Benvinguts to the Pyrenees

Join the tour at Barcelona airport and drive to hotel in Esterri d’Aneu. This mountain village is made up of a network of narrow streets and small squares with an interesting 15th Century church and facade. 

Vall d’Aneu (5 hrs walking)

We first shop for today’s picnic, excellent local farm cheeses and sausages can be found. Then it’s off to Valencia d’Aneu with beautiful views across the region. Continuing we reach Sorpe, an ancient mountain village and later have picnic in the woods. Return on north eastern side of this very authentic Pyrenees valley. 

To Son del Pi (4-5 hrs walking)

A steep trail leads up to Son del Pi, a typical mountain village, with only 10 remaining permanent residents. We check out the fascinating Romanesque church Sant Just dating back to the 11th century and then continue to the higher plains beyond the village bordering the mountain range of Aigues Tortes NP. Later back to Esterri along a different route .  

To Espot and Sant Maurici (5 hrs walking)

Drive to Espot, the Eastern gateway to the Aigues Tortes NP (“winding waters”). We leave luggage and continue up to the emblematic Sant Maurici Lake (1,950m). Start walking alongside the lake up to Portarrò Pass (2,465m). Picnic here with excellent views. Later we descend back to Espot on a different trail. 

Free time in Espot

Apart from relaxing in Espot there are plenty of opportunities for additional walks in the park. Alternatively for those who wish to take advantage of the nearby Noguera river, one of the best rivers in Europe for activities such as white water rafting, kayaking or even canyoning.  

To Estany Negre (6 hrs walking)

Today we take 4×4 vehicles and drive up to Estany de Lladres lake. From here we start walking up to Estany Negre (Black Lake) (2,320 m). We’ll see an abundance of alpine flora and may see eagles or vultures. Picnic is possible at a refuge. Later we return back down to Espot on a forest trail. 

Free day

You may explore more of the National Park at your own pace. A range of itineraries can be recommended; a walk into the Monestero valley along the western side of the Encantats peaks, or an ancient trail that goes through lush forests down to the medieval village of Escalò.  

Adéu a les muntanyes! Farewell to the mountains!