4 Days in the Catalan Pyrenees: Experience Tranquility and Breathtaking Scenery!

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Thursday 21/08 - Sunday 24/08
Catalan Pyrenees
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Catalan Pyrenees Adventure

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Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of the Catalan Pyrenees, a region of majestic mountains, including Pico d’Estats (3,143 meters) and Pico Verdaguer (3,129 meters). Surrounded by pristine nature, charming villages, a rich cultural heritage, and exceptional gastronomy, the Catalan Pyrenees cover nearly half of the entire Pyrenees mountain range, preserving nature in its purest form.

For three unforgettable days, stay in one of the best hotels in the region, offering breathtaking views of the valley. Your stay includes breakfast, expert guides, private transport, travel insurance, and endless memories with new friends.

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Aigüestortes National Park and Sant Maurici Lake with its pristine lakes and rugged peaks. Discover the rich traditions and natural splendor of the Aran Valley and explore the vibrant heart of the valley in Vielha. Wander through picturesque villages like Taüll, Salardú, Arties, and Unha, each offering its own unique charm and rich history.

Take part in exciting activities such as rafting in the Aran Valley, via ferrata, and canyoning, experiencing adrenaline-filled adventures in breathtaking landscapes.

Enjoy the warm hospitality of Hotel Els Encantats in Espot, where you’ll feel more like at home than in a hotel. One of the hotel’s special traditions is its barbecue evenings. Additionally, the owner of the hotel is a member of our association, making your stay even more welcoming and memorable.

Meeting and returning point

  • Estadio Mestalla, Av. Aragón 31 (Google Map)
  • Thursday 14:00

Price Includes

  • Private transport
  • Accommodation in a 3* hotel
  • Professional mountain guide and coordinator
  • Professional organisation

Price Excludes

  • Entrance to any attractions such as museums in the cities.
  • Dinner or lunch(only breakfast included in the hotel)*
  • Any Private Expenses
  • Room Service Fees
  • Transport to Parque Nacional de Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici (11€)
  • Anything not mentioned in Included

Optional Activities

  • Rafting (45€)
  • Boat ride (35€)
  • Aran Park (17€)

Travel Schedule

Day 1: Departure from Valencia

We will depart around 14:00, allowing you to enjoy the day without missing work (just take a few hours off). We will arrive in the evening, ready to begin our adventure.

Upon arrival, we will enjoy a delicious dinner at a charming and cozy restaurant, offering a perfect opportunity to relax and unwind. After dinner, we will head to our comfortable 3-star hotel to rest and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Day 2: Activities and Villages

On Day 2, we offer a range of optional activities for you to choose from:

  • Rafting in the Pyrenees: For those seeking adventure, join us for an exciting rafting experience in Llavarosi, the best rafting destination in the Catalan Pyrenees. This thrilling activity lasts 3-4 hours and is priced at an additional 45€.
  • Boat Ride on a Lake: For a more relaxed experience, enjoy a peaceful paddle boat ride on a picturesque lake, allowing you to soak in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. This activity is available for 35€.

If you prefer not to participate in these activities, you can explore two charming villages, Rialp and Llavarosi, with a scenic 3-km route through Rialp. Discover the beauty of the region at your own pace.

After the morning activities, we will gather for a delicious lunch in Llavarosi before heading to Baqueira, a popular ski resort that offers breathtaking views in the summer. From there, we’ll visit Arties, one of the most beautiful villages in the Catalan Pyrenees, known for its picturesque charm and rich history.

In the evening, we will return to the hotel for a barbecue dinner, a perfect way to unwind after an exciting day of exploration.

Day 3: Day of hiking and vielha / Aran Park

The Mountain Route Everyone Has Been Waiting For: Montcorbison Route or Similar

On Day 3, we’ll embark on the Montcorbison Route (or a similar route), a medium-high level hike offering breathtaking views of the Catalan Pyrenees. For those looking for a shorter adventure, it’s also possible to do only half of the route and return to Vielha.

We’ll wake up early, hop on the bus, and head to the starting point of the route. After the hike, we will either have dinner in Vielha or return to the hotel and dine in Espot, depending on the route taken.

Optional Activity: Visit Aran Park

For those who prefer not to hike, you can visit Aran Park, the wildlife park of the Aran Valley, nestled in nature’s purest form. Here, you’ll have the chance to see animals such as bears, lynx, otters, wolves, marmots, deer, and more in a semi-free environment.

This optional activity is available for 17€.

Day 4: Aiguestortes National Park and Departure

Day 4: Visit to the National Park of Aigüestortes and Sant Maurici Lake

On Day 4, we will leave very early in the morning and head directly to the National Park of Aigüestortes and Sant Maurici Lake, the only national park in Catalonia.

Choose Your Adventure

You have two options for reaching the park:

  • Taxi Option: Take a comfortable taxi ride directly to the park for 11€.
  • Walking Option: For those seeking a more adventurous experience, we’ll leave at 8:30 a.m. and walk to the park, enjoying the surrounding nature along the way.

The Hike: Sant Maurici Lake and Ratera Waterfall

Once we reach the park, we will embark on a medium-level hike to Sant Maurici Lake and visit the stunning Ratera Waterfall. The route is not too difficult, but the views and natural beauty make it an unforgettable experience.

After the hike, your phone will be filled with incredible photos, and your heart will be full of memories. To wrap up the day, enjoy a last beer with your fellow travelers before we board the bus and head back to Valencia.

