Galicia for Megayachts

GALICIA index

2 Presentation 3 Activities 4 Climbing 5 Rappel 6 Bungee jumping 7 Tyrolean traverse and Tibetan bridge 8 Waterfall rappelling 9 Horse-riding 10 Quad biking routes 11 Mountain biking 12 Trekking and orienteering 13 Paintball 14 Archery and blowguns 15 Rafting 16 Riverboarding 17 Calm water canoeing 18 White water canoeing 19 Ultralight, paragliding, paramotoring, etc. 20 Caving 21 Companies 22 Arrepions 23 Atlantis Adventure 24 Aventurocio 25 Axiña Servicios Deportivos 26 Grupo Xuvenil As Pontes Canoeing Club 27 Desafío Ocio 28 Eolo Actividades 29 Manzaneda Winter Sports Resort 30 Galitur Sport 31 Itineris 32 Proaventur 33 Roq Sport 34 Turnauga 35 Vaguadaventura 36 Useful addresses

1 Other ways to enjoy galicia Truly golden moments Galicia has become a reference for adventure sports throughout Spain, the result of its enthusiastic approach.

According to sociologists, the growing interest in adventure sports is a result of economic progress and the increasingly large amount of leisure time the public enjoys, although there are many more reasons: the way the blood pumps through your veins when you are about to leap into the void attached to a rope, or how the white foam floods into your canoe while racing through a set of rapids, are such exhilarating sensations that they can never be forgotten. A unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the landscape around us in a completely different way, which overwhelms our senses.

All under the watchful eye of fully qualified, expert monitors, who apart from offering guidance and advice at all times, are on hand to ensure the perfect working order of all of the equipment and materials provided for the various types of activities, covered by full civil liability insurance. These are just some of the principles behind the work of these fourteen companies specialising in a wide range of adventure sports, who make every possible effort to ensure that all of these activities provide an opportunity to enjoy new and exciting experiences, moments full of life and energy.

These are the other ways of enjoying Galicia. Truly golden moments...

2 activities

Climbing Rappel Bungee jumping Tyrolean traverse and Tibetan bridge Waterfall rappelling Horse-riding Quad biking routes Mountain biking Trekking and orienteering Paintball Archery and blowguns Rafting Riverboarding Calm water canoeing White water canoeing Ultralight, paragliding, paramotoring, etc. Caving who with?

Atlantis Adventure (page 23) Axiña Servicios Deportivos (page 25) Desafío Ocio (page 27) Eolo Actividades (page 28) Manzaneda Winter Sports Resort (page 29) Galitur Sport (page 30) Itineris (page 31) Roq Sport (page 33) Turnauga (page 34) climbing vertically challenged

the experience If you want to know Whether in an indoor ‘rock “... the higher I climbed, the more what it feels like to reach gym’ or artificial wall, or on a terrified I felt – my arms and the top and have the natural rock face in the heart legs were shaking! Every time I World at your feet, start of any of our unique natural looked down and thought about by trying one of the most landscapes, climbing may be what would happen if I wasn’t exciting and satisfying enjoyed without excessive attached to the rope, I shook all adventure sports. Climbing risks by anyone in reasonable over. But when I reached the top is one of the best options shape and without any and saw what I’d done all on for lovers of high places previous experience. my own, and nature in its purest The monitors will make sure state, a sport that anyone that all of the safety standards it was amazing!” can enjoy safely, and if are met and the material used they wish, without even is in perfect working order, leaving the city. so that your only concern will be reaching the top. Depending on your experience and level of fitness, you may choose either an recommended for initiation route on an easy Groups of friends section, or if that doesn’t Stag parties/hen parties hit the spot, you can learn about the various climbing Company incentives techniques and try more Families with children difficult routes. The basic rules of climbing Couples state that elements such as harnesses, ropes and Recommended age: all. carabiners are there to protect Physical fitness: good. us from falls, and must not Recommended time of year: be used as support while all year (indoor) or Spring-Summer climbing, unless we are (outdoor). totally exhausted. But never Location: rock gyms (fixed fear…based on the theory or mobile), or on natural rock of “if the mountain won’t faces in the ranges of San Mamede, Manzaneda, come to Mohammed, then Os Ancares, Pena Trevinca, etc. Mohammed will go the Equipment required: mountain”, a number of the comfortable clothing and special companies offering this option climbing shoes (or hiking boots have their own fixed and or trainers). mobile artificial walls, Equipment provided: harness, which can be installed ropes, helmet and other specific wherever and whenever climbing equipment. necessary, and of course, Requirements: a good head for heights. always adapted to the customer’s tastes.

4 who with?

Atlantis Adventure (page 23) Axiña Servicios Deportivos (page 25) Desafío Ocio (page 27) Eolo Actividades (page 28) Manzaneda Winter Sports Resort (page 29) rappel Galitur Sport (page 30) Itineris (page 31) the thrill of sliding down a rope Roq Sport (page 33) Turnauga (page 34)

Rappel or abseiling is a commonly used technique in descending gullies and mountain climbing and is simple to learn. Anyone can experience the sensation of leaping down a wall, hanging from a bridge or jumping out of the way of obstacles in an inspiring impersonation of Tom Cruise in “Mission Impossible”. Simply follow the monitors’ instructions to experience an unforgettable adventure.

