A thrilling boat trip along the canyons of Duero River, between Spain and Portugal; a good choice to enjoy the fabulous cliffs, flora and fauna of this Parque Natural.

The River Duero is the third longest and second largest river in the Iberian Peninsula. Its source is at "Fuentes del Duero" in Soria, near Burgos and la Rioja; after cutting south-eastwards it turns west and slowly heads through the northern plateau, flowing through Zamora, and into Portugal, where after passing through a stretch of narrow canyons, finally empties into the Atlantic at Porto.

Los Arribes del Duero is this series of canyons along the river Duero which form a natural border between Spain and Portugal and are said to be the deepest and most extensive granite canyons in the Peninsula: an impressive area of natural beauty with isolated and narrow passes.

To sail down the river as it flows through the Parque Natural de los Arribes (Salamanca and Zamora provinces) is to enjoy some of the most beautiful countryside in the region along the Duero's tranquil waters, encased within gorges whose jagged cliffs on either side are sometimes more than 400 metres high, populated by an amazingly rich fauna within a protected environment. The cliffs on the banks make access to the river very difficult; this facilitates the refuge of birds, some of which are in danger of extinction. black storks, griffon vultures, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, eagle owls..

"Corazón de Las Arribes" is one of the several companies that offer boat or catamaran trips down the river. Their trips are starting at Playa del Rostro (Corporario, near Vitigudino in Salamanca ) where the boat is boarded by means of a ramp: the path from the tickets office to the pantalan is concrete paved, though there are some 5 to 10 metres of sand (concrete is planned to be set very soon) and the crew is always ready to give a hand. Guides give suitable explanations about the flora and fauna during the trip. The catamaran is a large (room for 100 people and unobstructed areas for wheelchair users ) and brand new crystal-covered -boat, air-conditioned and heated for the summer/winter months and equipped with the latest regulatory life-saving and navigation equipment (anti-breakdown system, etc..). Doors are wide and there is an accessible toilet. One can comfortably enjoy the views along the route and the unbeatable opportunity to see the cliffs.

Three different trips are available:

Presa de Aldeadávila (Aldeadávila dam): 1´30 h navigation time

Ermita de Pereña (should be previously booked): 1´30 h navigation time

Trip specially designed for school-groups lasting 1 hour must be booked and arranged in advance, too. 

The dam at Aldeadávila de la Ribera is one of the most important hydraulic complexes in Spain , it is the biggest electricity producer in the country and the second-biggest in Europe.

Tickets can be booked by phone call and should be collected at least 15 minutes prior to departure.

Operating Schedule
All year round:
Saturday, Sunday and holidays at 12.00 and 18.00
Monday to Friday: pre-arranged trips

From June (15 th ) to September (15 th ):
Monday to Friday at 18.00
Saturday, Sunday and holidays at 12.00 and 18.00

August:
Daily at 12.00 and 18.00

El Corazón de las Arribes, S.L.
C/ Santa Margarita s/n
Corporario - Aldeadávila de la Ribera
Salamanca (España)
T: (+34) 627 637 349
turismo@corazondelasarribes.com
www.corazondelasarribes.com

Rebecca Arce

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