Unanu and San Juan Xar from Igantzi

The starting point for the hike is located at the car park on Calle Latsaga Karrika in Igantzi.
To get there, see the Practical Information section below.

(S/E) Exit the car park and turn right towards the wash house (Herriko - Itturia).

(1) Turn left onto Latsaga Karrika Street. At the junction with Caixa Bank, go around it on the right, taking the street that branches off to the left (Karrika Nagusia).
At the next junction, take the street on the right (following the arrow for Lesaka 2.5 km) until you reach the bend.

(2) Leave the street and take the stone path (an old Roman road). Cross a small street, then turn left, staying on the stone path, and continue to Calle Piedadeko Gaina. A few metres further on, at the hairpin bend, continue straight ahead until you reach the house (painted red at the bottom and white at the top).

(3) Take the path on the left and after a few metres continue on the left for 200 m.

(4) Leave the road and continue straight ahead on a path. At the next junction of three tracks, continue straight ahead until you reach the intersection of two tracks.

(5) Continue straight ahead uphill. Pass a boundary marker in poor condition.

(6) Take a breather and tackle the final climb to the summit of Unanu (altitude 651 m).

(7) The summit is marked by a metal circle serving as an orientation table. A superb 360-degree view allows you to see the peaks of Biandiz, Izu and Mendaur.
Descend along the ridge, on the left, heading south, to reach Borda Unanuko.

(8) Take the time to admire the superb beams inside.
Go around it on the right and continue downhill to a second borda.

(9) It is in very poor condition and overgrown with vegetation.
At this point, change direction and take the path on the right. At the next intersection, turn left and continue along this track until you reach an intersection at the edge of the forest.

(10) Continue on the left. At the next house (Zerrado), take the time to admire the large stone table, the wooden vultures perched on the trees, the bicycle, etc.
A little further on, at the fountain in the bend, take a look at a dolmen. Continue to a crossroads.

(11) Descend to the left along the stone path under the trees and do the same a few moments later when you reach a small road that supports the^{GR®11-GR®12-Lesaka-Bustitza}. Follow the small Arratako river.

(12) Leave the path for a moment to see the dam and its reservoir on the right. Then return to the path. A little further on, on the right, admire a superb waterfall.
When this small road is about to cross the river, turn left onto a path and continue to follow the GR®.

(13) Go through the gate and down a few steps. You are now in the cave of San Juan Xar, dedicated to Saint John. Take the time to visit and admire the large statue and altar.
Exit through the other door. Walk a few steps towards the information panel.
After reading it, carefully descend the steps towards the river. You will come to three water sources (possibly four if it has rained heavily in the previous days, but this is quite rare).

Tradition has it that you should drink the water from these three springs. Then dip a cloth in the water and apply it to the part of your body that hurts. This water is said to have the power to cure skin diseases. Leave the cloth on the drying rack (located right next to the springs) and it will be collected and burned by the priest.

Continue the hike by following the river for a few metres, then rejoin the^{GR® trail.}
The path becomes increasingly narrow, forcing you to walk in single file. It is advisable to proceed slowly, as those prone to vertigo may be affected by certain sections.
You will eventually come to a road leading to a quarry.

(14) This quarry is in operation and there is therefore a lot of lorry traffic in this area.
Cross the roadcarefully and take the path almost opposite until you reach a left-hand bend.

(15) There are two options:
- continue on the tarmac road,
- but I find it more interesting to go across the field. This path is marked with dotted lines on some maps, but seems a little abandoned. Keep the village in sight and you will come to a signpost indicating the direction of San Juan Xar.

(16) You will then arrive at Rue Naquisia (Karrika Naquisia) and join the (S/E) by turning left.

To get to the starting point by car.
From Saint-Jean-de-Luz, drive to Béhobie to cross the border.
After crossing the bridge, turn left at the roundabout onto the N121A towards Pamplona.
On the N121A at kilometre 58, take the NA-4020 Igantzi / Arantza exit.
At the roundabout, take the second exit NA-4020 Igantzi / Arantza. Follow the NA-4020.
At the roundabout, take the right-hand exit NA-4052 Igantzi.
Enter Igantzi and at the old wash house (just after house number 19), turn left (marked P - Aparkalekua).
Drive a few metres and the car park is on the left.

For your information: from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, it is about a 30-minute drive (31 kilometres).