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Discover Ordesa

Explore the spectacular Ordesa National Park

Dual level guided holiday

Choose from two hikes each day – an easier and a harder option

Wonderful cliff hugging paths

 And alpine meadows for those who prefer their feet on solid ground

Discover Ordesa

Wonderful cliff hugging paths

Dual level guided holiday

Guided hiking

7 nights

Dual level

Single centre

Discover Ordesa

7 night guided walking holiday

  • 7 night guided walking holiday
  • Dual level – two guided walks offered each day
  • Magnificent hiking in the Ordesa National Park
  • 4* hotel with pool

The spectacular Ordesa National Park is one of the highlights of the Pyrenees. This guided walking holiday explores the incredible diversity of the park, from it’s deep canyons to it’s high alpine meadows.

Walking Faja de las flores Ordesa National Park

Walking Faja de las flores Ordesa National Park

We offer two guided walking options each day -a lower level (grade 1 or 2) walk and a higher level option (grade 3 or 4). Perfect if you fancy doing a couple of longer walks but don’t want to commit to a whole week of long hikes or for couples where one partner likes to walk farther than the other.

The holiday is based at the four star Hotel Ordesa which is ideally located for walkers at the entrance to the Ordesa Valley just outside Torla. The hotel has excellent facilities including an outdoor pool and garden area.

The Ordesa Valley is Spain’s oldest protected area and was made a UNESCO world heritage site in 1996 due to it’s incredible diversity of flora and fauna with many rare species found there including the lammergeier and the illusive desman.

These walks explore the Ordesa National Park and it’s immediate surroundings. This is a sample itinerary and the exact routes will depend on conditions and the kind of walks the group would like to do.

Sunday -Torla

Arrive in Torla from Zaragoza in the evening. On arrival we’ll have a short briefing over a snack.

Monday

Low level: Camino de Turieto
A superb introduction to the area along a quiet, ancient path from straight from the hotel into the Ordesa Valley passing through beautiful beech woods with excellent views of the cliffs of Ordesa.
Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles). Ascent: +/- 400 (1320 feet)
High level: Faja RaconFaja Rascon Ordesa National Park
Wonderful hike around the base of the cliffs of Ordesa. First we climb into the Circo de Corrieta before contouring around the cliffs. One of the best hikes for getting a sense of the scale of the valley.
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles). Ascent: +/- 600 m (1970 feet)

Tuesday

Low level: Valle de Otal
Starting at Bujaruelo we turn into a hanging valley to discover a beautiful high alpine meadow where we find fields of alpine forget-me-nots  and some of the rarer orchids and fritillaries.
Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles). Ascent: +/- 400 m (1320 feet)

Discover Ordesa Guided Walking Holiday

High level: Ordiso/Otal circuit
This wonderful circular walk takes in two hanging valleys linked by a high pass. Great views north to Vignemale and east to the peaks of Gabieto.
Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles). Ascent: +/- 800 m (2630 feet)

Wednesday

Low level: The Ordesa Valley
A walk along the floor of the Ordesa Valley. We pass through ancient beech and silver pine woods, past several waterfalls, with the sheer cliffs of Ordesa rising above us on both sides. The woodland gives way to give fantastic views of the 3000m Monte Perdido at the head of the valley.
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles). Ascent: +/- 450 m (1480 feet)

Faja Rascon Ordesa Valley

High level: Ordesa – Faja de Pelay
A steep climb leads us to a spectacular path high on the cliffs of Ordesa. Stunning views of the Breche de Roland, the string of 3000m peaks on the border and Monte Perdido.
Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles). Ascent: +/- 750 m (2460 feet)

Thursday – Rest Day

Aínsa square - Plaza Mayor -

Around 10 am, we’ll meet and drive to the nearby town of Ainsa, mediaeval town lies at the convergence of the Ara and Cinca rivers. It’s fascinating old quarter sits perched upon a hilltop with commanding views of the countryside and of the cliffs of Peña Montañesa.
We’ll visit the Ecomuseum to learn about the bearded vulture conservation program and the Pyrenean wildlife. Following this we’ll visit the church of Santa Maria, have some free time in the town
and finish with a tapas lunch before heading back to Torla.

Friday

Low level: The Añisclo Canyon
Another of the parks spectacular valleys. Waterfalls cascade down the steep cliffs that rise on each side of the canyon. We walk through woodland alongside the Rio Bellós watching overhead for griffon vultures and perhaps a lammergeier circling on the thermals.
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles). Ascent: +/- 500 m (1640 feet)
High level: Pelopín
From the hotel we climb through woods and alpine meadows to a peak with superb views into the Ordesa valley and over the string of 3000m peaks on the French border.
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles). Ascent: +/- 750 m (2460 feet)

Saturday

Low level: The rim of Ordesa
A 4×4 takes us high into the meadows above the Ordesa Canyon. From there we walk along the rim of the canyon for spectacular views before catching the 4×4 back down to the hotel.
Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles). Ascent: +/- 300 m (990 feet)

Discover Ordesa Guided Walking Holiday

High level: Ordesa and Añisclo
Taking a 4×4 for over 1200m ascent allows us to first walk above the Ordesa Valley before crossing over alpine meadows to the Añisclo Canyon for more spectacular views. An absolutely stunning day with birds-eye views throughout.
Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles). Ascent: 460 m (1510 feet), descent: 1330 m (4360 feet)

Sunday – Torla

Leave Torla after breakfast for your transfer back to Zaragoza airport or train station.