A monitor by your side, the harness gripping your waist tightly, a figure of 8 belaying ring, a rope held firmly in place and fifty metres of rock face: these are the ingredients of a cocktail in which excitement is 100% guaranteed, a combination that can be enjoyed by anyone, and which we invite you to try. Whether it’s leaping down a waterfall with white foam splashing over you, down a natural rock face hanging in the void, or dangling from a bridge, rappel is a descent technique that is fast, easy and safe. You don’t have to be Tom Cruise to experience a real adventure: anyone can learn this technique, regardless of their physical condition. With rappelling, all you have to do is let yourself go, trust the monitor, and overcome your fear. You’re sure to be back for more!

the experience Recommended age: all. “... when he told me to let go with Physical fitness: any. my hands, I thought he was crazy. No way, I can’t do that. Recommended time of year: all year. But I finally did it. I could feel how the rope was holding me, Location: on bridges and walls or on natural rock. that it wasn’t going to snap, and I started to descend. At first Equipment required: comfortable clothing and trainers. I just bounced a little because Equipment provided: harness, my legs were shaking, but then ropes, helmet and other specific I really started to enjoy it. It climbing equipment. was much easier than I thought: Requirements: I’ve got to go back for more!” a good head for heights. recommended for Groups of friends

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5 who with?

Atlantis Adventure (page 23) Galitur Sport (page 30) Turnauga (page 34) bungee jumping pure adrenaline: a short, sharp shock

Have you ever stopped to Although it may seem hard the experience think what it must be like to believe, bungee jumping “Once I was on the other side to jump into space? Have is the safest of all of the so- of the handrail I grabbed on you ever wanted to give called “high risk sports”. The so hard I thought I was going it a go? Whether it’s your companies that organise this to bend it. They yelled “1,2, 3, dream or nightmare, we type of activity make sure that go!” but I couldn’t. They tell can make it come true. all their own equipment is in you again and again to trust Some try and can’t go perfect working order, and through with it: your head that all the safety measures them, that nothing’s going to rules your heart. Some try are followed to the letter. They go wrong, but your stomach it and come back for more. know the best bridges for this just starts churning over. You What about you? kind of activity, and make sure freeze, your heart starts racing What would you do? everything is organised to and your hair stands on end. Dare to give it a go? perfection. The jumper stands I just had pure adrenaline on one side of the bridge, running through my veins with a harness connected to and I couldn’t let go. But I did two ropes. The other ends of it. I yelled, like a lunatic. And the ropes are connected firmly then I jumped. The elastic ropes to the other side of the bridge, stretched, bounced me up and and everything is ready for down, and lifted me up into the the jump. Of course, whether air. I’ve never felt anything so you go through with it or not intense in all my life”. is up to you. No technique is necessary, just guts. A lot of guts. recommended for Groups of friends

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Couples Recommended age: any.

Physical fitness: any.

Recommended time of year: all year.

Location: various bridges. Equipment required: comfortable clothing. Equipment provided: harness, ropes and other specific climbing equipment.. Requirements: not recommended for people with heart problems.

6 tyrolean traverse and tibetan bridge ain’t no mountain high enough

who with?

Atlantis Adventure (page 23) Axiña Servicios Deportivos (page 25) Desafío Ocio (page 27) Eolo Actividades (page 28) Manzaneda Winter Sports Resort (page 29) Itineris (page 31) Roq Sport (page 33) Turnauga (page 34) In nature there can be obstacles that seem impossible to overcome, such as wading through a raging river or crossing a precipice between two mountains; but human ingenuity has made it possible for expeditions to cross from one side to another using only a series of ropes and pulley (known as a “Tyrolean Traverse”), or with three thick ropes bound together in a triangle, known as the “Tibetan Bridge”. Methods that have developed from ancient survival techniques in different parts of the world to a new type of sport that is exciting, fun, and very Recommended age: all. safe: an adventure sport Physical fitness: any. that can be enjoyed recommended for by anyone. Recommended time of year: Groups of friends all year. Whether in special, previously Stag parties/hen parties Location: in special areas or in other prepared area, using steel Company incentives previously arranged spots. poles, pulleys and other Equipment required: equipment, or improvised Families with children comfortable clothing and trainers. in natural surroundings, the Couples Equipment provided: harness, Tyrolean traverse and Tibetan ropes and other specific climbing bridge share a common equipment. objective: to get from one Requirements: none. side to the other as quickly, easily and safely as possible, and above all, having fun. The the experience traverse uses a rope or cable with a pulley that we have “... it looks like something for to hold on to, crossing the kids, nothing particularly gap held safely in place by a exciting, but when you jump off harness; the Tibetan bridge and start to speed up, it’s ama- uses two or three tight ropes zing. I’ll keep doing it, I’ll never or cables, one to hold on get tired of jumping off and to and another to walk on, yelling like a madman.” while wearing a harness and carabiner firmly attached to a safety line.

7 who with?

Atlantis Adventure (page 23) Aventurocio (page 24) Desafío Ocio (page 27) Galitur Sport (page 30) Itineris (page 31) Proaventur (page 32) Roq Sport (page 33) Turnauga (page 34)

