Colomèrs Lakes: a hike through a glacial landscape · Tredòs, Val d'Aran
Long route · 7 lakes
Same start as the short route, from Banhs de Tredòs. After the Estanh Mòrt and the Estanh des Garguilhs, it carries on to the Estanh des Cabidornats and the Estanh Long, completing the 7 classic lakes of the "7 llacs" route, before returning the same way. About 5 hours, and it calls for a little more fitness. Minimum group of 4 people.
A glacial cirque with around 50 glacial lakes, formed more than 20,000 years ago.
The seven lakes route ("7 llacs"), one of the Val d'Aran's classic hikes.
Two route options: a short one to 5 lakes (about 3 h) or a long one to the 7 classic lakes (about 5 h), depending on the time available and the group's fitness.
The Estanh Major de Colomers, with its refuge beside the lake.
Activity overview
Colomers: the cirque of glacial lakes
Formed more than 20,000 years ago, the Colomers cirque holds around 50 glacial lakes. The route starts from the Ribera de Aiguamòg car park at Banhs de Tredòs and offers two options: a short one to 5 lakes and the classic seven lakes route, with the Estanh Major de Colomers and its refuge as one of the landmarks.
Val d'AranColomers cirque, the seven lakes route
AreaTredòs, Val d'Aran
Duration3 to 5 hours depending on the route
EcosystemHigh mountain glacial cirque
GroupSmall group
Prefer something else?
Other options
Moderate
Short route · 5 lakes
Reaches 5 of the cirque's lakes (Estanh dera Lòssa, Estanh Major, Estanh de Colomèrs, Estanh Mòrt and Estanh des Garguilhs) and returns the same way. The option for those with less time or who want a shorter day.
Geology, Wildlife, Plants and Heritage: 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.
The Colomers glacial cirqueFormed more than 20,000 years ago, with around 50 glacial lakes scattered across its floor.Estanh Major de ColomersThe largest lake in the cirque, with its refuge by the shore: the landmark of the route.The Colomers damA hydroelectric structure that regulates the lake, crossed by the route's own footbridge.01 / 03
GeologyThe Colomers glacial cirque · more than 20,000 years old
Alpine marmotMarmota marmota · common in the stony pastures around the lakes of the cirque.Pyrenean chamois (isard)Rupicapra pyrenaica · a regular sight on the slopes and crags of the Colomers cirque.01 / 02
Mountain pines by the lakesPinus uncinata · dots the rocky slopes around the Estanh Major, where patches of snow linger well into June.High mountain meadowsBetween the lakes of the cirque lie high pastures that fill with alpine flowers in summer.01 / 02
The Refugi de ColomèrsA mountain refuge beside the Estanh Major, and the landmark of the seven lakes route for decades.The historic Estanh Major damThe dam that regulates the lake is a mid-20th-century hydroelectric structure, now part of the cirque's landscape.01 / 02
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
Is this activity right for you?
Check at a glance.
Great fit
You'll love it if…
You enjoy moderate hiking and want to discover one of the great glacial cirques of the Pyrenees.
You are looking for a full-day route with several hours of walking, with no technical equipment needed.
Worth a second look
It might not be for you if…
You want a short, undemanding walk: even the short option involves several hours of walking.
Colomèrs Lakes: a hike through a glacial landscape
30% deposit to secure your spot
We confirm within 24 h
How does booking work?
You pick the day and number of people and send us the request. Nothing is charged yet.
We check availability with our team and local collaborators.
We usually confirm within 24 h and send you a link to pay a 30% deposit that secures your place.
The balance is paid before the activity. If it doesn't go ahead (for example, minimum group not reached) we refund the whole deposit; the same if you cancel 7 days or more ahead.
We book this option with you on WhatsApp: we confirm the date and terms straight away.
If the outing doesn't go ahead (for example, the minimum group of 4 isn't reached) we refund the whole deposit; the same if you cancel 7 days or more ahead.
After payment, we'll ask for a short 1–2 minute activity form so we can prepare properly.
