Flora & Fauna

The Pyrenees are full of wildlife. The birds of prey are spectacular with Griffon Vultures and Red Kite seen spiralling on thermals every day. The rare Lammergeier and Golden Eagle are occasionally seen along with goshawks and buzzards.

Mammals are a bit more elusive but Sarrios (Chamois) are often seen on quieter paths and the re-introduced marmot now thrives in many valleys. More rarely seen but around are wild boar, fox, badgers, stone martins and adders.

For animal lovers the Parque Faunistico only 10 mins from Panticosa is perfect for your rest day. There you can see close- up lynx, deer, wolves, ibex and other Pyrenean species in large enclosures that you can walk through.

In early summer the alpine meadows and pastures are covered in a blanket of flowers. Crocus and alpine violets bloom in May followed by daffodils and yellow iris. Edelweiss can be found growing in a few places as well as two endemic species - the Pyrenean violet and Pyrenean saxifrage.