Across the Pyrenees

Some of the best hiking in Europe is found on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees, a breathtaking alpine stronghold of towering snow-capped peaks, dramatic mountain cirques, and exquisite stone villages lost in time. Here we also discover the delightful diversity of cultures that make northern Spain so enchanting. Our hikes along shepherds’ paths bring us through green, glacier-carved valleys and beneath rugged peaks, and to atmospheric villages where ancient traditions still flourish. We end with a hike along the border of tiny Andorra and across the wildflower-covered realm of the Catalan Pyrenees, then head to the Mediterranean and lively Barcelona, with its renowned architecture and superb museums dedicated to native sons Picasso and Miró.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Day 1
Pamplona / Siresa

After meeting in Pamplona, we head right to the mountains for a hike from the remote medieval village of Anso, once so isolated that its inhabitants spoke their own dialect, to Siresa, a village of cobbled streets, splendid old stone houses, and an imposing 11th century church that has welcomed pilgrims throughout the centuries.

Days 2-3
Ordesa National Park / Torla

In Ordesa National Park, a spectacular glacier-carved valley crowned by steep, 10,000-foot mountains festooned with hundreds of waterfalls, we enjoy a classic Pyrenees hike below the West Face of Monte Bisaurin, following a trail beneath impressive cliffs. At the sublime green meadow called Dios Te Salve, views of the snow-capped summits of the Pyrenees are breathtaking. The next day we hike below Monte Perdido, where mountain goats scramble beneath the vertical cliffs. Overnights are in Torla, a charming village of traditional slate houses set in a panoramic valley at the entrance to Ordesa National Park.

Days 4-5
Ainsa / Caldes de Boi

Taking a day off from hiking, we explore medieval Ainsa and the remote village of Taull, with its incredible Romanesque churches graced by beautiful frescoes. The next day in Aiguestortes National Park, a spectacular glaciated landscape of jagged granite peaks and meandering streams and lakes, we hike to a crystal-clear mountain pool known as the Ice Fountain, with lunch at a mountain lodge. Overnights are in Caldes de Boi, famed since Roman times for its thermal waters.

Days 6-7
Catalan Pyrenees / Andorra

A hike across the Potarro de Espot (8,000'), highest point on our trip, brings us to the stunning glacial lake of Sant Maurici. The next day in tiny Andorra, a principality nestled between France and Spain, we hike a panoramic mountain trail and descend to medieval Bescaran, famed for its magnificent Romanesque bell tower. Overnights are at a tranquil mountain inn with fabulous mountain-and-valley views in the tiny village of Estamariu.

Days 8-9
Barcelona

After a morning hike in pastoral rolling hills alive with the sound of sheep and cattle bells, we spend the afternoon in Barcelona, an inspiring city with an artistic and architectural heritage from Art Nouveau to Gaudi. Depart on Day 9.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 4, Moderate to Strenuous. It features very active hikes and accommodations in small hotels and inns. The hikes range from three to seven hours and take place on trails at altitudes of around 4,500 to 8,000 feet. You carry only a daypack on the hikes. However, there are steep ascents and descents and there are some sections that cross rough or rocky trails. For your own enjoyment, we recommend you make a special effort to be in good physical condition for the trip. Daily brisk walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises. You should wear sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots for maximum comfort on the trail.

On our picnic lunches, we feature cheese, fresh vegetables, salamis, copa, ham, fresh fruit, Spanish chocolate, and the local breads. Our lunches and dinners in local taverns and restaurants give us the opportunity to sample the best local dishes and wines. Please note that in Spain, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 9:00 p.m.

When we transfer from our hotel to the trailhead and back without changing hotels, our average driving time is 15-20 minutes. When we transfer from one valley to another and/or from one hotel to the next, driving time is approximately two hours. The driving distances on these days are no longer than 50 miles, but the mountain roads are narrow and winding, so the driver proceeds slowly as a safety precaution.

Explanation of Trip Levels