The soplao mining Ferrata

The mining via ferrata of El Soplao, unlike other existing via ferrata routes, runs entirely through mining tunnels (La Florida Mines).

The duration of this activity is 3 hours and it will be guided by two specialised guides, so it is essential to follow their instructions at all times.

The Visitor Reception Centre for the El Soplao Mining Ferrata is located at the Plaza del Monte, near the village of Caviña (La Florida) in the municipality of Valdáliga (43º18'57''N - 4º24'48''W). This is where visitors will receive the necessary equipment for the activity, except for abrasion-resistant gloves, which visitors must bring themselves. In addition, safety, progression, and behaviour instructions will be provided.

This visit covers a total length of 2.5 kilometres, starting with the first 500 horizontal metres of the Ana tunnel (1.80m high and easy to walk through, although in some areas it is necessary to lower your head). This leads to a crossroads of mining tunnels: the nerve centre of the La Florida mine system.

At this point, we leave the Ana tunnel to walk 30 metres along the East tunnel and begin the El Soplao Mining Ferrata, which is divided into four distinct parts:

• The first part of the route is 300 metres long, beginning with a 70-metre vertical ascent over two rocky ridges, ending in a mining tunnel accessed by iron rungs. Once inside the tunnel, and after walking a few metres, the participant must descend 4 metres (with the help of the guides) through a hole in the floor to reach the start of a 30-metre-long zip line. The zip line ends in a small ascending tunnel with steps carved into the rock. At the end of the tunnel, participants climb iron rungs leading to the level of El Soplao Cave. After crossing part of the cave, the route returns to the Ana tunnel via a 65-metre vertical tunnel around 80 metres long, with a much steeper slope than the initial ascent.
• The second part is more physically demanding. Reaching the start of this section requires strength and motivation to safely descend a 300-metre ramp of loose stone, approximately 35º in inclination (equivalent to a 50–70% slope), with a vertical drop of around 150 metres. This section ends at the junction with one of the main tunnels of the La Florida mine: Cereceo.
• The third part involves crossing a Tibetan bridge suspended over a large water pit more than 60 metres deep.
• The fourth part is the most demanding: psychological strength and physical endurance are key. As there is no alternative exit, participants must climb another mining ramp with similar features to the descent: a 300-metre-long slope (some parts with loose stone, others with wet, polished rock – very slippery), a 35º inclination and a 150-metre vertical drop, returning to the Ana tunnel. Halfway up, a detour leads to the start of a 50-metre zip line, which must be used to continue the ascent back to the Ana tunnel, marking the end of the activity.

As the entire route runs through mining tunnels, participants are exposed to possible changes in underground water levels, falling rocks, and the inherent risks of via ferrata, zip lines, and Tibetan bridges.

No prior knowledge of caving, via ferrata or climbing is required, but participants must have a good level of physical fitness. Each person must be fully aware of the difficulty and length of the route, the duration of the activity, and ensure their physical condition is suitable for completing it safely.

It is recommended to bring appropriate clothing, protective gloves against mechanical risks such as abrasions, and a change of clothes. Please read carefully the section on risks, visitor information, activity classification, warnings, considerations, and recommendations.