waterfall rappelling the pleasure of leaping down gullies

Waterfall rappelling Leaps into space, sections involves descending that require us to swim or the gullies carved into even dive, dizzying descents mountains, enjoying by rappel and bursts of pools, waterfalls and adrenaline are all the streams, putting into ingredients that make up practice climbing and waterfall rappelling, a sport caving techniques, as well recommended for the most as abseiling. Excitement, adventurous spirits. risk and adventure all go You must know how to swim hand-in-hand in a sport in and not suffer from vertigo, constant contact as everything else –harness, with water, allowing us wetsuit, helmet, ropes and to discover hidden experience– is provided places of great natural by the monitors. Galicia has beauty that are normally gullies of different kinds inaccessible to the and levels of difficulty, some general public. of which require a knowledge of climbing techniques, and others that are simple and ideal for anyone with a taste for adventure. You will be amazed at the sights that unfold with every step you take. the experience “...we reached some really Recommended age: recommended for amazing places, just like adults. Groups of friends explorers, jumping from Physical fitness: good. Stag parties/hen parties high rocks into deep turquoise Recommended time of year: Company incentives pools. It was incredible! There all year, depending on the current were waterfalls and slides in the gullies. Families with children everywhere, and holes in the Location: along the Xallas rock we had to cross through or Almofrei rivers, O Barbanza Couples swimming underwater. and Queixa mountain ranges, and other sites. The best thing was discovering Equipment required: such an amazing landscape swimsuits, trainers and change in such an exciting way!” of clothing. Equipment provided: helmet, wetsuit and harness, as well as other specific equipment. Requirements: ability to swim.

8 horse-riding the original eco-friendly vehicle

Long before mankind invented the first vehicles, our four-legged friends carried us wherever we needed to go, without needing to fill up the tank. Grass and water were the only fuel needed to cover thousands of kilometres without producing the slightest trace of greenhouse gases. Today they are the best 4 x 4 imaginable to discover the countryside silently and without damaging the environment, carrying us tirelessly along the paths that wind through the spectacular hills and valleys of our landscape.

No previous experience who with? or special physical abilities Atlantis Adventure (page 23) are needed to ride a horse, Axiña Servicios Deportivos (page 25) as the animals used for these Manzaneda Winter types of routes are especially Sports Resort (page 29)) calm and are used to riders Galitur Sport (page 30) of all kinds (especially Itineris (page 31) children). All that is needed is a firm grip on the reins and to keep your knees pressed recommended for against the saddle, and not Groups of friends make any sudden movements, Stag parties/hen parties as this may startle the horse. Instructions must be given in a Company incentives firm, energetic voice. There are

Families with children numerous horse-riding routes in Galicia that allow us to Couples enjoy the best our magnificent natural surroundings have the experience to offer, naturally and “... they’re impressive, lovely without impacting on the animals, and so big! When you environment. An experience get on for the first time they that takes us back to the days seem uncontrollable, as if you of yesteryear: saddle up Recommended age: all. were going to wobble from one and become a cowboy for the day! Physical fitness: any. side to the other: but it’s much Recommended time of year: easier than I thought. They all year. trot on their own, without you Location: in the open air needing to guide them (they throughout the whole region. follow the monitor at the front), Equipment required: so you can enjoy the landscape comfortable clothing and trainers. without worries, and you can Equipment provided: specific reach places you’d never get equipment for the type of activity. to even in the best 4x4. When Requirements: none. I grow up I want to have a horse”.

9 who with? the experience Atlantis Adventure (page 23) “... it’s great fun, Aventurocio (page 24) the closest thing to a 4 x 4, Axiña Servicios Deportivos (page 25) but you feel the wind in your Eolo Actividades (page 28) face and the mud splashing Manzaneda Winter over you. You end up covered Sports Resort (page 29) in dust everywhere you go. Galitur Sport (page 30) And the best thing is it will Itineris (page 31) Roq Sport (page 33) take you practically anywhere: Turnauga (page 34) nothing is impossible. Vroom vroom… I love it!”

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quad biking routes an all terrain experience

Somewhere between Quads come in different Recommended age: a motorbike and a versions, with one adults, except for quads 4 x 4 vehicle, quads allow or two seats, automatic or for children. us to reach seemingly semi-automatic gearboxes, Physical fitness: any. inaccessible spots with two or four wheel Recommended time of year: in comfort, and above all, drive, with or without gears, all year. to have fun in the process. although all of them have Location: in the open air If you like adventure handlebars. These turn the throughout the whole region. and don’t mind getting two front wheels, which can Equipment required: covered in mud and dust, be quite an unusual sensation comfortable clothing and trainers. then this is the perfect if you are used to driving a Equipment provided: helmet. ‘toy’ for you. Capable of car or motorbike. Most quad Requirements: holding a type ‘B’ climbing the steepest models require a type ‘B’ or equivalent driving licence. slopes, you don’t need or similar driving licence to be Fernando Alonso (the type held by most drivers), to know how to drive and you must always wear a quad; just follow the a helmet. The monitors will monitors’ instructions, and teach you to ride the quad especially, never push the safely, and guide you along quad beyond its limits. the best routes set aside for this younger brother of the 4 x 4.

10 Recommended age: all. Physical fitness: good. Recommended time of year: all year. Location: in the open air throughout the whole region, and using the hills around the Manzaneda Ski Resort in low season. who with?

Equipment required: Aventurocio (page 24) comfortable clothing and trainers. Manzaneda Winter Equipment provided: helmet. Sports Resort (page 29) recommended for Requirements: Galitur Sport (page 30) Groups of friends ability to ride a bicycle. Itineris (page 31) Stag parties/hen parties Roq Sport (page 33)

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mountain biking get off the tarmac on two wheels

Thanks to mountain When travelling through bikes, we can reach places the countryside, it’s often that would otherwise be better to use a bicycle than impossible with other travel on foot, as we can vehicles, and enjoy cover greater distances with nature in a healthy way. less time and effort. This is the Mountain bikes allow you main advantage if you want to to go further than ever discover as many new places before, with none of the as possible. dangers of riding through On other occasions the aim heavy traffic. is to ride downhill as fast as Down with tarmac, here’s possible, for example in the to a healthier lifestyle! Manzaneda Ski Resort, which has specially signposted routes for all levels, and the opportunity to use the ski lifts. Specially studded tyres, full the experience suspension, disk brakes and “... we reached a bend a wide range of gears are in the river, following a track now included on the latest that wound between the trees. generation of mountain bikes, We’d just crossed some very allowing us to go further, old bridges, ridden through faster and with less effort, abandoned villages and over far beyond the point where cobbled tracks. The kids loved the tracks come to an end. it, and they’re dying Some of the companies to do it again”. included in this catalogue organise routes and trips in the best areas that have been specially designed for mountain bikes.