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Discover Ordesa

2025 Dates

Sunday 15 – 22 June
Sunday 13 – 20 July
Sunday 21 – 28 July

Price

1699 per person (based on two sharing a double or twin room)
180 single supplement

Included

7 nights in 4* Hotel Ordesa
5 days fully guided walking (choice of two walks each day)
7 x Breakfast each morning
5 x Picnic lunches each walking day
6 x 3 course evening meals each night (excluding rest day)
Transfers to and from Zaragoza train station or airport and to the walks each day

Not included

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

Getting to the Pyrenees

From the UK

There are direct flights from London Stansted to Zaragoza. Flight times are as follows:
Depart Stansted 13:50, arrive Zaragoza 17:05
Depart Zaragoza 17:40, arrive Stansted 18:45

You can also fly to Barcelona or Madrid and can catch the AVE fast train to Zaragoza. We pick up at 12:00 midday from Zaragoza train station. Zaragoza has regular direct trains from both Barcelona and Madrid. Trains are roughly every hour and the journey takes 1 hour 30 minutes from either.

Trains that fit well with our arrival transfer are:
Depart Barcelona Sants 10:00 am, arrive Zaragoza Delicias 11:42
or depart Madrid Atocha 10:30 am, arrive Zaragzoa Delicias 11:44

On the return journey, we drop off at the train station at 11:45 am, for the following trains:
Depart Zaragoza Delicias 12:37, arrive Barcelona Sants 14:19
or depart Zaragoza Delicias 12:26, arrive Madrid Atocha 13:45

From outside Europe

Most of our guests from outside of Europe fly via Barcelona or Madrid, combing a stay in one of these two excellent cities with their walking holiday. From either city there are excellent rail links to Zaragoza.
See more travel options and details on our getting here page.

 

4* Hotel Ordesa

The holiday is based in the Hotel Ordesa just outside of Torla – a superb location on the borders of the national park with views into the valley.

The four star hotel has excellent facilities including a restaurant, café bar, reading room and a comfortable lounge with card tables and a log fire.There is a mixture of twin, doubles and family rooms all with en-suite bathrooms.

The Hotel Ordesa has a spa with a steam room, jacuzzi and an on-site masseuse with a full range of treatments available (there is a charge for use of the spa facilities).

Three course meals are served in the restaurant each evening and you have a choice of starters, main course and dessert. On the evening of the rest day we visit Ainsa for tapas. Lunch and evening meal on the rest day is not included.

The hotel is in a tranquil location 15 minutes walk from the village of Torla.

Read more about Hotel Ordesa

Hotel Ordesa - Front door
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The Ordesa National Park

The Ordesa Valley was pronounced a national park by Royal Decree on the 13 July 1918 and is the oldest protected area in Spain.

Initially the park was just 21 square kilometres.

In 1982 the parks borders were extended to include the Añisclo Canyon, the Perdido massif and the head of the Pineta Valley increasing the protected area to 156 square kilometres.

The park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 in recognition of it’s diverse flora and fauna and it’s outstanding natural beauty.

Torla

Known as the gateway to Ordesa Torla makes an ideal base from which to explore the national park.

Torla’s a pretty village with stone houses, small plazas and it’s winding streets have the cliffs of Ordesa as a backdrop. There’s a good choice of bars, restaurants, shops and a small supermarket.

The church of San Salvador is the most important historical monument in Torla. It’s origins are Romanesque with the tower and west walls dating from the 13th century. During 16th century the church was expanded to meet the demands of the growing population of the village.

Records from this time give details of rich  decorations in the church such as an altarpiece dedicated to San Miguel and a large gothic cross. Unfortunately all these were destroyed during the Spanish Civil War (1936-39) and currently the church has baroque decorations dating from the 17th and 18th century.

Alongside the church is a small ‘castle’ – now not much more than a fortified house. The castle began as a defensive tower that was built in the late 13th century to guard against attacks from France.

The tower stood to the east of the castle building and the name of Torla is derived from this tower. It was part of a defensive system in the Ara valley that includes the castle at Ainsa and the defensive towers in Oto and Fiscal.

The castle is now small ethnological museum with displays on the traditional jobs and customs of the area.

 

Frequently asked questions

Where do you pick up from?

