Canyoning Palvico

The Palvico route

The starting point is along the road that runs down from the Ampola Pass towards Storo. Shortly after the pass, at a lay-by, we put on wetsuits and neoprene booties, trainers, harness and helmet. We get straight into the water, where the mountain guide gives a short but detailed briefing on the activity, the rules and how to behave in the river.

The first part of the canyon is very peaceful, with a walk along the stream bed, a few small dips or short drops that you tackle by climbing downwards, and short descents down rock slides – a gentle introduction to the river. The gorge gradually narrows and the light filtering through diminishes, bringing out the blue-green colour of the crystal-clear water. The walls are high, and you swim, lulled by the slow current, through corridors of crystal-clear water.

The descent becomes even more thrilling when the canyon changes slope and we find ourselves facing a spectacular toboggan: a rock slide smoothed and polished by the flowing water. A slide that ends with a spectacular plunge into a large natural pool inside a semi-cave.

Just a few more small drops and the lower section begins: even more deeply encased between the high rock walls of the gorge. The setting is incredible: we’ll pass through chambers carved out of the rock by the water, with pools illuminated by a soft light filtering down from above through the canopy of vegetation overlooking the gorge, creating a truly unique interplay of light and shadow. After navigating a narrow passage, we reach the final 50-metre abseil, which will take us straight to a beautiful little lake where we can relax a little in the sun and enjoy one last swim.