Walking the Rugged Pyrenees of Andorra

An optional introductory walk takes you up above Encamp and along ancient paths following the line of the underground aqueduct to the lovely rebuilt Basilica of Meritxell via Prats. If you don’t have time, an out and back walk to the Basilica of Meritxell and then to Prats is possible. Both routes offer a good introduction to the immediate location, a taste of the hiking in Andorra and a level of orientation.

Etangs de Fontargente

This serene valley walk follows an (infamous) trade/smuggling route leading to an ascent of the Port de Fontargente from where you drop down into France for a lakeside picnic at the Etang of the same name. Superb views, jagged peaks and a well-marked trail make for a very enjoyable day’s hike.

Val de Juclar

Alternatively, you can enjoy the popular walk to the pair or largest lakes in Andorra. You will be elevated into a land of waterfalls, rugged peaks, alpine flowers and glistening lakes. Pic de Noe and Pic d’Escobes set a stunning backdrop for the two lakes and the Refugio de Juclar.

Breakfast Included.

This is a challenging high-level walk crossing via Pic de Pessons with the highest point reached at 2890 metres. This is an incredible walk; high rugged mountains, strings of lakes, tumbling waterfalls and stunning views of peaks in Spain, France and Andorra. At the Coll below Pic de Pessons, the landscape becomes lunar with soft gravel, huge boulders of granite and alpine flowers. The latter part of the descent presents a narrow ambling path leading through cooling forest with streams and flowers like nature’s own rock garden.

Breakfast Included.

An easier and contrasting day to the previous two, leaving the option of a later start or our recommendation a free afternoon to explore the lovely UNESCO Biosphere of Ordino.
At the start of the walk, you pass the Moorish tower and beautiful 12th century church in Encamp. Following an ancient mountain trail, the walk rises steeply up to Coll d’Ordino. From here you can see Andorra’s highest peaks and pass by the country’s centre. From the Coll, an enjoyable descent leads straight into the beautiful medieval town of Ordino. To reach your hotel, it is a short bus journey to Encamp.

Breakfast Included.

A short bus journey will drive you to Ordino for the starting of your walk. From Ordino follow the valley up to El Serrat. You take a higher route on the Cami Creu del Noral through pine forests as far as La Cortinada. From there the already pleasing riverside trail is made more so by the interest of it being the Ruta de Fero depicting the history of the iron mining era in Andorra. You also pass some very pretty houses on the riverside including a very old, but lovingly restored sawmill.

Breakfast and Evening Meal Included.

Solar Mountain

Today’s out and back walk flows along a large, wooded valley on a gravel tracks and paths and can be treated as a low-level walk to the Gondola or a more challenging walk with a climb up to the chairlift. Either way a truly special spectacle awaits on top of the Solar Mountain, with its unusual and recently constructed viewpoint.

Estany Blau

Alternatively, you have an out and back walk to the stunning blue lake Estany Blau located in France, you have the option to walk as far as you wish today as you can always turn back at any point. Of the 2 options today, this is the most challenging walk, following the beautiful Rialb valley with its rushing mountain waters, wildflowers and ancient shepherds’ huts, the initial ascent is easy and relaxed. At the valleys head, a steep climb leads over Port de Siguer with incredible views into France and the shimmering Estany Blau below beckoning for a picnic and a swim.

Breakfast and Evening Meal Included.

Sorteny

The 1st of 3 choice on your last day is a simple out and back walk that follows the well-signed GRP Volta Andorra to the refuge in the flower laden Sortenay Valley. It’s a gorgeous, simple walk-in and easily completed in a morning if you just walk to the refugi and back. Optionally, continue on into the valley through the meadows and return at leisure retracing your route.

Estanyo

This is a walk of two halves, the first part of the route to the small mountain lake is a good walk in its own rights.The lake makes a great place for a picnic and ponder and you have the choice to either, head back down from the lake or continue up to the Pic d l’Estanyo (2,915 m). The 2nd optional half of the route is a very, very, tough climb; initially on grassy slopes as soon as you leave the lake, followed by steep rock and scree all the way to the pyramid shaped peak.

Collada dels Meners

This out and back route heads almost due east through the Sortenay valley and reserve, before climbing along the GRP/GR11/HRP route to the impressive Colllada dels Meners. It’s a long tough climb, although nowhere near as hard as the Pic de l’Estanyo, and as an out and back route, you can turn back whenever you feel like.

Breakfast and Evening Meal Included.

Transfer by bus to Barcelona airport (3 hours journey).

Breakfast Included