Guided Walking Holiday

The Heart of the Pyrenees

Q: Where do you pick up from, and what time are your transfers?

Transfers for all guided trips are included in the cost of the trip. We pick up from Zaragoza Delicias train station at 12:00 midday and from Zaragoza airport to meet the Ryanair flight from Stansted. Return drop-off is at 11:45am at the train station or at the airport.

Q: Can I arrive by train instead of flying?

Yes. High-speed AVE trains from Madrid and Barcelona arrive at Zaragoza Delicias. Please ensure you arrive in Zaragoza Delicias for the midday transfer.

Q: Can I make my own way to Benasque?

Yes — you’re welcome to drive or arrange your own transport. We’ll confirm check-in times and parking options, and there is free, safe parking at the hotel.

Q: Where will I stay during the holiday?

You’ll stay at Hotel Ciria, a charming, family-run hotel in the heart of Benasque, celebrated for its traditional stone-and-wood architecture, warm hospitality, and the renowned regional cuisine of its restaurant, El Fogaril.

Q: Which meals are included in the price?

Breakfasts, picnic lunches on walking days, and all evening meals are included. The only meal not included is lunch on the rest day.

Guided walking from Benasque, in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park

High mountain trails, dramatic peaks and views towards Aneto and Posets

★★★★★ 13 trusted reviews from our guests

Guided hiking

7 nights

Dual level

Single centre

High mountain walking from Benasque,
in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park

The Heart of the Pyrenees is a classic guided walking holiday based in Benasque, one of the great mountain villages of the Spanish Pyrenees. Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, including Aneto, the highest peak in the Pyrenees, it’s a superb base for high mountain scenery, alpine meadows, pine forests and glacial valleys.

Each day there are two guided walking options, so you can choose the level that suits you — a gentler route with time to enjoy the scenery, or a longer, higher walk for those wanting a more challenging day in the mountains.

Read guest reviews of this holiday →

Heart of the Pyrenees

7-night guided walking holiday
in the Spanish Pyrenees

€1,999
per person

Single supplement: €199

2027 Dates & availability

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Overview

7-night guided walking holiday
Dual-level walking, with two guided walks offered each day
Level 2 to Level 4 — Moderate to Strenuous
Based in Benasque, known as the Chamonix of the Pyrenees
Walk beneath Aneto and Posets, the two highest peaks in the Pyrenees
Explore the mountains, valleys and lakes of the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park

Aneto peak area guided hiking holiday Heart of the Pyrenees is a guided walking holiday based in the mountain town of Benasque, one of the finest walking centres in the Spanish Pyrenees. Often described as the Chamonix of the Pyrenees, the valley is surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the range, including Aneto and Posets, the first and second highest peaks in the Pyrenees.

Our local guides will take you into the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, an impressive high-mountain landscape of alpine meadows, glacial valleys, mountain lakes, waterfalls and rugged three-thousand-metre peaks. Depending on the route you choose each day, walks may explore beautiful lower valleys and lakes or climb higher into more dramatic alpine terrain.

One of the highlights of the area is the Forau de Aigualluts, where water from the Aneto glaciers disappears underground through a limestone sinkhole before eventually re-emerging on the northern side of the Pyrenees. It is just one example of the unusual landscapes and geology that make the Benasque Valley such a fascinating place to explore.

Guided hiking holiday in Benasque in the Spanish Pyrenees The terrain around Benasque is generally more alpine than on many of our other dual-level holidays. Even the more moderate routes can include rocky and uneven paths, while the more demanding walks may involve steeper ascents, rougher ground, boulder fields and occasional sections where you will need to use your hands for balance. For this reason, the walking on Heart of the Pyrenees ranges from Level 2 to Level 4, from moderate mountain walking through to more strenuous high-level routes.

The two-route format gives you flexibility throughout the week. On some days you may prefer a steadier walk through the valleys, forests and mountain lakes; on others you may choose a longer day with more ascent and more rugged terrain. The guides will explain both options each morning, so you can decide which route best suits you that day.

Benasque

Benasque is the historic capital of the valley and has long been an important centre for exploring the surrounding mountains. The old quarter retains much of its traditional Pyrenean character, with narrow streets, stone buildings and historic houses around Plaza Mayor, alongside a newer part of town with shops, cafés, bars and restaurants.