Included
Ecotour guide for the route (to be confirmed)
Included in the activity.
Public liability and accident insurance
Not included
Transport to the Banhs de Tredòs car park
Optional National Park taxi inside the cirque (about €5-7 per person each way, paid on the spot)
Personal mountain equipment
Additional information
Access
Ribera de Aiguamòg car park, about 8 km from Salardú towards Tredòs, up the Aiguamòg valley. Along the way there is an optional National Park taxi to shorten the approach.
Two routes, one cirque
The short and long routes share the same start and the first 5 lakes; the long route adds the Estanh des Cabidornats and the Estanh Long to complete the classic seven lakes circuit.
What's not included, in detail
Transport
Transport to the Banhs de Tredòs car park
Optional National Park taxi inside the cirque
Personal equipment
Boots, warm clothing and other personal mountain equipment
Before you set off
What to bring
Hiking boots
Layered clothing and protection against rain and wind
Water and food for the day
Trekking poles
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
01Why is it called the seven lakes route?
It is the popular name for the long route in the Colomers cirque, which links 7 specific lakes along the way (Estanh dera Lòssa, Estanh Major, Estanh de Colomèrs, Estanh Mòrt, Estanh des Garguilhs, Estanh des Cabidornats and Estanh Long), although the cirque as a whole holds around 50 glacial lakes.
02What is the difference between the short and the long route?
The short route reaches 5 of the cirque's lakes in about 3 hours (7 km, +250 m). The long route takes in the 7 classic lakes in about 5 hours (8 km, +360 m) and requires a minimum group of 4 people. The choice depends on the time you have and the group's fitness.
03When will it be available with a fixed price and date?
We are still finalising the guide and logistics for this activity. Write to us if you are interested and we will let you know as soon as it is available.
04Is it suitable for children?
The short route is manageable for families with children who are already used to walking. The long route demands more fitness, more time and a minimum group of 4 people.
05Is there a refuge on the route?
Yes, there is a mountain refuge beside the Estanh Major de Colomers, a familiar landmark on both routes.
06How do I get to the start of the route?
The starting point is the Ribera de Aiguamòg car park at Banhs de Tredòs, about 8 km from Salardú up the Aiguamòg valley. Along the way there is an optional National Park taxi to shorten the approach.
A wonderful experience in a luxury setting. We got in touch with Javi after finding him online and it was a great decision. He's a young guy, passionate about his work and about nature, and it shows. He explained so many things about the rut and the surroundings, and brought samples to show us how animals are tracked, always with respect and without disturbing their habitat.
He also took loads of souvenir photos, both of us and of the animals, which we really appreciated. I loved the equipment he uses: he has a screen that attaches to the camera, so we could all enjoy the views without needing telescopes.
Thank you so much, Javi, for the experience. You're a truly lovely person.
★★★★★
M. Villar (Proska)2 weeks ago
Red deer rut
Without a doubt an unforgettable experience. Several companies offer the rut, but not like this one: his knowledge of the subject, together with the technology he uses, guarantees a complete outing and lets you enjoy the activity to the fullest.
100% recommended
★★★★★
Loisian2 weeks ago
Red deer rut
We can only thank Javi for our outing: the day before the weather was awful and he advised us to postpone it, so we wouldn't climb up and not see the rut. The next day was wonderful, the views beautiful, and thanks to his experience and his technology we could see everything as if we were at the cinema. If we come back, we'll do it again. 100% recommended
★★★★★
Juanma Ferrer Navarro4 weeks ago
Red deer rut
A really good person who knows the Val d'Aran very well.
We had a great morning listening to and watching the rut with Javier, who will be your guide.
On top of that, you learn a lot about the local flora and fauna of Aran.
★★★★★
sonia Jiménez2 months ago
Rafting
⭐⭐⭐⭐ An unforgettable week in the Val d'Aran with Ecotour (Javi)
We've just spent a week's holiday in the Val d'Aran organised by Ecotour, and we couldn't be happier with the experience. The days were full of adventure, nature, excitement and fun.