11 who with?

Arrepions (page 22) Atlantis Adventure (page 23) Aventurocio (page 24) Axiña Servicios Deportivos (page 25) Desafío Ocio (page 27) Eolo Actividades (page 28) Manzaneda Winter Sports Resort (page 29) Galitur Sport (page 30) Itineris (page 31) Proaventur (page 32) Roq Sport (page 33) Turnauga (page 34)

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Couples trekking and orienteering a trip through nature with one eye on the compass

There can be no better way of enjoying our surroundings than on foot; trekking allows us to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and rediscover the simple pleasures of life. And in this case simple is the word: all you need Recommended age: all. is good footwear, and the desire to walk. Apart from Physical fitness: any. the benefits for your health of stretching your legs, Recommended time of year: there is the opportunity to enjoy the landscapes, all year. traditions and people who inhabit our beloved region. Galicia is, without any doubt, a land for walkers. Location: in the open air throughout the whole region.

Numerous areas of Galicia are ideal for trekking, Equipment required: hiking boots or trainers and although some can only be discovered by those who are familiar comfortable clothing suitable with the region. Routes that lead to abandoned villages, that for the time of year. cross over Roman roads and mediaeval bridges, routes that pass Equipment provided: none, by wayside crosses and altars; routes that run along the coast, except in the case of orienteering next to dizzyingly steep cliffs, or follow forest streams; activities, where maps, compasses etc. are provided. villages huddled amongst stone walls, castles, monasteries and manor houses. The companies listed in this guide probably Requirements: none. know better than anyone the finest places to visit. Let yourself be guided, and at the same time, learn how to find the experience your way using maps, compasses, or the latest GPS technology. “We walked all day, discovering amazing places, so many in fact that my camera batteries ran out. The best part was going to bed; my body was full of life, I felt warm inside, the bed just swallowed me up and I slept for what felt like a lifetime. I was so relaxed!”

12 Recommended age: who with? over 16. Atlantis Adventure (page 23) Physical fitness: any. Aventurocio (page 24) Recommended time of year: Axiña Servicios Deportivos (page 25) all year. Desafío Ocio (page 27) Location: in enclosed areas Galitur Sport (page 30) or woodland. Itineris (page 31) Equipment required: Roq Sport (page 33) comfortable clothing and trainers. Turnauga (page 34) Equipment provided: overalls, body armour and mask. Requirements: none.

paintball a first-hand experience of warfare

Expressions such as Paintball involves hitting the members “ambush”, “discretionary of the opposing team with small balls of gelatine fire” and “skirmish” filled with coloured dye, using compressed air are the order of the pistols. Players wear a mask covering the face, day when paintballs body armour covering the chest and groin and are whizzing over your overalls so that hits can be seen clearly, head while you are dug as well as protecting our clothing. into a trench waiting for Each pistol has a small tank containing the enemy fire to cease. between 100 and 200 paintballs, and a small, Thanks to paintball, rechargeable canister of compressed air. you and your friends The game, as you will have probably imagined, can experience a new involves hitting members of the other team, emotion; so if you want while following a series of basic rules, such as to know what it feels like not shooting anyone at a distance of less than to be in the middle of a 20 metres. All other necessary information battle, come and test will be provided by the monitors. your shooting skills. Glory awaits the victors!

the experience “I’d never felt so close to what it must be like being in a battle: the balls were flying past me, I had to dig in and fire while recommended for crouching down. We worked out a strategy to surround the other Groups of friends team, and finally made it: Stag parties/hen parties we won the battle.

Company incentives It’s great fun, and much more realistic than any video game”. Families with children

Couples

13 who with? the experience Aventurocio (page 24) “It’s a really addictive Axiña Servicios Deportivos (page 25) experience: you try it, Desafío Ocio (page 27) and until you hit the centre Manzaneda Winter you just can’t stop. Sports Resort (page 29) If you don’t hit it the first Galitur Sport (page 30) few times, you move in closer, Itineris (page 31) and when you’ve done it you Roq Sport (page 33) gradually move backwards, challenging yourself recommended for every time. We loved it, but Groups of friends imagine the kids, they thought Stag parties/hen parties they were the new Robin Hood”.

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archery and blowguns right on target

A good aim, controlled Bows were one of mankind’s breathing and a strong first weapons, and have arm are all essential accompanied us for more in order to hit the than twenty five thousand bull’s-eye. But don’t think years without any substantial for a minute that you are changes. No longer used born with these abilities: for hunting and warfare, you need to work hard they have become an Olympic to be a true William Tell sport, and new materials have and hit the apple dead been introduced into a sport centre. But sooner or later that is great fun and open to you’ll get there, and even all. The blowgun is another if you don’t manage it the option, which involves first time, fun (or a bit of blowing hard down healthy rivalry with your a tube to fire small darts, friends) is guaranteed. over a considerably shorter The blowgun is another distance than that used option that is fun to try. with the bow. No special level of physical fitness is required for these sports, and anyone, Recommended age: any. no matter how old they are, Physical fitness: any. can dream of becoming Recommended time of year: a new Robin Hood. all year. Location: in enclosed areas. Equipment required: none. Equipment provided: none. Requirements: none.