Among the town’s historic buildings are Casa Faure, Casa Juste and the Palace of the Counts of Ribagorza, while the church of Santa María reflects architectural styles developed over several centuries. Benasque combines plenty of local character with the facilities of a lively mountain town, making it a very comfortable base for the week.

Two guided walking options each day

Each walking day we offer two guided routes, allowing you to choose between a more moderate option and a more demanding mountain day. Across the week, the walks range from Level 2 to Level 4.

The more moderate routes still involve proper mountain walking and can include rocky and uneven paths, steady climbs and several hours on your feet. The more strenuous options are longer, steeper and more alpine, often crossing rougher terrain and occasionally involving boulder fields, short sections of easy scrambling or narrow mountain paths.

You do not need to choose one level for the whole holiday. The guides will describe the routes and conditions each morning, and you can switch between the two options during the week depending on how you are feeling and the type of walk you would like to do.

Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary. The exact walks may change depending on weather, trail conditions and the preferences of the group. Each walking day we offer two guided options, generally ranging from moderate mountain walking through to more strenuous high-level routes.

Day 1 – Arrival in Benasque

Arrive in Benasque following the transfer from Zaragoza. Once everyone is settled in, we’ll have a short welcome briefing and introduce you to the plans for the week ahead.

Day 2 – Estós Valley

Lower-level option: Estós Valley

Our first walk explores the beautiful Estós Valley, following the valley beneath high peaks through forests, open meadows and alongside the river. It is a lovely introduction to the landscapes of the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, although the walking is already more mountainous than on some of our other dual-level holidays.

Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) · Ascent: 600 m (1,968 ft)

Walking in the Estós Valley near Benasque

Higher-level option: Ibón de Batisielles

The higher route climbs further into the Estós Valley to reach the beautiful glacial lakes of Batisielles. Surrounded by forest, granite peaks and high mountain scenery, it is one of the classic landscapes of the Benasque area and a rewarding first full mountain day.

Distance: 16 km (10 miles) · Ascent: 980 m (3,215 ft)

Day 3 – Literola and Remuñe Valleys

Lower-level option: Ibón de Remuñe

This scenic route explores the Remuñe Valley, following mountain paths beside streams and waterfalls towards the high lake of Remuñe. The surrounding three-thousand-metre peaks create a wonderfully wild setting, with increasingly alpine scenery as we gain height.

Distance: 9.15 km (5.7 miles) · Ascent: 669 m (2,195 ft)

Higher-level option: Tuca Daliú (2,531 m)

A more demanding mountain day takes us towards the summit of Tuca Daliú. The ascent involves steeper and rougher terrain, rewarded by far-reaching views across the surrounding peaks and valleys of the central Pyrenees.

Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) · Ascent: 1,000 m (3,280 ft)

Walking beneath the high peaks around Benasque and Aneto

Day 4 – Llanos del Hospital

Lower-level option: Forau de Aigualluts and Coll del Toro

Starting from the Llanos del Hospital area, we walk through open meadows and glacial scenery to the remarkable Forau de Aigualluts, where meltwater from the Aneto glaciers disappears underground. We continue towards Coll del Toro, close to the border with the Val d’Aran, with excellent views into the high mountains.

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles) · Ascent: 500 m (1,640 ft)

Higher-level option: Tuca Salvaguardia (2,738 m)

From Llanos del Hospital we climb towards the historic border crossing of Portillón de Benás before continuing to the summit of Tuca Salvaguardia. It is a superb viewpoint over the Maladeta massif, including Aneto, and one of the finest panoramas of the week.

Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles) · Ascent: 1,035 m (3,396 ft)

Day 5 – Rest Day in Benasque

After three days in the mountains, today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Breakfast is served until 10:30 am, so a well-earned lie-in is certainly an option.

Benasque has cafés, restaurants, outdoor shops and plenty of places to explore around its historic centre. Your guides can suggest options for the day, and depending on the group there may also be the opportunity to visit some of the attractive villages in the surrounding valley.

Day 6 – Cerler and Paderna

Lower-level option: Three Waterfalls Route

Starting from the village of Cerler, this shorter walk visits one of the prettiest corners of the valley and the three waterfalls of Ardonés, also known locally as the Bom waterfalls. There is the option to extend the route by continuing downhill towards Benasque.

