Itinerary

During the week we explore several of the most spectacular walking areas in and around Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, from the immense cliffs of the Ordesa Valley to quieter hanging valleys, forests, waterfalls and high alpine meadows.

Each walking day we offer a choice of two guided walks: a lower-level option at a relaxed pace, and a higher-level option for those who would like a more challenging mountain day. You can decide each day which walk to join, and it’s no problem to switch between the options during the week.

The lower-level walks are generally around 10–17 km (6–10.5 miles), with approximately 300–500 metres (1,000–1,650 ft) of ascent. These routes tend to follow good mountain paths through forests, valleys and alpine meadows, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.

The higher-level walks are generally around 10–20 km (6–12.5 miles), with approximately 600–800 metres (2,000–2,600 ft) of ascent. These walks head higher into the mountains and may involve steeper climbs, rougher paths and occasional exposed sections.

Distances, ascents and route details are given as a guide. This is a sample itinerary and the exact walks may change depending on the weather, trail conditions and the ability and preferences of the group.

Day 1 – Arrival in Torla

Arrive in Torla from Zaragoza and settle into the hotel. In the evening, we’ll have a short briefing over a snack to talk through the week, answer any questions and explain how the two walking options work.

Day 2 – Ordesa Valley

Lower-level route: Camino de Turieto

A superb introduction to the area along a quiet, ancient path leading almost directly from the hotel into the Ordesa Valley. The route passes through beautiful beech woods, with excellent views towards the enormous limestone cliffs of Ordesa.

Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles) · Ascent: 400 m (1,320 ft)

Higher-level route: Faja Racón

One of the classic walks in Ordesa. We first climb towards the Circo de Carriata before contouring beneath the immense cliffs of the valley. It is a wonderful route for appreciating the scale of Ordesa, with superb views across the canyon throughout the walk.

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles) · Ascent: 600 m (1,970 ft)

Day 3 – Bujaruelo, Otal and Ordiso

Lower-level route: Valle de Otal

Starting at Bujaruelo, we turn into a beautiful hanging valley and walk into an extensive area of high alpine meadow. In early summer this is a wonderful place for wildflowers, including alpine forget-me-nots, orchids and fritillaries.

Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles) · Ascent: 400 m (1,320 ft)

Higher-level route: Ordiso and Otal circuit

This wonderful circular route explores two hanging valleys linked by a high mountain pass. There are superb views north towards Vignemale and east towards the peaks of Gabieto, with a great variety of scenery throughout the day.

Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles) · Ascent: 800 m (2,630 ft)

Day 4 – The Ordesa Valley and Faja de Pelay

Lower-level route: The Ordesa Valley

We walk along the floor of the Ordesa Valley through ancient beech and silver fir woods, passing a series of waterfalls with the sheer cliffs of Ordesa rising above us on both sides. As the woodland opens, we get superb views towards Monte Perdido at the head of the valley.

Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles) · Ascent: 450 m (1,480 ft)

Higher-level route: Faja de Pelay

A steep climb takes us high above the valley to one of Ordesa’s great balcony paths. From here there are spectacular views across the canyon towards the Brèche de Roland, the string of 3,000-metre peaks along the French border and Monte Perdido.

Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles) · Ascent: 750 m (2,460 ft)

Day 5 – Rest day and Aínsa

After a relaxed start, we drive to the nearby town of Aínsa, a beautiful medieval town at the meeting point of the Ara and Cinca rivers. Its historic old quarter sits on a hilltop with wonderful views across the surrounding countryside towards Peña Montañesa.

We’ll visit the Eco Museum to learn about the conservation of the bearded vulture and other Pyrenean wildlife, before exploring the old town and the church of Santa María. There will also be some free time before finishing our visit with a tapas lunch and returning to Torla.

Day 6 – Añisclo and Pelopín

Lower-level route: Añisclo Canyon

Añisclo is another of the national park’s spectacular valleys. Waterfalls cascade down the steep cliffs on either side of the canyon as we walk through woodland alongside the Río Bellós. Keep an eye on the skies for griffon vultures and, with luck, a bearded vulture circling on the thermals.

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

Higher-level route: Pelopín

Starting close to the hotel, we climb through woodland and alpine meadows to the summit of Pelopín. From the top there are superb views into the Ordesa Valley and across towards the line of 3,000-metre peaks along the French border.

Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles) · Ascent: 750 m (2,460 ft)

Day 7 – The rim of Ordesa

Lower-level route: The rim of Ordesa

A 4×4 transfer takes us high into the meadows above the Ordesa Canyon. From here we walk along the rim of the valley, enjoying spectacular views down into the canyon and across to the surrounding peaks, before taking the 4×4 back down.

Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles) · Ascent: 300 m (990 ft)

Higher-level route: Ordesa and Añisclo

A 4×4 transfer saves more than 1,200 metres of ascent and allows us to begin high above the Ordesa Valley. From here we cross alpine meadows towards Añisclo Canyon, with spectacular bird’s-eye views throughout the day. It is a superb finale to the week’s walking.

Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles) · Ascent: 460 m (1,510 ft) · Descent: 1,330 m (4,360 ft)

Day 8 – Departure

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