Ribeira Sacra & Ourense day trip boat tour included

Catamaran through canyon vineyards, a monastery carved into rock, and Ourense's thermal heritage in one day

This 10-hour day trip from Santiago combines a catamaran ride through the Sil River canyons of Ribeira Sacra with stops at the Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas, a panoramic viewpoint, and the city of Ourense. A live guide in English or Spanish leads the group in an air-conditioned vehicle. The boat tour is optional and costs 13 euros extra per person. Free time in Ourense lets you explore the old town and eat lunch on your own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Ribeira Sacra and Ourense

• Boat ride on Sil River
• Visit Souto Chao viewpoint
• Explore Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas
• Walk through Ourense old town
• Enjoy free time for lunch

The experience

The day starts with a drive south from Santiago into Ribeira Sacra, a region where the Sil River cuts through steep, vine-covered canyons. The catamaran ride (if you choose it) takes you along the water for views of the canyon walls, monasteries perched on the slopes, and the terraced vineyards that cling to the hillsides. From the Souto Chao viewpoint afterward, the landscape opens up across valleys and mountains in a single panoramic sweep.

The Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas comes next: an ancient structure carved directly into the rock face, its architecture a record of centuries of monks who lived and worked within it. The guide walks you through the site and its history before the group moves on to Ourense. The city sits at the confluence of two rivers and holds a reputation for its thermal springs, Roman bridge, and Cathedral of San Martiño. You'll have free time to walk the cobblestone streets of the old town, visit the landmarks at your own pace, and choose where to eat lunch from the local restaurants.

The vehicle is air-conditioned throughout, and the guide speaks either English or Spanish depending on the group. The boat tour is optional. You can skip it if you prefer to stay on land, though most travelers add it for the river perspective of the canyons.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle for the full day.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• catamaran tour of the Sil River canyons (optional, 13 euros per person).
• entry to the Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas.
• free time in Ourense for lunch and exploring the old town on your own.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 55

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tour Galicia

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want to see Ribeira Sacra's river canyons and monasteries without renting a car or navigating the roads yourself. The 10-hour day is full but manageable for anyone with moderate fitness. The catamaran is optional, so you can adjust the physical demands to what suits you.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas like when you get there?

The Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas is carved into the rock itself, making it a rare architectural feat from centuries past. Your guide will explain its history and the monastic life that once filled it, and you'll walk through the structure to see how it was built into the stone.

Do I have to take the boat tour on the Sil River, or can I skip it?

The boat tour is optional and costs 13 euros per person if you choose it. You can do the day trip without it and still see the canyons from the viewpoint and visit the monastery and Ourense on foot.

How much time do you get in Ourense to explore and eat?

You'll have free time in Ourense to walk the old town, see the Cathedral and Roman Bridge, and eat lunch at one of the local restaurants. The exact length depends on the day's schedule, but it's enough to get a real sense of the city and sit down for a meal.

Is lunch included in the price, or do I pay separately?

Lunch is not included. You choose where and what to eat during your free time in Ourense. The local restaurants serve traditional Galician dishes, including octopus and regional wines.