14 who with?

Arrepions (page 22) Galitur Sport (page 30) Turnauga (page 34) Vaguadaventura (page 35)

rafting a team spirit like never before

recommended for All together, This is rafting, a sport that Groups of friends eyes fixed on the horizon, puts your ability to overcome

Stag parties/hen parties everyone in their place, danger to the test, and feet firmly in position, which combines adventure, Company incentives rowing with strong strokes excitement, enjoying nature, as the water splashes past, and above all, teamwork. Families with children with the sound A great way of relieving Couples of the monitor shouting tension and putting all our “stroke, stroke, stroke!”, senses to the test, in which and the boat leaping the collaboration of all of our around like a bucking companions is essential bronco, plunging into the to ensure a successful trip. foam, and just when it Just take a mountain river, seems all is lost, a group of 4 to 10 people we surge back on board an inflatable raft out of the waves: without a motor, a helmet, we’ve made it! wetsuit and short oar to Nothing can stop us! propel us through the waves. The guide sitting at the stern directs the operation, and tells the group when to row and how hard to paddle to get round each obstacle.

the experience “... we’d never had Recommended age: such a powerful experience over 16. together: the white foam, Physical fitness: good. the rapids, the freezing water Recommended time of year: and the rocks shooting past us. all year depending on river conditions. If we hadn’t understood each other so well we’d never have Location: rivers Miño, Ulla, Tambre, Deza, Arnoia, etc. made it. We haven’t been the Equipment required: same since: as well as being comfortable clothing, partners, we became friends” swimming costume, trainers and change of both. Equipment provided: helmet, wetsuit and lifejacket. Requirements: ability to swim.

15 riverboarding downriver at full tilt

Riverboarding basically consists of riding downriver, usually through choppy water, on a small board downriver which keeps our head and shoulders out of the water. While rafting is a guaranteed source of excitement, riverboarding takes it to the next level, with an incredible sensation of speed. Forget teamwork: here it’s down to you. who with? Strength, fast thinking and a cool head are Arrepions (page 22) all necessary for this sport. Itineris (page 31) Turnauga (page 34) Anyone who has tried rafting and enjoyed it, will find the answer Vaguadaventura (page 35) to their dreams with riverboarding, although this time there calm water canoeing won’t be anyone to turn to when things get rough. It’s much more physically challenging, and you need to be the pleasure of canoeing at your leisure a good swimmer. Hanging on to the board and kicking your legs (wearing short flippers), you head downriver and control your movements. There will always be one or more monitors nearby in a canoe, to keep you posted on the best way of getting round any obstacles. Everyone taking part in the descent has to listen out for the monitors’ instructions and stay with the group, as communication is difficult over the sound of the water.

Recommended age: recommended for over 16. Groups of friends

Physical fitness: good. Stag parties/hen parties Recommended time of year: all year depending on river Company incentives conditions. Families with children Location: rivers Miño, Ulla, Tambre, Deza, Arnoia, etc. Couples Equipment required: comfortable clothing, swimming costume, trainers and change of both. Equipment provided: helmet, wetsuit and life jacket. the experience Requirements: ability to swim. “...the strength with which the river drags you along is incredible: it swallows you down and spits you out whenever it feels like it. Sometimes you can’t see anything because of the foam around you, and you get spun around and don’t know if you’re swimming against the current. There’s no better way of experiencing all the power of a river”

16 who with?

Arrepions (page 22) Atlantis Adventure (page 23) Aventurocio (page 24) Grupo Xuvenil As Pontes Canoeing Club (page 26) Desafío Ocio (page 27) Galitur Sport (page 30) Itineris (page 31) Proaventur (page 32) the experience Roq Sport (page 33) “... at first you think you’re Turnauga (page 34) going to tip over, but then once Vaguadaventura (page 35) you’ve got the hang of it, it’s great, and we even managed to row in unison like real professionals. We reached little beaches along the river, rowed under the tree branches, and watched the fish jumping. At the end we played ‘battleships’ and splashed each other. It was great fun!” calm water canoeing the pleasure of canoeing at your leisure

Canoeing, in all of its Whether on your own, different guises, is the most in twos, or with the family; primitive form of travelling in Canadian-style canoes, on water. Back in 3000 BC kayaks or dinghies: this is a the Sumerians were the sport that can be enjoyed first to use canoes –similar by anyone. to those we use today– Experience or physical for travelling or fishing. fitness are not an obstacle to Modern-day adventurers enjoying a peaceful trip in the have the opportunity very heart of nature. to explore otherwise Rivers that wind gently unreachable areas between woodland, and the hidden wonders impressive canyons such as of mother nature, the Sil, or even the estuaries in a safe, comfortable way. and beaches along our coastline all are perfect recommended for locations to grab an oar Groups of friends and enjoy a little adventure. Recommended age: all. The only equipment required Stag parties/hen parties Physical fitness: any. is a lifejacket, wetsuit if necessary, and double-bladed Recommended time of year: Company incentives all year round, depending oars, for any type of canoe, on the weather. Families with children craft that are much more stable than they may Location: Couples in the sea and reservoirs first appear. in the region. Equipment required: comfortable clothing and/or swimsuit, trainers, and change of both. Equipment provided: lifejacket and wetsuit if necessary. Requirements: ability to swim.

17 who with?

