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Estany del Pessó d'Amont, with the Colladeta de l'Osso in the background

Guided hikes in Aigüestortes: from forest to high mountain · Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park

The Pessó lakes from the Ribera bridge

A 9.2 km, 6-hour route to the Pessó chain of lakes, in a high mountain valley that sees fewer walkers than Sant Maurici. Sustained climbing, high mountain terrain, starting from Boí.

  • CategoryAdventure and nature
  • OptionDemanding
  • DurationBoí
5.0· 76 Google reviews
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The Besiberri massif seen from the Joan Ventosa i Calvell refuge, with the Estany Negre in the foregroundDifficult (PD+)

Besiberri Nord (3,014 m) via the Riu Malo

A high mountain ascent of Besiberri Nord from Cavallers, following the Riu Malo valley. It has its own page with full details in our activity catalogue.

Cavallers (Boí)

Price on request
The pyramid-shaped summit of Montardo, streaked with patches of snowDifficult (F)

Montardo (2,833 m) and Montardo Petit (2,781 m)

A two-summit high mountain route from Cavallers, also doable on snowshoes in the snow season. It has its own page with full details in our activity catalogue.

Cavallers (Boí)

Price on request
Refuge and dam of the Estanh Major de Colomèrs beside the lakeDemanding

The Colomèrs cirque and lakes

A circular route through the Colomèrs glacial cirque, visiting several of its lakes from the Plan des Banhs. It has its own page with full details in our activity catalogue.

Salardú

Price on request
Estany Llong, in Aigüestortes National ParkDemanding

Estany Llong and the Portarró d'Espot

A classic traverse linking Aigüestortes with Estany Llong and the Portarró d'Espot pass, with views of waterfalls and several lakes along the way.

Boí

Price on request
The Planell d'Aigüestortes, on the way to the Estany de la LlebretaDemanding

The Planell d'Aigüestortes and Estany de la Llebreta

A walk across the Planell d'Aigüestortes to the Estany de la Llebreta, with a good chance of spotting wildlife, plus lakes and subalpine vegetation.

Boí

Price on request
Estany de Gerber, in the Pallars SobiràEasy

The Gerber valley and lakes

A scenic route beside the Gerber lakes, with gentle climbs and suitable for families used to walking.

Esterri d'Àneu

Price on request
Estany Gento, in the Vall FoscaModerate

The Estany Gento Carrilet (Vall Fosca)

A historic path linked to the hydroelectric works of the Vall Fosca, up to the Estany Gento.

La Torre de Capdella

Price on request
Hydroelectric buildings, the dam wall and the old carrilet track near the Estany GentoModerate

Estany Gento via the Pigolo gully

An alternative, more direct way up to the same Estany Gento, via the Pigolo gully.

La Torre de Capdella

Price on request
The path to the Amitges glacial cirque, in the Els Encantats areaDifficult (F)

Pic d'Amitges (2,848 m) and Tuc de Saboredo (2,829 m)

A long high mountain day in the Els Encantats area, with lakes and waterfalls before the two summits.

Espot

Price on request
Pic de Peguera, in the Cabdella areaDifficult (F+)

Pic de Peguera (2,983 m) and Pic de Monestero (2,877 m)

A circular route climbing two summits close to 3,000 metres, starting from Espot.

Espot

Price on request
Glacial lake in a granite valley beneath snow-streaked peaks, in Aigüestortes National ParkEasy

Accessible route to Sant Maurici lake

An accessible route, for people with reduced mobility, to the most photographed lake in the park.

Espot

Price on request
Accessible wooden boardwalk through the forest, on the way to the Gorga bridgeEasy

Accessible route at the Gorga bridge

An accessible walk over a historic structure, the Gorga bridge.

Espot

Price on request

Reading the landscape

Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park: the landscape up close

Geology, Heritage, Wildlife and Plants: a closer look at the setting of this activity. Documentary images of species or places not taken at the exact point of the route are shown for reference only, and sightings are not guaranteed.

