Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Dramatic peaks, deep green valleys, and centuries-old alpine villages make the Spanish Pyrenees irresistible hiking country. We explore from Ordesa National Park, nestled along the French border, to Catalonia's Aigüestortes National Park, with its rock peaks and ancient pine forests. We'll hike to craggy ridges where mountain goats scramble, explore valleys and hear the ancient Aragonese dialect spoken, and ramble the back lanes of stone-built Pyrenean towns, with our expert Trip Leaders introducing us to Basque, Aragonese, and Catalan culinary specialties along the way. After our hike in tiny Andorra, we cross the Catalan Pyrenees to explore the renowned cultural hub of Barcelona.

Itinerary

Days 1-3
Pamplona / Ordesa National Park 
From Pamplona, we head right to the idyllic Ansó Valley for a hike from the medieval village of Ansó to Siresa, with its imposing 11th century monastery and classic stone houses. In Ordesa National Park, one of the most spectacular mountain settings in Europe, we savor 360-degree panoramas of jagged peaks on our hike to the Cola de Caballo, a waterfall just below the sheer face of Monte Perdido (11,000').

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. We cross Aigüestortes National Park from west to east on our hike over the Portarró d'éspot (8,000'), 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 sheep cheeses and cured meats that make Catalonia famous.

Days 7-9
Andorra / Barcelona 
In Andorra, the tiny principality nestled between France and Spain, our panoramic ridge trail brings us to medieval Bescarán, graced by a Romanesque bell tower and offering wonderful views of the Pyrenees. After a pastoral hike in Catalonia's green hills amid the sound of sheep and cattle bells, we head to Barcelona to explore its Old Quarter and Gaudi's fanciful architecture. Depart on Day 9.