Arrepions (page 22) Aventurocio (page 24) Desafío Ocio (page 27) Itineris (page 31) Proaventur (page 32) Turnauga (page 34) Vaguadaventura (page 35) white water canoeing canoeing for ‘pros’

White water canoeing White water canoes have requires tremendous a special design, allowing physical fitness and them to navigate rapids experience in the and mountain rivers: sport. The first is more they are much smaller than complicated, whilst ordinary canoes, much more experience can always be responsive, but less stable. gained from the expert A splashguard, life jacket, monitors who have rescue rope and helmet extensive knowledge of are all essential kit for an our rivers. Courses lasting activity that can be potentially a few days or even weeks dangerous if the necessary can help to get you in precautions are not taken. shape to carve some truly But the thrill of heading exhilarating rapids. You’ll downriver on one of these soon pick up all of the aquatic ‘bucking broncos’ tricks of the sport and be is an unforgettable experience, ready to put them into and a sport that is becoming practice. Go for it! increasingly popular. Just remember that every new activity has its own techniques. So start learning, and enjoy the ride! the experience “It was amazing! It’s like riding a mechanical

bull. Once you get the hang Recommended age: of it, it’s so cool! You can surf over 16. over the waves that form in the Physical fitness: very good. rapids, and move upstream Recommended time of year: hardly without rowing. Or you all year, depending on river can jump, sink down and zoom recommended for conditions. back up again just like riding a Groups of friends Location: bucking bronco. It’s wicked!” rivers Miño, Ulla, Tambre, Stag parties/hen parties Deza, Arnoia, etc.

Company incentives Equipment required: comfortable clothing and/or Families with children swimming costume, trainers, and change of clothing and footwear. Couples Equipment provided: helmet, wetsuit and lifejacket. Requirements: proven experience and the ability to swim.

18 who with? recommended for Groups of friends Eolo Actividades (page 28) Itineris (page 31) Stag parties/hen parties

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Families with children

Couples

Recommended age: over 15. Physical fitness: any. Recommended time of year: all year depending on weather conditions. Location: Mazaricos airfield, etc. Equipment required: comfortable clothing, warm clothing in the case of paramotor flights. Equipment provided: none. Requirements: a good head for heights.

ultralight, paragliding, paramotoring, etc defying gravity

Who hasn’t dreamed Ultralights are the simpler at some time in their life relatives of aircraft. They can of being able to fly, only fly during the day, the experience and of feeling the wind at a height of no more than in their face as if 300 metres, carrying only one “I’d always wanted to feel they were a bird. or two passengers. There are what it meant to fly wherever Small aircraft, ultralights, water and mixed versions, you wanted, being the pilot, paramotors, balloons or which can land and take off with the controls in your paragliders all allow us on water or land as required. hands and the horizon as to feel that incredible Unlike traditional aircraft, your destination, but I always sensation of freedom. you can learn to fly and earn thought it would be too difficult You may want to learn your pilot’s licence with a and costly. Well, I gave it a go to fly, or just enjoy relatively small number of and got hooked, and without the sensation: in Galicia theory and practical lessons. much less work and much you have the opportunity Paramotors are paragliders to enjoy any of these with engines, allowing you less money than I imagined, I options, weather to take off and land wherever got my licence. And now I’m conditions permitting. you like, ascend, descend and a PILOT! Try it, and see how Courses for pilots or that stay on your planned course. quickly you get hooked”. ‘first time in the air’: They can carry two people you decide. (an instructor and passenger) in relative comfort, enabling them to enjoy all of the freedom of flying. Paragliders and balloons are other equally thrilling options, offering freedom and liberty in their purest state.

19 caving journey to the centre of the earth

who with? It’s no longer enough for us to explore the deepest, Atlantis Adventure (page 23) darkest jungles, scale the highest mountains or sail Itineris (page 31) the deepest oceans. Mankind has always marvelled Proaventur (page 32) at what lies beneath our feet. Caves with mysterious paintings, caverns with lakes, stalactites and stalagmites thousands of years old, and above all, darkness. Pitch black darkness. Just a small taste of the discoveries awaiting adventurers as they explore the deepest confines of the earth.

Caving is an adventure sport that combines a series of techniques common to other disciplines: climbing, orienteering, waterfall rappelling, survival and even diving are just a few. When starting out it is essential to be accompanied by someone with expert knowledge of the cave, and to be well-equipped: with a helmet, warm, comfortable clothing, a harness and climbing gear (if necessary), and above all a lamp. The various companies that offer caving amongst their activities know which caves suit each type of client best; these skilled the experience specialists are well-prepared to lead you into the very centre of “...it was terribly dark; when the earth in complete safety. we turned out the lamps, it was pitch black and totally silent…sometimes we had to crawl through tiny holes we could barely fit in. We crawled through and found ourselves in caverns full of stalactites and stalagmites dating back millions of years. There were underground rivers and even lakes. It was fascinating. An unforgettable experience”.

recommended for Recommended age: all. Groups of friends Physical fitness: all. Stag parties/hen parties Recommended time of year: all year, depending Company incentives on weather conditions. Families with children Location: various caves. Equipment required: Couples warm, comfortable clothing, Wellington boots and change of footwear. Equipment provided: helmet, lamp and harness if required. Requirements: not suitable for claustrophobics.

