Orrido di Botri
The spectacular natural canyon in the Serchio Valley
Among the most fascinating natural wonders of Tuscany, the Orrido di Botri stands out for its extraordinary beauty and unique landscape. This authentic natural canyon, shaped over millennia by the waters of the Pelago Torrent, has deep gorges carved between high rock walls, creating waterfalls, ravines and striking pools of water.
The Orrido di Botri is part of the Orrido di Botri Natural Reserve, managed by the Carabinieri Biodiversity Department of Lucca, located in the municipality of Bagni di Lucca. It can be reached from Montefegatesi via a dirt road or, more conveniently, by taking Provincial Road 56 towards Tereglio.
Access to the gorge is exclusively from Ponte a Gaio, where the Ticket Office and Information Point are located. After renting a protective helmet, which is mandatory for the visit, it is possible to travel up the course of the Pelago Torrent along a route surrounded by spectacular natural scenery.
3 main points of interest are encountered along the way:
- The Guadina, the 1ˢᵗ narrowing of the riverbed, which can be reached on foot in about 30 minutes (walking 260 feet or 80 meters into the canyon)
- The Prigioni, the 2ⁿᵈ narrowing of the riverbed, which can be reached on foot in about 45 minutes (walking 1640 feet or 500 meters of trail)
- The Salto dei Becchi, the 3ʳᵈ narrowing of the riverbed, which can be reached on foot in about 1 hour and 20 minutes (walking 3280 feet or 1000 meters of trail)
Beyond the Salto dei Becchi, the route becomes more challenging, with some equipped sections leading up to the Pool. However, the itinerary is limited only to authorized visitors from the Salto dei Becchi onwards.
The Nature Reserve is open to the public from June to mid-September, from approximately 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, weather permitting.
Admissions are organized every 30 minutes, starting at 9:00 am, with groups of up to 25 people. The last entry for the day is at 3:00 pm.
Children under the age of 4 are not allowed to enter.
Children between the ages of 4 and 12 can only enter the Reserve if accompanied by an adult and are able to walk the entire route independently. To note is that the hike takes place directly inside the Torrent, on wet and potentially slippery surfaces.
Access to the canyon requires being equipped with hiking or trail running shoes and mountain helmet (also available for rent from the Information Point). Shorts, waterproof jacket or windbreaker, backpack, waterproof cell phone case and a full change of clothes (which can be left behind, to change into upon your return) are recommended.
It is always advisable to consult the weather forecast before setting off. In the event of inclement weather, access to the Reserve may be limited or discouraged. If there is an official weather alert, entry to the canyon is suspended for the duration of the alert.
Updated information can be obtained by calling the Information Point on +39 0583 551691.