Estany de Sant Maurici, reference image (geology)
Estany de Sant MauriciThe best-known lake in the park, with the peaks of Els Encantats reflected in its water.
Aigüestortes: "winding waters", reference image (geology)
Aigüestortes: "winding waters"The park's very name describes the meanders and peat bogs that glacial water forms on flat ground, visible beside the Riu de Sant Nicolau.
The Amitges glacial cirque, reference image (geology)
The Amitges glacial cirqueA landscape carved by Quaternary ice, with polished rock visible on several stretches of the path.
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GeologyThe glacial landscape of Aigüestortes National Park
View the documentary source ↗
Refugi d'Amitges, reference image (heritage)
Refugi d'AmitgesOne of the staffed refuges in the park's network, right in the glacial cirque of the same name.
Refugi Josep Maria Blanc, reference image (heritage)
Refugi Josep Maria BlancAt 2,350 m, beside the Estany Tort de Peguera, another of the park's best-known staffed refuges.
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HeritageThe park's network of staffed refuges
View the documentary source ↗
Isard (Pyrenean chamois), reference image (wildlife)
Isard (Pyrenean chamois)Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica · the most common hoofed mammal along the park's thirteen catalogued routes.
Alpine marmot, reference image (wildlife)
Alpine marmotMarmota marmota · common in the stony pastures on both sides of the park.
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WildlifeWildlife of Aigüestortes National Park
View the documentary source ↗
Mountain pine, reference image (plants)
Mountain pinePinus uncinata · the conifer that marks the upper limit of the forest before the alpine zone, found on most of the thirteen routes.
Spring gentian, reference image (plants)
Spring gentianGentiana verna · a small, intensely blue flower, common in the park's high mountain pastures in spring and summer.
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PlantsPlants of Aigüestortes National Park
View the documentary source ↗

Local photos: Ecotour archive. Documentary images: free-licence image banks or Wikimedia Commons, used under licence or with permission. The species and features shown are documented in the area, but seeing them during the activity is not guaranteed.

Before you book

Which of the thirteen routes is yours?

Thirteen very different routes share the same park. This helps you work out whether you need help choosing or already have a clear goal.

Great fit

You'll love it if…

  • You want to visit the park but don't know which route suits your group and your real level.
  • You are looking for something accessible for the whole family, a demanding high mountain ascent, or anything in between.
Worth a second look

It might not be for you if…

  • You already know exactly which route you want and are looking for the full route details for Besiberri, Montardo or Colomèrs: go straight to their own page.

Included

  • An AEGM / UIMLA-qualified mountain leader who helps you choose the route and, if you book it, comes with you.

    Mountain leader
  • The route is matched to the group's real level before it is confirmed.

    Planning
  • Included in the activity.

    Public liability and accident insurance

Not included

  • To the starting point of each route.

    Transport
  • Hiking boots, technical clothing and, on high mountain routes, ice axe and crampons.

    Personal technical equipment
  • For the day.

    Food and drink

Before you set off

What to bring

Hiking boots

Hiking boots

Essential on any of the non-adapted routes.

Warm layers and waterproofs for rain and wind

Layered clothing

The weather changes quickly in the park, especially on the high mountain routes.

Water bottle and snacks for the route

Water and food

There are no facilities inside the park on most routes.

Once your date is confirmed, you'll receive the final kit list, adapted to the forecast and ground conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What people ask us

01How do you get into the park? Can I drive my own car?

In high season, access to the central areas of the park is restricted to authorised taxis and minibuses on both sides (Boí and Espot); you cannot drive your own vehicle into the interior. We give you the exact access details when we confirm your route.

02Do you have a full page for any specific route?

Yes, Besiberri Nord, Montardo and the Colomèrs cirque each have their own page with itinerary, route data and full details in our activity catalogue.

03I don't know which route to choose. Can you help?

Yes. Tell us about your group's experience of mountain walking, how much time you have and what you are looking for, and we will recommend which of the thirteen routes suits you best.

04Do the high mountain routes need technical equipment?

The most difficult ones (Besiberri, Montardo, Amitges/Saboredo, Peguera/Monestero) may require an ice axe and crampons depending on the time of year and snow conditions. We confirm this when we plan the route with you.

05How long does each route take?

It depends on the route you choose: there are thirteen options, from walks of a few hours to full high mountain days. We confirm it when we plan it with you.

06When can I visit the park?

From May to October, although the specific route and snow conditions in the high areas can shorten that window.

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