20 companies

Arrepions Atlantis Adventure Aventurocio Axiña Servicios Deportivos Grupo Xuvenil As Pontes Canoeing Club Desafío Ocio Eolo Actividades Manzaneda Winter Sports Resort Galitur Sport Itineris Proaventur Roq Sport Turnauga Vaguadaventura arrepions

Parachuting Company Arrepions Others Telephone No 986 603 009 / 986 607 063 Clay pigeon shooting Address Avda. da Concordia, 31–36700 Tui (Pontevedra) Karts Web www.arrepions.com Routes in 4 x 4 vehicles E-mail [email protected] Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 13:30 p.m. Opening hours and 17:00 p.m. to 20:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m. Reservations Telephone Activity date February to November

22 atlantis adventure

Company Atlantis Adventure Turismo Activo, S.L. Telephone No 981 706 087 / 981 760 103 / 637 507 702 Fax 981 706 087 C-550, nº 309–15296 O Pindo–Carnota Address (A Coruña) Web www.atlantisadventure.es/ E-mail [email protected] Opening hours 10:00 a.m. to 14:00 p.m. and 16:00 to 18:00 p.m. 981 706 087/ 661 810 099 Reservations [email protected] Activity date All year

23 aventurocio

Company Aventurocio de Galicia, S.L. Telephone No 627 451 119 Fax 988 226 641 Avda. Buenos Airs, 19 local 35 Address 32004 Ourense Web www.aventurocio.net E-mail [email protected] Opening hours 10:00 a.m. to 13:30 p.m. and 16:30 to 20:00 p.m. Reservations [email protected] Activity date All year

24 axiña servicios deportivos

Company Axiña Servicios Deportivos, S.L. Telephone No 981 912 120 Fax 981 912 138 C/ Benito Blanco Rajoy, 6 Entreplanta Address 15006 A Coruña Web www.axinasd.com E-mail [email protected] Opening hours 9:00 a.m. to 14:00 p.m. and 16:00 to 19:00 p.m. Reservations Telephone Activity date All year

25 grupo xuvenil as pontes canoeing club

activities Land Waterfall rappelling Climbing Rappel Rock gym Tyrolean traverse Caving Quad biking routes Horse-riding Mountain biking Paintball Archery Trekking Orienteering Water Canoeing Rafting Riverboarding Calm water canoeing White water canoeing Air Bungee jumping Company Grupo Xuvenil As Pontes Canoeing Club Ultralight Telephone No 677 447 886 Paragliding Fax Ballooning Pantano da Ribeira–Aptdo. C.127 Address Parachuting 15320 As Pontes de García Rodríguez (A Coruña) Others Web Clay pigeon shooting E-mail [email protected] Karts Opening hours All day Routes in 4 x 4 vehicles Reservations Telephone Activity date All year

26 desafío ocio

activities Land Waterfall rappelling Climbing Rappel Rock gym Tyrolean traverse Caving Quad biking routes Horse-riding Mountain biking Paintball Archery and blowguns Trekking Orienteering Water Canoeing Rafting Riverboarding Calm water canoeing White water canoeing Air Bungee jumping Ultralight Paragliding Ballooning Parachuting Others Clay pigeon shooting Karts Routes in 4 x 4 vehicles

Company Desafío Ocio, S.C Telephone No 639 915 916 / 637 787 377 Fax Albergue Xuvenil Vicente Agulló, Address Mouriscade, s/n–36500 Lalín (Pontevedra) Web www.desafiocio.com E-mail [email protected] Opening hours All day Reservations Telephone, e-mail Activity date All year

27 eolo actividades

activities Land Waterfall rappelling Climbing Rappel Rock gym Tyrolean traverse Caving Quad biking routes Horse-riding Mountain biking Paintball Archery Trekking Orienteering Water Canoeing Rafting Riverboarding Calm water canoeing White water canoeing Air Bungee jumping Ultralight Paragliding Ballooning Parachuting Company Eolo Actividades, S.L.U. Others Telephone No 667 577 520 / 687 876 468 Clay pigeon shooting Address C/ Benito Blanco Rajoy, 7-1º–15006 A Coruña Karts Web www.eoloactivities.com Routes in 4 x 4 vehicles E-mail [email protected] Opening hours 10:00 a.m. to 14:00 p.m. and 16:00 to 20:00 p.m. Reservations 666 945 060 Activity date All year

28 manzanedadesafío winter ocio sports resort

activities Land Waterfall rappelling Climbing Rappel Rock gym Tyrolean traverse Caving Quad biking routes Horse-riding Mountain biking Paintball Archery Trekking Orienteering Water Canoeing Rafting Riverboarding Calm water canoeing White water canoeing Air Bungee jumping Ultralight Paragliding Ballooning Company MEISA Manzaneda Winter Sports Resort Parachuting Telephone No 988 309 090 / 80 Others Fax 988 310 875 Clay pigeon shooting Address 32780 A Pobra de Trives (Ourense) Web www.manzaneda.com Karts E-mail [email protected] Routes in 4 x 4 vehicles Opening hours All day Reservations 988 309 090 Activity date All year, weather permitting

29 galitur sport

activities Land Waterfall rappelling Climbing Rappel Rock gym Tyrolean traverse Caving Quad biking routes Horse-riding Mountain biking Paintball Archery Trekking Orienteering Water Canoeing Rafting Riverboarding Calm water canoeing White water canoeing Air Bungee jumping Ultralight Company Galitur Sport, S.L. 647 507 358 / Weekdays 988 269 544 / Telephone No Paragliding Weekends 988 265 830 Ballooning Fax 988 265 830 Parachuting Address R/ Progreso, 60 -1º Dta.–32003 Ourense Others Web www.galitursport.com Clay pigeon shooting E-mail [email protected] Karts Opening hours All day Routes in 4 x 4 vehicles Reservations Telephone, e-mail and at the Ourense office Activity date All year

