- Geocaching is growing in Spain with events like Burjafest and the Bajo Aragón community, which attract hundreds of enthusiasts.
- The activity combines tourism, culture and respect for the environment, with thousands of hidden treasures throughout the country.
- A tragic incident in Nigrán, where a father and daughter found a body while searching for a geocache, has shocked the geocaching community.
- Secrecy and the term "muggle" (taken from Harry Potter) are an essential part of the game, which maintains its treasure hunt essence.
El Geocaching has established itself as one of the most popular leisure activities This modern treasure hunt, which uses mobile phone GPS to locate small hidden containers, is gaining popularity in Spain. It has gone from being a pastime for mountaineers to a hobby that draws hundreds of people to events and gatherings across the country. However, the more positive side of this community has been marred by a tragic incident in the province of Pontevedra, where a father and daughter stumbled upon a lifeless body while practicing their favorite pastime.
Born in the United States in 2000, geocaching He arrived in Spain more than a decade ago And, following the pandemic, it has experienced a remarkable boom. In communities like the Basque Country, Aragon, and the Valencian Community, enthusiasts have created networks of caches that invite the discovery of unique spots, from archaeological sites to urban parks. The key to its success lies in the community: the players themselves design, hide, and maintain the treasures, ensuring that the experience is always respectful of the environment.
The rise of geocaching in Spain
In recent years, Geocaching is no longer a niche activity to become a leisure option that attracts families, young people, and tourists. In Álava, for example, the first treasures were placed between 2011 and 2014, and today there are dozens in Vitoria-Gasteiz, along the greenways, and in the Gorbea massif. The official app allows users to filter by difficulty and size, and although there is a premium version, the basic level is sufficient to get started. Secrecy is key: the uninitiated are nicknamed "Muggles," a term borrowed from the Harry Potter saga, and players must prevent them from discovering the caches' locations.
In the Lower Aragon region, The geocaching community has managed to consolidate a hundred points Scattered throughout the region, many of them linked to heritage sites. During a recent activity in Alcañiz, participants identified ancient boundary markers that have opened new lines of historical research. "The aim of the game is to take you to places you might not go if that marker weren't there," explains María Gascón, a player and national reviewer. These gatherings, which bring together more than 200 people from all over Spain, have become a space for socializing and learning.
Events that unite fans
One of the most anticipated events is the 1st Burjafest, which will be held in Burjassot (Valencia) from May 8th to 10th. Organized by the Burjacaching association, This Harry Potter themed festival includes guided tours of tunnelsA fantasy quiz, a costume dinner, and, of course, the hunt for a great cache in La Granja Park. The activity kicks off on Friday with check-in and runs until Sunday at noon. The municipality also boasts a cache created in 2024 in l'Eixereta Park that has been visited by over 200 players, mostly international, and was considered the best of its year.
In other towns such as Chilluévar (Jaén), Geocaching has been integrated into educational and tourism programs.Sponsored by the Provincial Council, the tours were presented to children from the local school as a fun way to learn about the municipality and care for its treasures. The company Aventura Sport organizes these tours, which combine play with education about the natural and cultural heritage.
A tragic discovery in Monteferro
The darkest side of geocaching was experienced in Nigrán (Pontevedra) on a Saturday in May. A father and his daughter, who had been using the app for a month and had already located about forty treasures in the Vigo area, They decided to look for a cache at the top of MonteferroAs they approached the marked spot, they noticed a strong odor and saw an inflatable pillow and blankets. Venturing a few meters further, they found a body in an advanced state of decomposition, practically mummified, next to a food container. The last entry in the cache dated April 5th, so it is believed that the death may have occurred around that time.
The emergency services, alerted by the Val Miñor GES and the Civil Guard, They moved to the hard-to-reach area to recover the body. The high temperatures of recent days and the use of the geocaching app were key in allowing the smell to give away the deceased's location. Authorities are now investigating the person's identity and the circumstances of the incident, which has shocked the local community and geocaching enthusiasts throughout Spain.