We'd especially like to highlight Javi, who was much more than a guide. His huge knowledge of the area, the wildlife, the plants and the history of the valley gave every activity extra value. You can tell he's a true nature lover and knows how to pass that passion on to the people with him.
During the week we did e-bike rides, rafting, canyoning, a spectacular trek in Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park with the climb up to Portarró, and we also visited some of the prettiest villages in the Val d'Aran. One of the most special moments was being able to see such emblematic species as the Apollo butterfly, a protected species that is increasingly hard to find.
If we had to find a "but", it would only be the rafting, which surprised us least compared with the rest. Even so, we enjoyed the whole experience a lot.
We'd also like to thank Javi for his great tips on where to eat in Vielha. He recommended restaurants with excellent value for money, where we could enjoy the valley's food without spending more than we needed to.
All in all, a totally recommended experience for anyone who wants to discover the Val d'Aran in a different, active and authentic way. Thank you, Javi, for making this holiday such a special memory. We'll definitely be back!
★★★★★
PAU RODRIGO9 months ago
Snowshoeing
Excellent experience with Javi on a snowshoe route. Vast knowledge about everything to do with the mountains. Going with him guarantees you'll enjoy your adventure 200% and come back with a smile. He works really hard. The best guide I've ever met.
See you soon, Javi. Take care 👋👋👋
★★★★★
Jose Manuel Luque Rodriguez11 months ago
Snowshoeing
More than a guide, a friend!!
His level of knowledge about the mountains, snow, animals and everything related to the mountains is exceptional.
My experience with him on snowshoes: 15 out of 10!!
A professional and one of those people who only give...
Personally, I didn't meet a guide, I made a friend.
Professionally... one of a kind...
I'd always recommend him, and I already do.
A hug, Javi.
★★★★★
José Luis Durán12 months ago
Red deer rut
With Ecotour we did two organised rut outings last September.
Although in the morning we didn't manage to see any deer (because, unfortunately, the wild boar hunt was on), the experience, both the trekking + observation outing and the afternoon observation, was great.
Javier is a great professional who radiates friendliness and passion for his work, and he passes that on in everything he explains.
I think we couldn't have found a better guide.
A completely recommended experience with him. To repeat another year!
★★★★★
Joan Palomer12 months ago
Red deer rut
We went to see the rut with two little girls, and with Javi it was great fun and he was very attentive. For our next outing in the area, we'll definitely hire him.
★★★★★
Montse Coca1 year ago
Red deer rut
A great afternoon: Javi took us to an area where we could see and hear the rut, treated us to a small snack of local produce and told us about the life of the deer, the differences between antlers… You can tell he's passionate about his work. Thanks to the camera and lens he uses we could see them really well and watch their behaviour during the mating season. A great experience, highly recommended.
★★★★★
Antonio disa1 year ago
Red deer rut
We did an outing to look for deer and listen to the rut. Javi is a very good guide, a person with a huge knowledge of the mountains and a great photography enthusiast. An experience to repeat.
★★★★★
Carlos N1 year ago
Snowshoeing
We did a snowshoe route and the experience was heartwarming. Javi as a guide doesn't just pass on his love of the mountains, he teaches you to love and understand them; on top of that he's one of the group, he's your friend and he cares about every single person in it.
★★★★★
Colomèrs Lakes: a hike through a glacial landscape·from€55per person
Be the first to hear about new guides, dates and activities.
A short note when we open departures, publish a useful guide or come across an experience worth a proper look.
Ecotour AI assistantAI-generated answers based on our real catalogue of trips and activities
Hello! 👋 I'm Ecotour's AI assistant. Looking for a small-group trip or an activity in the Pyrenees? Tell me what you have in mind and I'll suggest something real from our catalogue. To go further or ask something specific, I'll put you in touch with the team on WhatsApp.
Any questions about this trip? Message us, we reply quickly 👋
We respect your privacy
We use necessary cookies and, if you accept them, analytics, advertising, CRM and external content cookies (reviews and videos). Read our cookie policy.