Trekking is a real adventure full of breathtaking scenery, physical activity and communion with nature. The Aiguestortes National Park and the Estany de Sant Maurici are the perfect place for this. Majestic mountains, glacial lakes and dense forests await you here, as well as a wide variety of trails ranging from easy walks to multi-day treks. The park offers the possibility of combining trekking with other outdoor activities such as mountaineering, biking or skiing. A well-organized infrastructure with convenient shelters, informative brochures and marked trails makes trekking comfortable and accessible.
What is important to know before going on a hike? Before embarking on a trek in this park, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Summer is the best time for trekking as most of the trails are safe and accessible.
- There are easy walking trails as well as more challenging mountaineering routes.
- Dome trails require endurance and experience in mountain hiking.
- Information centers offer maps and brochures describing the trails to help you choose the right route.
Best Trekking Routes
There are many trails in the park, but here are a few of the most scenic and popular:
- Llebrethe Lake – Llong Lake Trail
This route passes through the Bois Valley along the St. Nicolau River. It features spectacular scenery and is ideal for beginners. It also has a wooden bridge, making the route accessible even for people with disabilities.
- Espot – Sant Maurici Lake and Ratera Waterfall
One of the most popular routes that takes you to a beautiful waterfall and then to Ratera Lake. If you walk a little further, you can reach a lookout point with stunning views of Lake St. Maurici.
- Gerber Valley and Lakes
Starting from the Clot Gran parking lot near the Bonaigua Pass, this route passes through the picturesque Gerber Valley, full of crystal clear mountain lakes. A great option for those who love waterscapes.
- Bans de Tredos – Colomers Shelter
This route passes through the Val d’Aran valley and offers stunning views of lakes and mountain ranges. It is suitable for those who want to spend a whole day in the mountains.
- Lake Estany Gento – Colomina Shelter
This route leads to the alpine Lake Torte and Colomina Shelter, which is a great resting point before continuing the journey. After a walk along this route, you can enjoy the silence and solitude of the mountains.
If day hikes seem insufficient for you, try one of these routes. Camins vius (“Living Trails”) is a historic path connecting villages around the national park. It follows medieval paths and gives you a deeper insight into the region. Carros de foc (“Chariots of Fire”) is a circular route that passes through all the refuges of the park. It can be completed either in a sportive race format (Sky Runner – in less than 24 hours) or at a more relaxed pace in 4-5 days.
Apart from trekking, the park also offers other outdoor activities. Extreme adventure enthusiasts can try rock climbing and mountaineering. In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails are popular. Mountain refuges are available for multi-day trips, the only places in the park where overnight stays are allowed.
The Aiguestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park is where nature and sport come together, offering travelers a unique outdoor experience. If you dream of an unforgettable trekking experience in the Pyrenees, go here and experience the delights of mountain hiking.