Guided hiking
7 nights
Dual level
Single centre
At the foot of Aneto
7 night guided walking holiday
- 7 night guided walking holiday
- Dual level – two guided walks offered each day
- Based in Benasque, known as the Chamonix of the Pyrenees
- Hike under Aneto and Posets – the two highest peaks in the Pyrenees
- Routes explore the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Spanish Pyrenees with this guided itinerary based in the charming town of Benasque. Known as the “Chamonix of the Pyrenees” this area is home to the highest peaks of the Pyrenees, including Aneto, the tallest mountain in the range, and Posets, the second highest. After your hikes, relax in the welcoming atmosphere of the village, with its traditional architecture, charming cafes, and local culture.
Our local guides will show you the best trails of the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park. The scenery is incredible with three thousand-metre peaks rising from alpine meadows. The longer routes will tackle several high peaks during the week. The easier hikes will visit some beautiful valleys, lakes, waterfalls and the ‘Forau de Aigualluts’, a limestone feature where a small river disappears down a cave to finally reemerge on the French side of the range.
Please be aware that the terrain here is alpine and challenging and both the long and shorter hiking options will be on rocky terrain. A bit of clambering over boulders will be needed, particularly on the longer hikes and even the easier hikes are rocky and uneven underfoot in a lot of places. Due to the nature of the terrain in the area, the easier hikes on this itinerary, are a bit harder than the easier hikes on our other dual-level itineraries.
Benasque is the historical capital of its valley and a major tourist hub with a wide range of hotels and services. The town is divided into two distinct areas: the charming old quarter around Plaza Mayor and the Town Hall, and a modern section with newer buildings and shops. Visitors can admire traditional Pyrenean architecture, including Casa Faure, Casa Juste, and the Ribagorza Counts’ Palace. The town’s streets reveal a blend of Gothic and Renaissance heritage, while Saint Mary’s Church displays Romanesque to Gothic styles. Strolling Benasque feels like stepping through layers of history.
Each day, you’ll have the option to choose between two different hiking routes:
Level 5 (Challenging): This demanding route is designed for seasoned hikers with good physical condition and balance. The trail includes steep inclines, rocky ‘paths’, and occasionally, narrow paths with some exposure. That said, the routes are hikes, not scrambles, but you should be happy walking on boulders and rocky terrain.
Level 3 (Moderate): These moderately challenging routes offer a rewarding experience for those with some hiking experience. Trails are well-marked with fewer steeper stretches but with sections of rocky and uneven terrain. Hikers will traverse beautiful landscapes, passing through forests and open meadows, with panoramic views along the way. This level requires good physical fitness and sturdy hiking footwear, suitable for intermediate adventurers eager to explore the natural beauty of the Pyrenees.
//These walks explore the Poset-Maladeta natural park and it’s immediate surroundings. This is a sample itinerary and the exact routes will depend on weather conditions and the kind of walks the group would like to do.
Saturday – Benasque
Arrive in Benasque from Zaragoza in the evening. On arrival we’ll have a short briefing over a snack.
Sunday – Estós Valley
Low level: Estós valley floor
Explore the serene Estós Valley trail, a gentle route along the river, surrounded by lush meadows, forests, and towering peaks—a perfect escape into nature’s tranquility.
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles). Ascent: +/- 600 m (1968 feet)
High level: Ibón de Batisielles
This gentle hike takes you to the stunning Batisielles glacial lake in the Estós Valley, surrounded by soaring peaks and lush greenery. A perfect, relaxed day immersed in natural beauty.
Distance: 16 km (10 miles). Ascent: +/- 980 (3215 feet)
Monday – Literola Valley
Low level: Ibón de Remuñe
This scenic trail leads through the enchanting Remuñe Valley, passing streams and waterfalls on the way to the remote Remuñe Lake, surrounded by stunning 3,000-meter peaks. An uncomplicated hike, perfect for those seeking tranquility in the high mountains.
Distance: 9.15 km (5.68 miles). Ascent: +/- 669 m (2195 feet)
High level: Tuca Daliú (2531 m)
Challenge yourself on the Tuca Daliú route, a rewarding ascent offering sweeping views of rugged peaks and serene valleys—a must for avid hikers seeking Pyrenean panoramas.
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles). Ascent: +/- 1000 m (3280 feet)
Tuesday – Llanos del Hospital
Low level: Forau de Aigualluts and Col del Toro
Today the route offers a stunning journey through lush meadows, glacial landscapes, and the iconic Aigualluts sinkhole, ending at the scenic Collado del Toro with panoramic mountain views of the Val de Arán (Catalan Pyrenees)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles). Ascent: +/- 500 m (1640 feet)
High level: Tuca Salvaguardia (2738 m)
Starting from the Llanos del Hospital, the route ascends to the border pass of Portillón de Benás and soon after reaches the summit of Salvaguardia, a superb viewpoint over the Maladeta massif, home to Aneto
Distance: 15 km (6.8 miles). Ascent: +/- 1035 m (3396 feet)
Wednesday – Rest Day
On your rest day, indulge in a well-deserved lie-in (breakfast is served until 10:30am!) before spending the day relaxing in Benasque. Our guides will offer a few options of what to do and there are several museums, a spa and lots of excellent outdoor shops in the village. There’s also the option to go further afield and we can visit on the pretty villages in the surrounding area.
Thursday
Low level: 3 waterfalls route
A beautiful and easy route starting from the village of Cerler, leading to one of the area’s most picturesque spots, featuring the three waterfalls of Ardonés or Bom. There’s an option to extend the hike by descending directly to Benasque.