Pick ups are from either Zaragoza train station at 12 midday, or Zaragoza airport to meet the Ryan Air flight from Stansted. We drop off the following Sunday at either 11:45 am at Zaragoza train station or at the airport for the flight to Stansted. See our getting here page for more details.

Which meals are included in the price?

Breakfasts and evening meals are included every day (including breakfast on the final Sunday). Picnic lunches are provided each hiking day. The only meals that aren’t included is the lunch and evening meal on the rest day.

I have vertigo - are all of the paths very exposed?

Although Ordesa is famous for a couple of cliff hugging paths these can be easily avoided during the week. Each morning the guides will talk through the two hiking options and will highlight any exposed sections. None of the easy hikes pass exposed sections but two or three of the harder hikes will have short vertiginous sections.

Can you change between the easy and hard walks during the week

Yes – each morning the guides will talk through the two routes on offer and you can choose which hike you’d like to join. It’s no problem to switch between the easy and harder routes during the week.

What level is each hike?

Low level: walks are a relaxed pace on good paths and there’s plenty of time to take in the scenary around you. Paths are good and not too step.High level: long days in the high mountains. These routes are steep in places and we venture into rockier and rougher terrain. Somo routes have sections of easy scrambling.

 

Here’s feedback from guests on our Discover Ordesa guided walking holiday. Thanks to everyone that has sent feedback – if you’ve not mailed us any comments yet please do and we’ll add them.


Both walk leaders were excellent, well informed on wildlife and plants. They were careful and considerate on individual walkers’ needs and capabilities.
Kate, Discover Ordesa, July 2019

We had a wonderful time with Hike Pyrenees and the guides were some of the best we have ever had, the office staff and questions asked were answered promptly and gave us the information we needed.  We are sorry we have not been in touch sooner to let you know.  The hotel was super to stay in – not too fussy and a good base. We shall spread the word about Hike Pyrenees to our walking friends.   
Ros & Dave, Discover Ordesa, September 2019

Hike Pyrenees guides not only are very knowledgeable in the area’s natura and history by also have great personalities, adding to the days enjoyment.
Melody, Discover Ordesa, September 2018.

A very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Work hard to please.
Jim, Discover Ordesa, September 2018.

Great countryside + walk. Super people. Well organised.
Michael, Discover Ordesa, September 2018.

We loved our week here. Spectacular scenery – some of the most beautiful in the world. Our guides, Juanma + David were superstars – very knowledgeable + patient with slower walkers. They obviously love the Pyrenees + their jobs as guides.
Sally & Mark, Discover Ordesa, September 2018.

Well organized treks with extremely knowledgeable and patient. Particularly appreciated the choice of two hikes each day.
Molly, Discover Ordesa, September 2018.

We were very impressed by the overall organisation of the holiday. The guides were very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna.
Loran, Discover Ordesa, September 2018.

This week in Torla / Ordesa has been so wonderful. Breathtaking scenery gently guided by kind, knowledgeable and funny guides. Stayed in great accommodation with a calm soothing vibe. Would absolutely come back.
Madeline, Discover Ordesa, September 2018.

As is often said, “go before Hike Pyrenees is fully discovered!!” A superb business and leisure model. Thanks to Phil and staff.
Terry & Kathy, Discover Ordesa, June 2018.

This is my 3rd trip with Hike Pyrenees and once again, it did not disappoint. The hotel was great, the hikes were stunning, and more importantly, Juanma, David and Hannah were excellent guides, very friendly and very knowledgeable about the area, wildlife and geology of the Pyrenees. I couldn’t recommend Hike Pyrenees more highly and I will hopefully book another trip next year. Thank you for a fabulous holiday!
Clare, Discover Ordesa, June 2018.

Hike Pyrenees are great (our 4th trip); wonderful walks, great locations and very caring, helpful, expert guiding. Thank you Hannah, Juanma and David.
Jim & Barbara, Discover Ordesa, June 2018.

Well led by knowledgeable & very helpful guides, who when out of their way to make sure everyone was happy! Great variety of walks in a superb area.
Discover Ordesa, June 2018.

A fabulous week of walking. The guides were all great, looking after us very well and giving us lots of internship facts. Enjoyable company.
Stephen & Gillain, Discover Ordesa, June 2018.

You get whats in the brochure plus extras.
Kevin & Lyn, Discover Ordesa, June 2018.

 

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Discover Ordesa
Guided walking holiday

2025 Dates:

15 – 22 June
13 – 20 July
21 – 28 September

1699 € per person

To check availability and for more information complete the form below:

Select dates

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We enjoyed the hikes. We can’t say enough about the guides – their competence, knowledge, concern were exemplary.

Eileen & Leo

Discover Ordesa, June 2024

Photos from our Discover Ordesa holiday:

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Location:

Hotel Ordesa

Just outside Torla on the border of the National Park.

Hotel Ordesa front

Hotel Ordesa