We offer guided quad routes through the Ultzama Valley.
The itinerary:
It starts from Arraitz-Orkin and climbs up to the Belate Pass, a former crossing point between Pamplona and Bayonne and the northern boundary of the valley.
You'll reach the Cantabrian watershed, a key point from which you can see both mountainous landscapes and lush valleys: Belate, Ultzama, Baztan, and Donamaría. On clear days, you can see the Aralar, Urbasa, Perdón, Peña Izaga, Higa de Monreal, and Larún mountain ranges, and in the distance, Ibardín, the Cantabrian Sea, and Mendaur.
Then, descend along tracks that cross pastures grazed by horses and cows.
You'll pass through extensive acidophilic beech forests similar to those in the Irati Forest, very typical of northern Navarre, with the density and intense greenery characteristic of the jungle.
The route skirts areas of the Ultzama Valley Mycological Park, where mushrooms can be picked with a permit in the fall season, in a mixed forest of oaks and beeches.
On some of the routes, you can visit the Millennial Oak of Orkin, a landmark of Navarra.
Just a few meters from the route is the Abauntz Cave, where the Abauntz Map was found, considered one of the oldest maps in Europe (dating back about 14,600 years).
Although you don't go inside the cave, the guide usually points out the site and explains its archaeological significance.
The route runs through the Protected Landscape and Special Area of Conservation “Robledales de Ultzama y Basaburua,” designated for its rich forests and biodiversity. It also passes through the Orgi Forest, an iconic 80-hectare ancient oak grove with interpretive trails.
The valley area is dotted with villages with traditional architecture, livestock farms, and a local cuisine based on cheeses, curd, and mushrooms.
Conclusion:
This Belate + part of Ultzama route by Natur‑quad Ultzama is a complete experience that combines nature (beech forests, reservoir, meadows), livestock (horses, cows), culture (Abauntz Cave and its prehistoric map), and adventure on wheels. Ideal for those who want to connect with the essence of the Ultzama Valley on a day full of scenery, history, and fresh air.
Fancy enjoying this unforgettable experience on wheels? Give it a try!
