Overview
Snow-dusted peaks, plunging valleys, and centuries-old alpine villages make the Spanish Pyrenees irresistible for a WT hiking adventure. We explore from the limestone peaks of Ordesa National Park, nestled along the French border, to Catalonia’s Aigüestortes National Park, with its crystal-clear lakes. We’ll hike to craggy ridges where mountain goats scramble, explore valleys where the ancient Aragonese dialect is spoken, and ramble the back lanes of stone-built Pyrenean towns. Along the way, our expert Trip Leaders introduce us to Basque, Aragonese, and Catalan culinary specialties. Our final hikes cross the high lakes of Andorra and the Catalan Pyrenees, with a wonderful finish in the renowned cultural hub of Barcelona.
The trip was a perfect combination of natural and man-made wonders—of environment, history, culture, and dining experiences. The hikes were amazing and varied, and took us to places and sites that I'll remember always.
— Johanna S., Sunnyvale, CA
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-3
Pamplona / Ordesa National Park
From the famous Basque city of Pamplona, we head out to the idyllic Ansó Valley for a hike from the medieval village of Ansó to tiny Siresa, with its imposing 11th century monastery and classic stone houses. Ordesa National Park, crown jewel of the Aragonese Pyrenees, is a spectacular world of sheer 10,000-foot mountains festooned with hundreds of waterfalls. Our trail in Ordesa brings us 360-degree panoramas of jagged peaks as we reach the Cola de Caballo, a cascade just below the sheer face of Monte Perdido (11,010').
Days 4-6
Aigüestortes National Park / Aínsa
Starting right from our hotel, we hike along the Ara River, then enjoy an afternoon in medieval Aínsa. In Aigüestortes National Park, Catalonia’s only national park, we explore a glacial landscape of granite peaks named for its meandering streams (aigües tortes means “twisting waters”). We cross the park from west to east on our hike over the Portarró d’Espot (7,326'), the highest point on our trip, with a descent to the glacial lake of Sant Maurici. On our picnics, we’ll feast on the array of the sheep cheeses and cured meats that make Catalonia famous.
Days 7-9
Andorra / Cava / Barcelona
In Andorra, the tiny principality nestled in the mountains between France and Spain, we hike past crystalline alpine lakes in the high Cirque des Pessons, with a picnic of fine Catalonian cheeses and local home-cured pork salumi. After a pastoral hike amid the sounds of sheep bells to the bucolic Catalan village of Cava, we head to Barcelona for our Farewell Dinner. Depart on Day 9 or extend your stay in Barcelona.
Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees
Highlights
Highlights
Details
7 hiking days on moderate to strenuous trails, 3-7 hours a day, altitudes between 4,500-8,000 feet, van support (for luggage or if you wish to skip a day's hike). This is a strenuous hiking trip. Please read the “What the Trip is Like” section or contact our Europe Team for more details.
