Pyrenees Ordesa Canyons Walk

Walking towards Cuello Arenas in the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park

Hiker traversing the Ordesa Valley, Spanish Pyrenees

Walker crossing the puente bujaruelo in the Ordesa Canyon

Walking resting at a waterfall in the Ordesa Canyon

The Calcilarrugeo viewpoint in the Ordesa National Park

Walking towards Cuello Arenas in the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park

Hiker traversing the Ordesa Valley, Spanish Pyrenees

Walker crossing the puente bujaruelo in the Ordesa Canyon

Walking resting at a waterfall in the Ordesa Canyon

The Calcilarrugeo viewpoint in the Ordesa National Park

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Duration

7 days

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

6 nights hotels

Meals

6 Dinners
6 Breakfasts

Price

$1290USD

Overview
Itinerary
Map
Inclusions
Accommodation
Cabins
Bike Information
Trail Surface
Grading
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Overview

Trip Code: OCW

Trip highlights

Experiencing an achievable, exhilarating alpine hike
Walking through forests of beech, oak and maple trees
Enjoying the stunning mountain and gorge vistas
Following a well-marked trail through a variety of scenery

For walkers seeking out relatively untouched and wild trails in Europe, the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park ranks amongst the best in Europe. Referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Haute Pyrenees, this stunning alpine region is protected and the careful management to preserve its wild beauty will be appreciated on this fabulous week of walks based around the village of Torla. From soaring glacial valleys down to deep canyons lathered with superb deciduous forests of beech, oak and maple trees, which come alive with rich colours during the autumn. Near Torla your walks will take you high up towards the French border as well as down into the Ordesa Valley. Enjoy one of Spains classic mountain walking experiences in the Great Canyon of Ordesa which will see you taking in panoramic views of the canyon and peaks beyond. The itinerary then moves on to Nerin for exploration of the summer pastures high above the Añisclo Gorge. This trip offers a superb choice of different walking routes along well marked trails to suit your ability and preferences.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Transfer from Jaca to Torla

Today you will be transferred from Jaca bus station to Torla. On arrival check in to your comfortable hotel in the lovely mountain village of Torla. Overnight Torla. Please advise your travel consultant of your arrival details so we can arrange your pick-up.

Meals: D

Day 2
Transfer to Bujaruelo, walk to Torla (3-4hrs)

This morning you will be transferred to the Medieval bridge at Bujaruelo. Here you can choose between a short walk along a land rover track into the Otal Valley, or a true alpine hike up to a lake on the French border with magnificent views. Transfer back to Torla in the afternoon, where you will stay overnight again. If you still feel like walking, you can follow a well-marked route along the Ara river back to Torla. Walk: 10 to 13km/6 to 8mi. Ascent and descent: 300 to 1000m/984ft to 3280ft.

Meals: B,D

Day 3
Walk in the Great Canyon of Ordesa with transfers to trail head (6-8hrs)

Today's walk is an absolute classic from the local walking repertoire. After a short transfer to Pradera de Ordesa, you start a 700m ascent on a zig-zag path up to the Mirador Calcilarruego (1950m) and then follow the Senda de los Cazadores (also known as Faja de Pelay) through the valley. Enjoy continuous panoramic views over the Great Canyon of Ordesa, as it rises in steps to the north against a backdrop of high peaks in the distance. For those with a fear of heights, there is an option of a loop walk to the famous waterfall ‘Cola de Caballo’. Return transfer to Torla for overnight accommodation. Walk: 20 to 28km/12.5 to 17.5mi. Ascent and descent: 500 to 1250m/1640 to 4101ft.

Meals: B,D

Day 4
Choice of walks from Torla (3-4.5hrs)

Another short transfer takes you to the start of a truly lovely route to the east of Torla, which offers panoramic views over Bujaruelo and Ordesa Valleys. If you prefer to take it easy today, or if the weather is not the best, you can do ashorter valley walk to three historical villages: Fragen, Oto and Broto. Overnight Torla. Walk: 11 to 15.5m/7 to 9.6mi. Ascent: 250 to 850m/820 to 2789ft. Descent: 250 to 230m/820 to 755ft.

Meals: B,D

Day 5
Transfer to Nerín, walks in the Añisclo Gorge (4.5hrs)

A 40-minute transfer to Nerín leaves ample time to visit the narrow entrance to Añisclo Gorge, a deep cut in the massif which is kept fresh and green year round by numerous streams. You'll start walking directly from the hotel, descending along a footpath through aromatic heather and broom. For those with a fear of heights, it is possible to take an optional transfer to the entrance of the Canyon at the beginning of the route. Overnight Nerín. Walk: 16km/10mi. Ascent and descent : 750m/2460ft.

Meals: B,D

Day 6
Mondoto & Cuello Arenas (5hrs)

Today's alpine hike takes you up to the grassy Biñuales Plateau - with dazzling views over Añisclo Gorge - then further on to Cuello Arenas Pass, gateway to the Monte Perdido Massif. Option of doing the ascent to Mondoto Peak (1962m). Overnight Nerín. Walk: maximum 17km/10.5mi. Ascent and descent: 775m/2542ft.

Meals: B,D

Day 7
Trip concludes with transfer to Jaca station

This morning after breakfast you will be transferred back to Jaca bus station. Trip concludes.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

6 breakfasts, 6 dinners
6 nights in 2 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked
Private transfers as described
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to and from Jaca
Lunches and drinks daily
Transfers not noted as included
Entrance fees
Items of a personal nature
Travel insurance - mandatory
Guide - this is a self guided tour

Grading

moderate

This is a self guided walk with average daily stages of 3 to 8 hours. Most days you have a choice from a variety of walks, so you can make the trip as easy or difficult as you like. The trip is graded moderate as it is mainly on wide unsurfaced tracks, footpaths or animal trails, with the occasional section on surfaced tracks or tarmac roads. The use of walking sticks is recommended. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 May to 31 Oct

Notes

High Season

DN1

High season is from 1 July to 31 August - supplement applies.

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Priceper person from

$1290USD

Options & Supplements*

Single SupplementUSD$240
Single Traveller SurchargeUSD$570

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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