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The rocky, exposed ridge of the Pic de Medacorba dusted with fresh snow

Arinsal and the Comapedrosa Natural Park, Andorra · Adventure and Nature

Pic de Medacorba Ascent

The tripoint of Andorra, Catalonia and Ariège, reached by a long, technical and exposed ascent.

  • CategoryAdventure and Nature
  • LevelAdvanced
  • DurationFull day
5.0· 76 Google reviews
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Activity overview

Medacorba: the technical tripoint of the Pyrenees

You set off from Arinsal, cross the Comapedrosa Natural Park and link Pla de l'Estany, its refuge and the Estanys de Forcats before reaching the col. From there begins a poorly marked, steep and exposed final section to a summit shared by Andorra, Catalonia and Ariège.

This outing is organised on request. Before confirming, we review your experience, the group size and the conditions; you then receive the final price and all the details in writing.

Ask about the full package
Stone mountain refuge on a grassy slope in the Valls del Comapedrosa, Andorra
  • AreaArinsal, Andorra
  • DurationFull day
  • Summit2,913 m
  • FormatGuided ascent
  • SettingComapedrosa Natural Park

Route at a glance

2,913 mAltitude
+1,344 m / -1,344 mOfficial elevation gain
6.18 km to the summitOfficial distance
About 4 h 30Official ascent time
Poorly marked, steep and exposedFinal terrain

Reading the landscape

Arinsal and the Comapedrosa Natural Park, Andorra: the landscape up close

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 park's glacial landscape, reference image (geology)
The park's glacial landscapeThe park stands out for its ice-carved cirques and valleys; this image shows its relief without identifying a specific summit.
The rocky ridge of Medacorba, reference image (geology)
The rocky ridge of MedacorbaThe final section enters steep, poorly marked and exposed terrain where you occasionally have to use your hands.
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GeologyPla de l'Estany · glacial landforms and bare high mountains
View the documentary source ↗
Pyrenean chamois (isard), reference image (wildlife)
Pyrenean chamois (isard)Rupicapra pyrenaica · a species listed by the park in its pasture and rocky habitats; sightings are not guaranteed.
Bearded vulture, reference image (wildlife)
Bearded vultureGypaetus barbatus · one of the great birds of prey recorded by the park; shown here as a reference species.
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WildlifeSpecies recorded in the Valls del Comapedrosa
View the documentary source ↗
Mountain pine, reference image (plants)
Mountain pinePinus uncinata · the characteristic tree of the upper limit of the Pyrenean forest, which you walk through from Arinsal.
Alpine grassland, reference image (plants)
Alpine grasslandLow vegetation adapted to the cold, the wind and the short growing season of the high mountains.
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PlantsFrom the subalpine belt to the park's alpine zone
View the documentary source ↗
The Pla de l'Estany refuge, reference image (heritage)
The Pla de l'Estany refugeAn unstaffed hut at 2,050 metres inside the park, and a recognisable landmark on the route towards Forcats.
The Estanys Forcats shelter, reference image (heritage)
The Estanys Forcats shelterA small shelter in the bare, rocky Forcats area, before the col and the final section to Medacorba.
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HeritageRefuges and shelters on the historic mountain route
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

Is this ascent right for you?

Medacorba is not a first step into the high mountains: it calls for stamina, confidence on rock and a calm head on exposed ground. Check before you request a date.

Great fit

You'll love it if…

  • You have experience of long days in the high mountains and climbs of more than 1,000 metres.
  • You move confidently over rocky, poorly marked ground with sections where you need to use your hands.
  • You accept that the summit depends on the weather, the snow and the guide's assessment on the ground.
Worth a second look

It might not be for you if…

  • It is your first high-mountain ascent, or you are not used to exposure.
  • You are looking for an easy hike or a family outing.
  • You need an activity with an automatic price and confirmation, with no prior assessment of experience and conditions.

Detailed itinerary

The activity, day by day

Arinsal · Pla de l'Estany · Estanys de Forcats · Medacorba

DAY 1

Arinsal · Pla de l'Estany · Estanys de Forcats · Medacorba

    Start from the Comapedrosa Natural Park car park in Arinsal. The route climbs past the Borda de la Coruvilla, Pla de l'Estany and its refuge, continues towards the Estanys de Forcats and reaches the col. The final section follows cairns over poorly marked, steep and occasionally exposed ground to the summit. The descent returns by the same route.

    Activity highlights

    What makes this one special

    Included

    • Professional leadership throughout the ascent and decision-making on the route.

      Ecotour mountain leader
    • Third-party liability and accident insurance during the outing.

      Activity insurance
    • Assessment of experience, equipment and conditions before the date is confirmed.

      Advance preparation
    • Whatever group equipment the guide considers necessary for the conditions.

      Shared safety equipment
    • Included in the activity.

      Public liability and accident insurance

    Not included

    • Travel to the meeting point in Arinsal.

      Transport
    • Water and food for the whole day.

      Food and drink
    • Footwear, rucksack, technical clothing and personal mountain gear.

      Personal equipment

    Additional information

    • Meeting point

      Arinsal, at the Comapedrosa Natural Park car park. The final location and time are confirmed when the outing is confirmed.

    • Price on request

      We do not publish an unconfirmed rate. The final price depends on the group and the organisational conditions of the requested date.

    • High-mountain conditions

      Lingering snow, wind and the condition of the rock can change the plan, even in the usual season. We check the specific forecast before the outing.

    • Before you book

      Before accepting the request, we go over your recent climbs, your confidence using your hands and your tolerance of exposure with you.

    Before you set off

    What to bring

    Hiking boots

    Mountain footwear

    Boots with good support and a reliable sole for rock, scree and a long descent.

    Water bottle and snacks for the route

    Water and food

    A 20-30 litre rucksack with enough water and food for the whole day.

    Warm layers and waterproofs for rain and wind

    Layered clothing

    A warm layer, a waterproof and wind protection, even when a settled forecast is expected.

    Map, compass and personal items for the route

    Protection and safety

    Sun cream, a cap, sunglasses, a head torch and any additional equipment the guide specifies.

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

    Caring for the environment

    Good practice

    In the Comapedrosa Natural Park

    • You stay on the path network and follow the guide's instructions on the unmarked final section.
    • You take all your rubbish home and do not pick plants, stones or anything else from the landscape.
    • You watch wildlife from a distance, without feeding it or disturbing the peace of the park.
    • You keep your dog on a lead if the guide confirms it can come, and respect the livestock grazing in the area.

    At refuges and lakes

    • You leave unstaffed huts clean and in better condition than you found them.
    • You do not use soap or toiletries in lakes, streams or springs.
    • You avoid shortcuts that erode the slopes and do not disturb the cairns that mark the route.

    Frequently asked questions

    What people ask us

    01Why is it considered a very difficult ascent?

    Because the final section leaves the clearly marked path, crosses steep and exposed terrain and forces you to use your hands in places. Visit Andorra rates it as very difficult and describes it as the most technical of Andorra's summits over 2,900 metres.

    02Where does the Pic de Medacorba ascent start?

    The official route starts in Arinsal, at the Comapedrosa Natural Park car park. The exact point and time are confirmed when the outing is confirmed.

    03Can I book a fixed date?

    It is organised on request. Before confirming, we review experience, group size, snow, weather and the condition of the terrain.

    04What is the correct altitude of Medacorba?

    The official Visit Andorra route guide puts the summit at 2,913 metres. Other maps give 2,914 or 2,915 metres; we use the figure from the official Andorran route sheet.

    Gallery

    Moments from the activity

    Reviews

    What people who have done our activities say

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