The Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park is one of the loveliest protected mountainous areas in Europe, with high glacier valleys, deep canyons and extensive forests which display amazing colours in autumn. Explore the area around the village of Torla doing high or low walks, through Ordesa Valley or up toward Bujaruelo on the French border. Then drive south to spend two days at Nerín, walking up to the summer pastures high above the Añisclo Gorge. Transport by (own or rental) car.
Highlights:
♦ The Great Canyon of Ordesa
♦ True alpine hike to a lake on the French border
♦ The pilgrimage trail to St. Urbez
♦ The Añisclo Gorge
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival in Torla
Arrival at a comfortable hotel in the lovely mountain village of Torla. Services include private swimming pool, restaurant, bar and lounge.
Day 2. Walk from Bujaruelo
Short drive to the Medieval bridge at Bujaruelo. Choose between a short walk along a landrover track into the Otal Valley or a true alpine hike to a lake on the French border with magnificent views.
Distance: 4-5,5 hrs, 10-13 km, + 300m / -1000 m
Day 3. The Great Canyon of Ordesa
An absolute classic from the local walking repertoire, with a 700m ascent on a zig-zag path up to the Mirador Calcilarruego (1950m), then following the Senda de los Cazadores to the end of the valley. Continuous panoramic views over the Great Canyon of Ordesa, as it rises in steps to the north against the backdrop of high peaks silhouetted in the distance. Optional extension of the route to Refugio de Goriz.
Distance: 6-10 hrs, 20-28 km, + 500 / -1250 m
Day 4. Walk from Torla
A truly lovely route to the east of Torla, in which you ascend to enjoy panoramic views over Bujaruelo and Ordesa Valleys. If you prefer to take it easy today, or if the weather is not the best, you may choose to do a shorter valley walk to three historical villages: Fragen, Oto and Broto.
Distance: 4-6 hrs, 11-15,5 km, + 230 m / - 230 m OR + 850 m/ - 900m
Day 5. Añisclo Gorge from Nerín
Today’s route starts directly from your hotel in Nerín. You walk to the village of Secué then descend to the Añisclo Gorge, deeply cut into the massif and kept fresh and green by numerous streams year round. There you choose between doing a route along the gorge or walking the pilgrimage trail to St. Urbez, which circles back to Nerín. If you do not like heights, you can opt to begin your route at the car park in St Urbez and thus avoid the steep, exposed descent from Secué.
Distance: 6 hrs, 16 km, + 750 m / - 750 m
Day 6. Walk from Nerín
A truly alpine walk to the grassy Biñuales plateau with dazzling views over the Añisclo Gorge then further on to Cuello Arenas Pass, gateway to the Monte Perdido Massif. Option of doing the ascent to Mondoto Peak (1962m).
Distance: 6,5 hrs max., max 17km, + 775m - 775m
Day 7. End of the tour
Tour ends after breakfast today.