30 itineris

Company Itineris Telephone No 981 103 002 Fax 981 557 559 Vía Galileo, 13 - 2º esq. Address 15890 Santiago de Compostela Web www.itineris.es E-mail [email protected] Opening hours 10:00 a.m. to 13:30 p.m. and 16:00 to 19:30 p.m. www.reservabienestar.com Reservations [email protected] Activity date All year

31 proaventur

Ballooning Company Proaventur Parachuting Telephones 982 255 220 / 669 812 659 Others Fax 982 255 220 Clay pigeon shooting Address Portanova, 3. Coeses–27190 (Lugo) Karts Web www.proaventur.com Routes in 4 x 4 vehicles E-mail [email protected] Opening hours All day Reservations Telephone, e-mail Activity date All year

32 roq sport

Company Roq Sport Telephone No 646 514 602 / 606 863 119 Fax Address Estacada, 3–27850 Viveiro (Lugo) Web www.roqsport.com E-mail [email protected] Opening hours All day Reservations Telephone, e-mail Activity date All year

33 turnauga

Others Company Turnauga, S.L. Clay pigeon shooting Telephone No 981 597 166 / 609 847 000 Karts Fax Santiago de Chile, 13 local 21 Routes in 4 x 4 vehicles Address 15706 Santiago de Compostela Web www.turnauga.es E-mail [email protected] Opening hours All day Reservations Telephone, e-mail Activity date All year

34 vaguadaventura

Web www.vaguadaventura.com Routes in 4 x 4 vehicles E-mail Opening hours 10:00 a.m. to 14:00 p.m. and 16:00 to 20:00 p.m. Reservations Telephone Activity date Spring, Summer

35 useful addresses

Tourism offices

A Coruña Ourense Av. Cánovas del Castillo, 22 Dársena da Marina Edif. “Caseta do Legoeiro” 36202 VIGO 15001 A CORUÑA Ponte Romana PONTEVEDRA Tel: 981 221 822 Enlace N-120 con R/ Progreso Tel: 986 430 577 Fax: 981 221 822 32003 OURENSE Fax: 986 430 080 [email protected] Tel: 988 372 020 [email protected] Fax: 988 214 976 Edif. Admtvo [email protected] Estación Marítima, s/n Praza Camilo José Cela 36201 VIGO-PORTO esq. R/ de Vigo Casa da Viúva PONTEVEDRA s 15402 FERROL Avda. Beato Sebastián Tel: 986 432 541 Tel: 981 311 179 / 981 337 131 de Aparicio, s/n s Fax: 981 337 013 32540 A GUDIÑA R/ Juan Carlos I, 37 [email protected] OURENSE 36600 VILAGARCIA DE AROUSA Tel: 988 594 003 PONTEVEDRA Avda. do Malecón, 3 Tel: 986 510 144 15960 RIBEIRA s CENTRO COMARCAL Fax: 986 510 144 Tel: 981 873 007 DO CARBALLIÑO [email protected] Avda de Pontevedra, N-541 Km. 27 Rúa do Vilar, 30-32 32500 O CARBALLIÑO Madrid Tel: 902 332 010 / 981 584 081 OURENSE Fax: 981 576 586 Tel: 988 530 252 R/ Casado del Alisal, 8 15705 SANTIAGO 28014 MADRID DE COMPOSTELA Pontevedra Tel: 91 595 42 14 [email protected] Fax: 91 595 42 68 R/ Gutiérrez Mellado, 1 baixo [email protected] Lugo (entrada galerías) 36001 PONTEVEDRA Buenos Aires R/ Conde Pallares, nº2 Tel: 986 850 814 baixo dereita Fax: 986 848 123 Bartolomé Mitre 2550 27001 LUGO [email protected] C1039AAP BUENOS AIRES Tel: 982 231 361 ARGENTINA Fax: 982 231 361 Rúa Colón. Edif. Área Panorámica Tel: (5411) 4951-6671 [email protected] 36700 TUI (5411) 4952-3993 PONTEVEDRA Porta da Estación (Muraia) Tel: 986 601 789 s 27001 LUGO–FIELATO Tel: 986 601 789 The offices marked with an s [email protected] only open during the summer.

Provincial Tourism offices Turgalicia

A Coruña Ourense Estrada Santiago-Noia, km 3 (A Barcia) 15896 SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA (A CORUÑA) Praza de Luís Seoane, s/n. R/ Curros Enríquez, 1–3º Tel: 902 200 432 / +34 981 542 500 Edificio Servizos Múltiples 32003 OURENSE Fax: 981 542 659 15008 A CORUÑA Tel: 988 386 041 [email protected] Tel: 981 184 680 Fax: 988 386 043 www.turgalicia.es Fax: 981 184 678 Pontevedra Dirección Xeral de Turismo Published by: Turgalicia - Dirección Xeral de Turismo © Lugo Text: Elisabet Vílchez Torralbo, Miguel Ángel Álvarez Alperi R/ Benito Corbal, 47–2º e 3º Praza de Mazarelos, 15 Photographs: Miguel Ángel Álvarez Alperi Edificio Administrativo 36001 PONTEVEDRA 15705 SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA (A CORUÑA) Map: Publicaciones Cartográficas da Xunta de Galicia. Tel: 986 805 573 Tel: 981 54 63 51 Design and production: Vermasmedios, S.L.U. Ronda da Muralla, 70- Baixo 2 Fax: 986 805 575 Tel: 981 54 63 56 27003 LUGO D.L.: VG 173-2008 Tel: 982 294 223 Fax: 982 294 681

36 useful addresses

Tourism offices

Provincial Tourism offices Turgalicia