Distance: 6.5 km (4.1 miles) · Ascent: 320 m (1,050 ft)

Higher-level option: Tuca Paderna (2,738 m)

This higher-level route explores the Maladeta area and climbs towards Tuca Paderna, a superb viewpoint over the northern slopes of the massif. There are also excellent views west towards the Remuñe and Gorgutes valleys and across to Perdiguero.

Distance: 9.4 km (5.8 miles) · Ascent: 750 m (2,460 ft) · Descent: 950 m (3,120 ft)

Day 7 – Sierra Negra

Guided walking in the high mountains around Benasque

For our final walking day we explore the Sierra Negra, a striking mountain area whose dark rock contrasts dramatically with the granite peaks and green valleys around it.

Lower-level option: Ibones de Vallibierna

From the Refugio de Pescadores we follow part of the GR11 through the Vallibierna Valley. The route climbs gradually through varied mountain terrain towards the beautiful Ibones de Vallibierna, with excellent views of the surrounding peaks and lakes.

Distance: 9.6 km (6 miles) · Ascent: 581 m (1,906 ft)

Higher-level option: Sierra Negra Circuit

A strenuous final mountain day takes us onto the Sierra Negra ridge. After the initial climb, the route follows a succession of summits and undulations along the ridge, with spectacular views towards the Maladeta massif and Aneto.

Distance: 14.28 km (8.9 miles) · Ascent: 1,039 m (3,408 ft)

Day 8 – Departure

After breakfast, we leave Benasque for the return transfer to Zaragoza Airport or Zaragoza-Delicias train station.

Heart of the Pyrenees
2027 Dates & Prices

This holiday runs Saturday to Saturday.
18 – 25 September 2027

Price

1999 € per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room.
199 € single room supplement.

Included

7 nights at Hotel Ciria in Benasque
Breakfast each morning
5 days of fully guided walking, with two guided walks to choose from each day
Picnic lunches on each walking day
Three-course evening meals on all 7 nights, including the rest day
Arrival and departure transfers from Zaragoza-Delicias train station or Zaragoza Airport
Transport to and from the walks each day

Not included

Flights, insurance, drinks with evening meals and lunch on the rest day.

Getting to the Pyrenees

Transfers are included from Zaragoza-Delicias train station and Zaragoza Airport on the arrival and departure days.

For Heart of the Pyrenees we operate one combined transfer, collecting guests from Zaragoza-Delicias first and then Zaragoza Airport before continuing to Benasque.

By train – Zaragoza-Delicias

Zaragoza is well connected by high-speed train from both Barcelona and Madrid. You can travel via either city and take a high-speed train to Zaragoza-Delicias.

Our arrival pick-up from Zaragoza-Delicias is at 15:00. Please arrange a train that arrives in Zaragoza in good time for this transfer.

On the final day, we drop off at Zaragoza-Delicias at approximately 12:30.

Both RENFE and Iryo operate high-speed services between Zaragoza and Barcelona and Madrid. Journey times are typically around 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on the service.

By air – London Stansted to Zaragoza

There are direct Ryanair flights between London Stansted and Zaragoza on Saturdays. Our arrival pick-up from Zaragoza Airport is at 15:30, after which we continue to Benasque.

On the final day, we drop off at Zaragoza Airport at approximately 13:00.

2027 Saturday flight times:
London Stansted 11:30 → Zaragoza 14:45
Zaragoza 15:20 → London Stansted 16:25

For more information about travelling to Zaragoza, please see our getting here page. If you would like help choosing suitable flights or trains, please drop us an email and we’ll be happy to help.

Hotel Ciria

Heart of the Pyrenees is based at Hotel Ciria, a welcoming mountain hotel in the heart of Benasque. The hotel reflects the traditional architecture of the Aragonese Pyrenees, with exposed wooden beams, stone walls and a warm, characterful atmosphere.

The hotel has been run by the Ciria family for many years, and their connection with the Benasque Valley is part of what makes the stay special. José María and Dioni know the surrounding mountains intimately, and the hotel has a strong local feel, rooted in the customs, landscapes and food of the valley.

At the heart of the hotel is its traditional fogaril, a high-Aragonese fireplace set beneath a granite dome and surrounded by hand-carved wooden seating. It’s a lovely place to relax with a drink after a day in the mountains.

