Forest bathing in Canillo: what it is and how to do it

Forest bathing is a guided, unhurried walk through a natural environment where the five senses are used to connect with nature and reduce stress. In Andorra, this practice of Japanese origin —known as shinrin-yoku— can be experienced in the forests of Canillo with specialized guides, offering programs for adults, families, pregnant women, and companies. In this article, you will find out exactly what it is, what benefits it brings, how the experience unfolds step by step, what programs exist, and how to book it.

What is forest bathing (shinrin-yoku)?

Forest bathing is a wellness practice that involves walking through a forest at a slow, conscious pace, paying attention to the stimuli received through the five senses: the sound of the wind in the leaves, the smell of resin, the texture of bark, the light filtering through the canopy. It is not a sports excursion or a botany class: the goal is not to reach a destination or accumulate knowledge, but to be present in the environment.

Origin in Japan

The term shinrin-yoku (literally, "forest bath" or "absorbing the forest atmosphere") emerged in Japan as a preventive health practice. Over time, it has spread worldwide as a tool for stress management and connection with nature, and today it is part of the wellness tourism offerings in mountain destinations like Andorra.

How it differs from a normal walk

What are the benefits of forest bathing?

Forest bathing is a science-based practice: various studies on shinrin-yoku have observed positive effects after conscious immersion in forest environments. According to Be Forest, the specialized team that organizes this activity in Andorra, it has been shown that after forest bathing:

1. Stress is reduced.
2. Blood pressure is balanced.
3. The immune system is strengthened.
4. Sleep and rest are induced.
5. Mood improves.
6. Feelings of anxiety and depression are reduced.

Physical benefits

The body responds to the forest environment in measurable ways: heart rate decreases, blood pressure regulates, and cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, decline. Many participants also report better sleep quality the night after the activity.

Mental benefits

Psychologically, the practice helps to disconnect from the fast pace of daily life, improves mood, and generates a sense of calm that lasts after the session. In family and corporate formats, communication is also fostered: walking in shared silence and then opening up to speak in a distraction-free environment changes the quality of conversations.

It's important to be precise: forest bathing is not a medical treatment and does not replace any therapy. It is a complementary wellness practice, accessible to almost anyone.

Why do forest bathing in Andorra?

Andorra concentrates a large forest area of black pine, fir, and birch in a small territory, with easily accessible mid and low-mountain forests. This allows for the practice of shinrin-yoku without extensive travel or physical exertion: in just a few minutes, one can go from the center of any town to a completely natural environment.

Canillo, an ideal environment for disconnecting

The parish of , the largest in Andorra, combines forests, glacial valleys, and uncrowded mountain areas away from the most well-known routes. It is a particularly suitable setting for an activity that requires silence and the absence of urban stimuli. Furthermore, if the trip includes several days in the parish, the experience combines well with other peaceful activities.

Where to stay for forest bathing in Canillo?

The best way to enjoy forest bathing is sleeping near the forest: staying in Canillo or nearby parishes allows you to arrive at the session without rush, in the right state of mind, and extend the relaxing effect throughout the rest of your getaway.

Canillo is an excellent base for a wellness trip in Andorra. The parish combines tranquility, natural surroundings, and good access to the rest of the country, offering a varied range of accommodations: from hotels with spas —which perfectly complement the forest bathing experience— to apartments and rural houses for families or groups.

Some ideas to combine stay and experience:

• Weekend getaway for couples: forest bathing in the morning, spa or thermal waters in the afternoon and a quiet dinner in the parish.
• Family trip: accommodation with kitchen and space for children, combining the Be Forest Family program with gentle routes through the valleys of Canillo.
• Remote work or extended disconnection: several days in the parish, alternating calm days with wellness activities.

What is the step-by-step experience like?

The session unfolds as a gentle walk through a mountain forest, chosen by the guides based on the characteristics of each group. The route is easy and does not require specific physical fitness.

Throughout the walk, the guide proposes three types of practices:

• Immersion in nature: walking slowly through the forest, seeking the purest air and silence.
• Relaxation and mindfulness: exercises to live in the present moment and adopt a calmer pace.
• Activation of the senses: dynamics to open sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste, and establish a direct connection with the environment.

The only rule is to feel. There is no stopwatch, no distance to cover, no mandatory photos: the phone, better silent and in your pocket.

What to bring and how to prepare

• Comfortable, closed-toe footwear, suitable for walking in the forest.
• Comfortable, layered clothing, depending on the season: in the mountains, the weather changes quickly.
• Water and, if desired, something light to eat afterwards.
• Sun protection during the sunniest months.
• Phone on silent: digital disconnection is part of the experience.

• Open attitude: no prior experience in meditation or mountaineering is necessary.

Who is it for? Available programs

In Andorra, the activity is organized by Be Forest, a team of professionals specializing in forest bathing who work in easily accessible mid and low-mountain forests, in Canillo and other parishes in the country. They offer various proposals depending on the group's profile:

Open group

Open group outings allow individual or couple registration. Children aged 14 and over can participate.

Closed group

For something more intimate —a couple, family, or group of friends— a private outing can be requested. In this case, children aged 5 and over can participate.

Be Forest Family

A format designed to practice forest bathing with children: guided nature activities that strengthen communication and emotional bonds within the family. It is also a different way to remember a vacation in Andorra.

Be Forest Mom & Baby

Aimed at pregnant women and mothers with babies. It takes place in the afternoons and seeks to release tension, improve mood and sleep quality, and strengthen the bond between mother and child. As with the entire program, the level of physical exertion is minimal.

Be Forest Company

A corporate proposal for team building days: get to know the team in a different way, in a relaxed environment and outside the office.

How much does it cost and how to book?

The most direct way to experience a forest bath in Canillo is to book one of the Be Forest experiences. The operator's website lists proposals starting from €35 per person; prices and availability may vary depending on the program and season, so it is advisable to confirm them at the time of booking.

Practical aspects to consider:

• Languages: visits are usually conducted in Catalan and Spanish. For closed groups, they can be requested in French or English, always with prior notice.
• Booking: via the operator's website (beforest.org), by phone, or through their Instagram profile @beforest.andorra.
• Closed groups and special programs: these are organized on demand, so it is advisable to book in advance, especially during high season.

Tips for your first forest bath

1. Arrive without rush. If you come with just enough time, it will take you longer to slow down. Dedicate the entire morning or afternoon.
2. Dress in layers. In the forest, the temperature is lower than in the village, even in summer.
3. Don't force the experience. If at first you find it hard to "do nothing," that's normal: the guide's exercises are designed precisely for that.
4. Leave the camera for the end. If you want photos, take them at the end of the session, not during.
5. Combine the experience with a night in the parish. The relaxing effect is more noticeable if you don't have to drive for hours afterward.
6. As a family, explain to the children beforehand what it consists of. It will be easier for them to get into the game of silence and the senses.

Common mistakes when doing a forest bath

• Treating it like a hiking excursion. It's not about getting anywhere. Those who expect to "cover miles" get frustrated; those who understand the proposal are surprised.
• Looking at your phone. Each notification breaks the immersion, both your own and the group's.
• Expecting intense physical exertion. The route is gentle by design; the work is about attention, not legs.
• Wearing inappropriate clothing or footwear. A slow walk doesn't mean any footwear will do: the forest floor requires some grip.
• Not informing about special needs. Pregnancies, reduced mobility, or young children can be accommodated, but the guide must know beforehand to choose the appropriate forest.
• Expecting immediate and measurable results. Relaxation comes, but each person experiences it at their own pace; comparing experiences negates part of the benefit.

Frequently asked questions