Photos

Hotel: ELS ENCANTATS,

Located in Espot, Hotel Els Encantats is a place where we return year after year, and the main reason is the exceptional hospitality we receive. From the moment we step inside, the warm, welcoming atmosphere makes us feel right at home. The positive vibes are truly indescribable, creating an experience that’s more like staying with family than at a hotel.

The rooms are typically triple, but if you prefer a double room, you can request one for an additional 10€/person/night or a single room for 40€/night.

Places

Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park

With over 200 pristine lakes, Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park is a haven for nature lovers. Explore the serene, picturesque landscapes that each lake offers, reflecting the surrounding peaks and trees. Marvel at the majestic peaks, many rising above 3,000 meters, offering breathtaking vistas and a challenge for adventure seekers. Wander through the park’s untouched rivers and ravines, experiencing nature in its purest form. The park also features spectacular waterfalls, cascading through the rugged terrain, and rich biodiversity, making it an exceptional destination for wildlife and plant enthusiasts.

Vielha: Capital of Valle de Aran

Vielha, known as “The City Between Mountains”, serves as the capital of the Aran Valley and is a central hub in the Catalan Pyrenees. At nearly 1,000 meters in altitude, Vielha offers a mix of rich architectural and cultural heritage, including medieval churches, local museums, and traditional Aranese houses. The town, surrounded by majestic mountains, is a must-visit destination, filled with history and stunning natural beauty.

Arties: A Gem in the Pyrenees

Arties, a charming village in the Aran Valley, sits at an altitude of 1,144 meters, just 7 km from the Baqueira Beret ski resort. With cobbled streets and houses made of stone, wood, and black slate, Arties was named one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain in 2023. Visitors can explore the 16th-century Portolá manor house, once home to California’s first governor, Gaspar de Portolá. The village’s beauty and history make it a must-see destination.

Salardú: Another Gem in the Catalan Pyrenees

Nestled at an altitude of 1,268 meters, Salardú is another picturesque village in the Catalan Pyrenees. Known for its stunning views, this village is home to the 12th-century Church of Sant Andreu. It’s also where we’ll stay at our second hotel, SNÖ MONTH REMIES, which offers a comfortable and memorable experience surrounded by the natural beauty of the region.

Pic Montcorbison: A Paradise for Hikers

For hiking enthusiasts, Pic Montcorbison offers one of the best trekking experiences in the Catalan Pyrenees. Located near Vielha, this peak rises to 2,170 meters and offers panoramic views of the Aran Valley. The trail to the summit is well-signposted, with options suitable for all levels of hikers. This is an essential destination for nature lovers looking to explore the region’s stunning landscapes.

Vall de Aran: The Atlantic Gem of the Catalan Pyrenees

Val d’Aran is the only Atlantic valley in the Catalan Pyrenees, known for its high mountain terrain, glacial lakes, top hiking routes, and rich culture and gastronomy. The valley, located in Lérida, Catalonia, is home to the capital Vielha e Mijaran, where visitors can discover the charm and natural beauty of this exceptional region.

Optional Activities

Rafting in the Pyrenees: An Unforgettable Adventure
Experience the thrill of rafting through the natural waterfalls of the Pyrenees in the Aran Valley. This nearly 3-hour adventure takes you through rivers with strong currents and exciting rapids, offering an adrenaline-packed experience. On Day 2, you can choose between a 7-lake hiking route or this optional rafting activity for €45. Alternatively, you can enjoy a paddle boat ride on a lake for €35, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the stunning views. Don’t miss this exhilarating experience, ideal for adventure seekers!

Aran Park: Discover the Wildlife in the Pyrenees
Explore Aran Park, the Aran Valley Wildlife Park, set in the heart of the Pyrenees wilderness. This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, lynx, otters, wolves, marmots, and deer, all living in a semi-free natural environment. This optional activity costs €17 and offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich biodiversity of the high mountains. It’s perfect for nature lovers and families looking for an educational and memorable adventure in the Catalan Pyrenees.

Vall de Boí: UNESCO World Heritage and Natural Beauty
If time allows, discover Vall de Boí, a valley renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Romanesque churches and cultural landmarks. Vall de Boí is also a Starlight Tourist Destination, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities. The valley’s Fallas traditions are recognized as Intangible Heritage by UNESCO. With Aigüestortes National Park nearby, Vall de Boí is a perfect blend of cultural significance and breathtaking natural beauty, making it a unique destination in southern Europe.

Hike Information

Powered by Wikiloc
  • Distance: 18KM
  • Elevation gain: 1300m
  • Difficulty: Mediocre (Physical fit + Right shoes)
Hike Information

Powered by Wikiloc
  • Distance: 12KM
  • Elevation gain: 400m
  • Difficulty: Mediocre (Physical fit + Right shoes)

Cancellation Policy

  • 30 days before the trip: 80% refund of the total amount
  • Up to 3 weeks before the trip: 60% refund of the total amount.
  • Up to 15 days before the trip: 50% refund of the total amount.
  • Less than 15 days before the trip: No refund unless due to government restrictions or a health emergency.

Please note that if you arrive late to the meeting point, we will not be able to provide a refund, and you will forfeit your payment.

While the program is carefully planned with experienced guides, changes may occur due to unforeseen circumstances such as traffic, weather, or to offer a better alternative. We will notify you of any adjustments via email and our WhatsApp group.

The reservation fee and any paid activities are non-refundable.