and oak forests around Els Hostalets d’en Bas turn deep gold and copper, and on colder mornings the valley often fills with a mystical layer of fog that drifts between the trees. The viewpoints above the cliffs offer crisp, clear panoramas at this time of year, and the waterfalls usually carry enough flow to feel alive without being swollen or muddy.
Although the pools along the route can be swum in during summer, this is not the best swimming hike in the region. For a true summer gorge‑swimming experience, the Sadurnes Waterfalls route is far better suited, with deeper pools and more accessible river sections.
For Hostalets d’en Bas, the colder months offer the most rewarding experience — vibrant leaf colours, atmospheric mist, quieter trails, and the best views from the high points above the valley.
What to take with you for Els Hostalets d'en Bas Hike in the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone
This is a medium‑difficulty walking route in the foothills of the Pyrenees, so a small rucksack with the essentials is all you need. I always carry a basic first‑aid kit and an emergency waterproof or windproof jacket — the weather can shift quickly in the shaded valleys and on the higher viewpoints.
Bring 2–3 litres of water. Although the route passes several rivers and waterfalls, the water is not suitable for drinking, and the pools can be slippery or unstable underfoot.
Wear sturdy hiking footwear. The terrain includes forest paths, rocky ravines, semi‑paved historic mule tracks, and steep sections with rope assistance. Running shoes are not ideal. In autumn, fallen leaves can hide wet rock; in spring, the gorge paths may be muddy from snowmelt; and in summer, the exposed sections can be hot.
If hiking with a dog, carry extra water and keep a leash handy. The route passes livestock fields, protected areas, and pine forest where processionary caterpillars may appear in spring and early summer.
Els Hostalets d'en Bas Hike in the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
€ 25.00
FREE
Child
€ 25.00
FREE
Notes
Hike is free. Price based on 4 people sharing a car
Getting to Els Hostalets d'en Bas Hike in the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone
Address: Carrer de la Teixeda, Els Hostalets d'en Bas, Girona, 17177
From Barcelona, take the C‑17 towards Vic and continue as it becomes the C‑37 in the direction of Olot. At the roundabout, follow the C‑152 to Sant Esteve d’en Bas and stay on the C‑152 as it branches towards Els Hostalets d’en Bas. Turn onto the GIP‑5272 to reach the village’s parking area.
Alternatively, take the AP‑7 towards Girona and exit at the Girona Airport junction. Follow the C‑25 towards Vic and leave the road at km 225 to join the C‑63 towards Sant Esteve d’en Bas. From here, take the C‑63z and then the C‑152 to Els Hostalets d’en Bas.
Allow around 80 minutes by car. There is a commuter bus service to Olot, but the timetables make this route impractical as a day trip, so Els Hostalets d’en Bas is realistically only accessible by car.
A dedicated free parking area is located on the edge of the village, providing easy access to the start of the route.
Wikiloc Trail for Els Hostalets d'en Bas waterfalls Route
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