Evening meals are served at the hotel’s El Fogaril Restaurant, where regional cooking and local ingredients are an important part of the experience. After a day exploring the Benasque Valley, it’s a comfortable and atmospheric base to return to each evening.

Hotel Ciria in Benasque

Traditional room at Hotel Ciria

El Fogaril Restaurant at Hotel Ciria

Traditional interior at Hotel Ciria

Hotel Ciria dining room in Benasque

Hotel Ciria bathroom in the Pyrenees

Frequently Asked Questions

Hike Pyrenees Trip Guarantee

Are your trips guaranteed to run?

Yes — all Hike Pyrenees holidays are guaranteed to run. Once you book, your trip is confirmed.

Travel & Transfers to Benasque

Where do you pick up from, and what time are your transfers?

Transfers are included from Zaragoza-Delicias train station and Zaragoza Airport on the arrival and departure days. For Heart of the Pyrenees, we pick up from Zaragoza-Delicias at 15:00 and Zaragoza Airport at 15:30 before continuing to Benasque. On the final day, we drop off at Zaragoza-Delicias at approximately 12:30 and Zaragoza Airport at approximately 13:00. See our getting here page for more details.

Can I arrive by train instead of flying?

Yes. High-speed trains from Madrid and Barcelona arrive at Zaragoza-Delicias train station, which is one of our included pick-up points. Please make sure your train arrives in Zaragoza in good time for the 15:00 group transfer.

Which airport should I fly to?

Zaragoza Airport is the included airport pick-up for this holiday. There are direct Ryanair flights from London Stansted to Zaragoza on Saturdays. Flying to Madrid or Barcelona and continuing to Zaragoza by high-speed train can also work well.

Can I make my own way to Benasque?

Yes — you’re welcome to drive or arrange your own transport to Benasque. We’ll confirm check-in information before your holiday. Please contact us if you would like advice about arriving independently.

Accommodation in Benasque

Where will I stay during the holiday?

You’ll stay at Hotel Ciria, a welcoming family-run mountain hotel in the heart of Benasque. The hotel has plenty of traditional Pyrenean character, with stone and timber interiors, comfortable en-suite rooms and its own El Fogaril Restaurant. Shops, cafés, bars and restaurants are all within easy walking distance.

Can I book a single room?

Yes. Single rooms are available for a supplement. The 2027 single supplement is 199 €.

Is there Wi-Fi at the hotel?

Yes — free Wi-Fi is available at the hotel.

Are room upgrades available?

Yes. Hotel Ciria has upgraded room options, including premium rooms and a two-storey suite. Please contact us to check prices and availability.

Meals & Dietary Requirements

Which meals are included in the price?

Breakfast is included each morning, together with picnic lunches on the five walking days and evening meals on all seven nights. The only meal not included is lunch on the rest day.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary requirements can usually be catered for with advance notice. Please let us know when you book.

What are the evening meals like?

Three-course evening meals are served at Hotel Ciria’s El Fogaril Restaurant, with a choice of starters, main courses and desserts. Regional cooking and local ingredients are an important part of the restaurant’s style.

Walking Levels & Fitness

How difficult are the walks?

Heart of the Pyrenees offers walking from Level 2 to Level 4, ranging from moderate to strenuous. The Benasque Valley is one of the highest and most alpine areas of the Pyrenees, so even the more moderate routes can involve rocky and uneven paths, sustained climbs and proper mountain terrain. The more demanding walks are longer and steeper, with rougher ground, boulder fields and occasional sections of easy scrambling or narrow mountain paths. For this reason, Heart of the Pyrenees is a little more demanding overall than some of our other dual-level holidays.

Can I switch between the two walking options?

Yes — you do not need to choose one level for the whole week. The guides will explain both routes and the conditions each morning, and you can choose whichever walk best suits you that day.

How fit do I need to be?

You should be a regular walker with a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable walking for several hours on mountain paths. For the more strenuous routes you will need good stamina, confidence on rocky and uneven terrain and experience of longer mountain days.

What distances and ascents should I expect?

The exact distances and ascents vary considerably because of the mountain terrain. On the sample itinerary, the more moderate routes are generally around 6.5–12 km with approximately 320–670 metres of ascent. The more strenuous routes are generally around 9–16 km with approximately 750–1,050 metres of ascent. The terrain can make these walks feel harder than the figures alone suggest, particularly where paths are rocky or uneven.

