Dos Torres Canyon (Mordor Integral)
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| | Raps:18, max ↨200ft
Red Tape:Access is Restricted Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger Rock type:Basalt and volcanic ash | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Best season: | Jan-April
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10.1948, -84.2422
10.2240, -84.2889
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Introduction[edit]
Dos Torres Canyon is one of the most incredible and volcanic canyoning routes in the world! It joins up with Mordor Canyon at the Tower of Barad-dûr to create an amazing integral route. It flows through a unique landscape reminiscent of Mordor in the Lord of the Rings, marked by solid stone walls, large landslides and pools of crystal clear water.
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Without a doubt it is the most volcanic route ever opened by the Toros Canyoning Group and the environment is extreme. Depending on the level of gases emitted by the active crater and the direction of the wind, your lungs and respiratory tract can easily become irritated in this sector. The water is acidic and can cause damage to ropes and other vertical equipment. The terrain is very unstable, consisting of basalt rock and volcanic ash, making anchors difficult to place. If the volcano were to erupt, death would be virtually guaranteed. Lahars go straight down this canyon and obliterate absolutely everything.
Having said this, the lunar landscape of this area is so spectacular that it took our breath away. Dos Torres Canyon is a unique experience in the world of canyoning!
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Approach[edit]
Details of the approach can be found in the beta on Toros Canyoning Group website. It is the same access route as Mordor Canyon however you must hike an additional 3/4 of mile as the crow flies in the direction of the active crater to get to the beginning of Dos Torres. Make sure you're in good physical condition because it's quite a workout!
Descent[edit]
Great detail on the descent can be found on the Toros Canyoning Group website: https://www.toroscr.com/dos-torres-mordor-integral
The highest rappel is R1 which requires a 200 ft rope while the subsequent rappels vary between 20 ft to 100 ft. So two 200 ft ropes should be adequate to do the entire route. There is a total of 18 rappels: 8 from Dos Torres Canyon and 10 from Mordor Canyon.
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With the constant exposure to acidic gases emitted from the active crater and acidic water, even stainless steel anchors corrode at an accelerated rate. The Toros team solved this problem by placing v-threaded Abalakov-type anchors using 7mm cord and quick links. The cord and quick links should be replaced regularly because of this harsh environment.
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It might be a good idea to bring a portable pH meter to test the pH of the water at R1. Depending on the volcanic activity and the time of year (especially in the late summer months when the water flow is low) the pH has the potential to become acidic to point of causing severe damage to your ropes and vertical gear. Be aware that the cráter lake of Poás Volcano (which is a mere 1/2 mile from R1) is known to be one of the most acidic in the world with a pH close to zero.
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On a final and very important note, make absolutely certain you have an excellent forecast for the day. It is a long route with and flash floods form easily because of the lack of foliage in volcanic terrain.
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Exit[edit]
You exit near Caída de Cielo and return using the same trail that you came up.
Red tape[edit]
The owner of the farm through which you have to pass to reach the Quemaderos sector (where Dos Torres begins) is Omar. We consulted with him to obtain the right of way on his property. Omar has a ranch where he allowed us to camp and park our vehicles, and which served as the perfect starting point for our route. We contacted Omar or his wife Dayana by phone +506 8367-5492.
Eventually you will be entering a national park in an area which is strictly forbidden. Park rangers are frequently patrolling this area especially on weekends and will give you a citation. Tourists will likely just get a warning for the first offense.
Beta sites[edit]
https://www.toroscr.com/dos-torres-mordor-integral
Trip reports and media[edit]
Background[edit]
Allan and Scott, two members of Toros Canyoning Group, made a scouting trip in January 2022 establishing that the first rappel was feasible in such an extreme volcanic environment. One week later on February 5th they were joined by Isaac to make the first descent. Victor Hugo, another Toro, was in contact with the team by radio at different points and gave essential support.
Dos Torres Canyon adds a little over a mile of spectacular volcanic canyon to the popular Mordor Canyon creating truly integral experience.