Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt

A self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt in one, sending you through Zaragoza solving clues as you go. It holds a 4.5 rating from 37 reviews and starts from $5.73 per person.

Overview

This is a phone-led game rather than a guided walk. After booking, a six digit game code arrives by text message, and you download the free Explorial app on your own iOS or Android smartphone. At the start point in Plaza de Sas, in the Casco Antiguo, you enter the code and the city turns into a puzzle: riddles, trivia questions and photo tasks lead you from one sight to the next, all in public areas, with no entrance fees involved.

Nothing is timed and nobody meets you. The route is marked on an in-app map that shows where you are, so you can take as many breaks as you want, then pick the game back up whenever you're ready. The whole thing runs about two hours of light walking and finishes back where it started. A points system lets players in your group compete against each other and against the city's high score.

It suits travellers who like exploring at their own pace and would rather solve clues than listen to a guide. One reviewer found the information exciting for adults and older children, and suggested it works from about age ten, while another reported being surprised at how much fun it turned out to be. It is not an audio guide and not a guided tour, so anyone wanting commentary and company should look elsewhere.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Receive your game codeAfter booking, a six digit code arrives by text message and through the booking platform's messaging. Download the free Explorial app before you set out.
2. Meet at Plaza de SasThe start point is Plaza de Sas, Santiago, in the Casco Antiguo district. There is no guide and no fixed start time; you begin whenever you want during operating hours.
3. Enter the code and playOpen the app, type in your code and the game begins. Riddles, trivia challenges and photo tasks lead you through the city center, with your location shown on the in-app map.
4. Walk and solveThe route covers the city's highlights and some spots you might not find on your own, as one reviewer put it. All puzzles relate to public areas, so no entrance fees are needed.
5. Finish at the startThe activity ends back at the meeting point. Expect roughly two hours of light walking, with breaks whenever you choose.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the game run smoothly, from your phone battery to the weather.

• Bring a charged phone. The whole experience runs on your own smartphone, so bring it fully charged with an active mobile data connection. The listing warns against VPNs and city Wi-Fi, which can make the app disconnect or malfunction.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The listing recommends weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes for about two hours of light walking. One reviewer noted the distances are easy on foot, even with children.
• Mind the heat. One reviewer hit a heatwave and found the stone-paved center uncomfortable quickly. Weather-appropriate clothing, as the listing recommends, matters here.
• Best for older kids. One reviewer played with family and said the information is exciting for adults and older children but a little dry for younger ones, suggesting it works from about age ten. Another reviewer enjoyed the game with a friend.
• Compete for points. The scoring system lets players in your group compete against each other and against the city's high score. One pair of reviewers admitted they got competitive over the points, and the game is private, so only your group plays.
• Take your time. There is no schedule and no guide waiting. One reviewer liked the balance between following the tasks and wandering off to explore independently, which the flexible format allows.

Common issues. The route is not wheelchair accessible, per the listing, and one reviewer found the stone-slab surfaces tough during a heatwave. The same reviewer felt the tasks could be more fun. Bookings are capped at 15 people, and larger groups need to book more than one slot. The listing stresses a fully charged phone with active mobile data, and warns that VPNs and city Wi-Fi can cause the app to malfunction or disconnect. If bad weather or illness stops you from starting, the operator lets you reschedule, switch to a different city or request a refund.

Common Questions