Are any of the walks exposed or technically difficult?

These are walking routes rather than technical mountaineering routes, but some of the more strenuous options can include rocky ground, boulder fields, narrow mountain paths, short exposed sections and occasional easy scrambling. The more moderate routes avoid the most difficult terrain, although rocky and uneven paths are still common around Benasque. Your guides will explain both options before each walk.

Group & Guiding

How big are the groups?

Groups are small and friendly, usually around 12 to 16 people in total. The group divides between the two walks each day, so the individual walking groups are normally smaller depending on how everyone chooses to split.

Who leads the walks?

All walks are led by members of the Hike Pyrenees guiding team. They are experienced, fully qualified English-speaking guides who know the Pyrenees, their wildlife, history, legends and landscapes.

Is this holiday suitable for solo travellers?

Yes — many of our guests travel alone, and the small-group format makes the holiday very sociable.

Packing & Equipment

What should I bring?

Sturdy, comfortable walking boots, a waterproof jacket, warm layers, sun protection, a daypack and a refillable water bottle are essential. The terrain around Benasque is frequently rocky and uneven, so supportive footwear with a good sole is particularly important.

Can I borrow trekking poles?

Yes. We can lend you trekking poles for no extra cost, and they can be particularly useful on the steeper and rockier terrain around Benasque.

Booking & Practicalities

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes — insurance covering accidents in the mountains and illness is compulsory. Your policy must cover hiking in mountainous terrain. We also strongly recommend general travel insurance covering flight delays, lost luggage and cancellation due to injury or illness before you travel.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel your trip, the deposit of 125 € per person is non-refundable. If you have paid your balance and cancel with 7 weeks’ notice or more, we will refund 50%. If you cancel with less than 7 weeks’ notice, no refund will be made. Travel insurance will often cover cancellation costs when you need to cancel because of illness or injury.

Can I extend my stay?

Yes — let us know when booking and we can help arrange extra nights in Benasque or Zaragoza. Benasque is a lovely place to spend some extra time in the mountains, while Zaragoza makes an excellent stop before or after the holiday and has plenty of history, restaurants and sights to explore.

Trip-Specific Questions

What makes Heart of the Pyrenees special?

Heart of the Pyrenees explores one of the highest and most dramatic parts of the Spanish Pyrenees. Benasque sits between the Maladeta and Posets massifs, with Aneto and Posets — the two highest peaks in the Pyrenees — forming part of the spectacular mountain backdrop. The holiday combines high valleys, mountain lakes, waterfalls and alpine landscapes with the flexibility of two guided walking options each day.

Which classic routes might we walk?

Depending on weather and trail conditions, walks may explore the Estós, Remuñe and Vallibierna valleys, the lakes of Batisielles, Forau de Aigualluts, Coll del Toro and the Llanos del Hospital area. Higher-level options may include summits such as Tuca Salvaguardia, Tuca Paderna or Tuca Daliú, as well as the Sierra Negra. The exact itinerary remains flexible so the guides can choose the best walks for the group and conditions.

How long are the transfers to each walk?

Many of the walks begin within the Benasque Valley and are reached by relatively short transfers. Some routes involve a longer drive or local access arrangements depending on the trailhead and time of year. Your guides will explain the arrangements for the following day during the evening briefing.

Will we see wildlife?

The Benasque Valley is home to griffon vultures, bearded vultures, marmots, chamois and a wide variety of alpine flowers. The area also has some fascinating geological features, including the Forau de Aigualluts, where water from the Aneto glaciers disappears underground before eventually emerging on the northern side of the Pyrenees.

What is the Forau de Aigualluts?

The Forau de Aigualluts is one of the best-known natural features of the Benasque Valley. Water flowing from the Aneto glaciers disappears into a large limestone sinkhole and travels underground beneath the mountains before eventually re-emerging on the northern side of the Pyrenees. It is an extraordinary sight and one of the places we may visit during the week.

Private Group Bookings

Can you run Heart of the Pyrenees for a private group?

Yes. We can run the Heart of the Pyrenees itinerary as a bespoke holiday for private groups, with dates arranged to suit the group. Please contact us with approximate numbers and preferred dates if you are interested.