Distance: 6.5 km (4.1 miles). Ascent: +/- 320 m (1050 feet)
High level: Tuca Paderna (2738 m)
A hike set in the Maladetas area, offering a superb vantage point of the massif’s northern slopes, as well as the western valleys of Remuñé and Gorgoutes, with views extending as far as Perdiguero.
Distance: 9.4 km (5.8 miles). Ascent: 750 m (2460 feet) / descent: 950 m (3120 feet)
Friday – Sierra Negra
Today we discover La Sierra Negra, a striking mountain range known for its dramatic dark-hued rocks, which contrast beautifully with the surrounding landscape.
Low level: Ibón de Vallibierna
From Refugio de Pescadores we’ll follow the trail, marked as part of the GR 11, passes scenic highlights like the Vallibierna and Llosas lakes. The hike features gradual ascents on varied terrain, with breathtaking views awaiting at the Ibones de Vallibierna.
Distance: 9.6 km (6 miles). Ascent: +/- 581 m (1906 feet)
High level: Sierra Negra circuit
A challenging route up to the ridge, followed by a constant series of ups and downs to reach each summit—but it’s well worth it for the spectacular views of the Maladetas and Aneto
Distance: 14.28 km (8.9 miles). Ascent: +/- 1039 m (3408 feet)
Saturday – Benasque
Leave Benasque after breakfast for your transfer back to Zaragoza airport or train station.
The Heart of the Pyrenees
2025 Dates
Saturday 30 August – 6 September
Price
1699 € per person (based on two sharing a double or twin room) 180 € single supplement
Included
7 nights in Hotel Ciria 5 days fully guided walking (choice of two walks each day)
7 x Breakfast each morning
5 x Picnic lunches each walking day
7 x 3 course evening meals each night (including 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
Transfers are included from Zaragoza train station or airport. This summer, Ryan Air are in dispute with the Spanish airports and have cancelled a lot of the Saturday flights from London Stansted to Zaragoza, therefore our advice is to travel via Barcelona or Madrid and catch the AVE high-speed fast train to Zaragoza Delicias where we will pick you up. The AVE is very comfortable and smooth. Travelling at nearly 300 km/h, the journey from either Barcelona or Madrid takes approximately 1 hr 40 mins and there are trains roughly every hour.
We pick up from Zaragoza Delicias train station at 12:00 midday and drop off the following week at 11:45 am. If you can’t get to Zaragoza for the 12 midday transfer, let us know and we may be able to pick you up later when we pick people up from the airport.
12 Midday Arrival Transfer
Trains that fit well with our 12:00 transfer are:
RENFE trains – the traditional rail company
Depart Barcelona 10:00, arrive Zaragoza 11:42
Depart Madrid 10:30, arrive Zaragoza 11:44
Iryo trains – a new train service, very similar service to RENFE, website more user-friendly
Depart Barcelona 9:50, arrive Zaragoza 11:13
Depart Madrid 10:00, arrive Zaragoza 11:17
11:45 am Departure Transfer
RENFE train – Depart Zaragoza 12:37, arrive Barcelona 14:19
RENFE train – Depart Zaragoza 12:26, arrive Madrid 13:45
For more details of our transfers please see our getting here page. If you need help buying train tickets, please drop us an email and we can help.
There are direct flights from London Stansted to Zaragoza with Ryan Air, on Saturdays and our transfers are timed top meet this flight.
Saturday flight times are as follows:
Depart Stansted 11:50, arrive Zaragoza 15:05
Depart Zaragoza 15:40, arrive Stansted 16:45
Hotel Ciria
The holiday is based in the Hotel Ciria. Hotel Ciria offers a welcoming and homely atmosphere, embodying the traditional architecture of the Aragonese Pyrenees. The exposed wooden beams and stone walls reflect the noble materials of the Benasque Valley.
Its fireplace, set beneath a granite dome and surrounded by hand-carved wooden seating, makes it a truly unique place. The hotel’s 38 rooms, with views of the surrounding mountain range and the rustic village, ensure a restful and memorable experience, especially for families and couples.
The Ciria family has over 30 years of experience at the hotel, with a lifetime spent exploring and preserving the customs of the Benasque Valley. Few know the region as well as brothers José María and Dioni, both passionate mountaineers, hunters and fishermen, who personally bring their catches to the table at El Fogaril Restaurant.
At the heart of Hotel Ciria lies the “fogaril,” a traditional high-Aragonese fireplace, set beneath a granite dome and surrounded by hand-carved wooden seating. This cozy space is perfect for chatting by the fire, enjoying a drink, or reliving the experience of tending the flames to warm up on cold days. The hotel’s commitment to excellent service and its deep connection to the mountains and the valley have earned Hotel Ciria prestigious awards and numerous mentions in travel guides.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you pick up from?
Which meals are included in the price?
Can you change between the easy and hard walks during the week
What level is each hike?
Low level: Level 3 (Moderate): These moderately challenging routes offer a rewarding experience for those with some hiking experience. Trails are well-marked with fewer steeper stretches but with sections of rocky and uneven terrain. Hikers will traverse beautiful landscapes, passing through forests and open meadows, with panoramic views along the way. This level requires good physical fitness and sturdy hiking footwear, suitable for intermediate adventurers eager to explore the natural beauty of the Pyrenees.
High level: Level 5 (Challenging): This demanding route is designed for seasoned hikers with good physical condition and balance. The trail includes steep inclines, rocky paths, and occasionally, narrow paths with some exposure. That said, the routes are hikes, not scrambles, but you should be happy walking on boulders and rocky terrain.
The Heart of the Pyrenees
Guided walking holiday
2025 Dates:
30 August – 6 September