From the small Álava town of Letona, a circular route through the Arrato mountain range is proposed. The route covers 14.05 kilometers with a positive elevation gain of 696 meters, located just over ten minutes from Vitoria-Gasteiz.
The trail begins in Letona, with its quiet atmosphere and the proximity of the Arrato mountain range. The first objective is the summit of Arratobe, crowned by its small hermitage. The path leaves the last houses behind, opening up to a landscape featuring a mix of oaks, scrubland, and small cultivated plots typical of Álava.
The Arrato mountain range has been an important passage territory between villages since the Middle Ages. It is mentioned in 13th-century documents as Arrato Mendia, and several of its peaks retain ancient stone boundary markers that delineated jurisdictions.
The final ascent to Arratobe is short but direct. The hermitage there, built on the remains of the so-called Castle of Zaitegi, is a testament to a medieval defensive fortification. Troops of Alfonso VIII were present, and the hermitage was constructed in the 16th century using the ruins of the old castle.
From the summit, the route continues towards Azkorrieta, with a path winding through open and panoramic areas. Arrato, the main peak, stands out for its breadth and grassy terrain, offering extensive views.
The ascent to Arrato is straightforward, although it includes some steep sections. From its summit, the Sierra de Cantabria and a large part of the Llanada Alavesa can be seen. Later, the route descends to the Zarandona pass and ascends to the summit of Armikelo, with its characteristic pyramidal shape and the spectacular Oka gorge.
From Armikelo, the trail follows towards Undagana, featuring undulating terrain and open valleys. It then traverses the firebreak ascending the slopes of Amaritu, offering views of the Zarandona gorge. Finally, after passing by the Sakana stream, the route returns to Letona.
To complete the day, one can visit the tower of Letona, the tower of the Hurtado-Mendoza, and the Castle of Mendoza. A visit to the nearby town of Murguia is also recommended, with its palaces and historic buildings. For gastronomy, the restaurant Atabaka at the sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Oro and, in Murguia, the restaurants Casa del Patrón or Zuia Café are suggested.
