Valle de Tena Explorer

Itinerary

During the week we visit several of the most beautiful walking areas in and around the Valle de Tena, each with its own character.

Each 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 usually around 9–14 km (5.5–8.5 miles), with 300–500 metres (1,000–1,600 ft) of ascent. Paths are generally good underfoot, with plenty of time to stop, take photographs and enjoy the scenery.

The higher-level walks are usually around 13–20 km (8–13.5 miles), with 700–1,200 metres (2,300–3,900 ft) of ascent. These routes are longer and steeper, often heading into higher mountain terrain on rougher alpine paths.

Distances, ascents and route details are given as a guide. On some days there may be several possible variations, and your guide will choose the best option depending on the weather and how the group is doing. Below is an example itinerary. Exact routes may change depending on the weather, trail conditions and the ability of the group.

Saturday – Arrival in Biescas

Arrive in Biescas from Zaragoza. We pick up at either Zaragoza-Delicias train station, with regular trains from Madrid and Barcelona, or Zaragoza Airport for the flight from London Stansted.

After arriving at the hotel, we’ll have a short briefing to talk through the week and answer any questions, followed by the evening meal at Tiki’s excellent restaurant in the village.

Sunday – Piedrafita and Punta del Pacino

Lower-level route: Ibón de Piedrafita

Starting at the high village of Piedrafita, we get superb views right from the start. We climb through woodland and alongside mountain streams before coming out into alpine meadows filled with flowers. The kilometre-high cliffs of the Sierra de Partacua tower above us, and beneath them lies the little lake of Ibón de Piedrafita.

This is a fantastic area for raptors, with griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures, short-toed eagles and kestrels regularly sighted. We walk through the meadows and beneath the cliffs before descending through the woods, completing a lovely circuit for the first day’s walk.

Distance: 10 km (6 miles) · Ascent: 330 m (1,000 ft)
Highest altitude: 1,600 m (5,250 ft)

Higher-level route: Punta del Pacino

A beautiful ascent through woodland and meadows to the summit of Punta del Pacino. The route makes almost a complete circuit of the mountain before climbing to the top. Its position in the centre of the valley gives fabulous panoramic views across the Valle de Tena, and from here we can point out many of the areas you’ll walk in during the rest of the week.

This is also a fantastic route for orchids in early summer, when hundreds can often be seen along the path. You can view photos, a video and trip report from the Punta del Pacino hike on our blog.

Distance: 12–15 km (7.5–9 miles) · Ascent: 600–800 m (2,000–2,600 ft)
Highest altitude: 1,965 m (6,400 ft)

Monday – Lacs d’Ayous, French Pyrenees

Today we head across to the French side of the range to walk in the Lacs d’Ayous area of the French Pyrenees National Park. This day is weather dependent, but when conditions are suitable it gives a lovely contrast to the Spanish side of the mountains.

Lower-level route: Refuge d’Ayous

Starting in beautiful beech woods, we follow the famous GR10 trans-Pyrenean path. The route gradually climbs until we leave the woods and enter the alpine meadows above. Here we find the Lacs d’Ayous, a lovely chain of lakes with fantastic views towards the famous peak of Pic du Midi d’Ossau.

Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles) · Ascent: 550 m (1,800 ft)
Highest altitude: 1,845 m (6,050 ft)

Higher-level route: Pic d’Ayous

The higher-level route also starts in the woods and follows the GR10 up to the Lacs d’Ayous. From the lakes, we continue past the refuge and climb to the summit of Pic d’Ayous. From here there are fantastic views down over the lakes, across to Pic du Midi d’Ossau and towards dozens of surrounding peaks.

Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles) · Ascent: 900 m (2,950 ft)
Highest altitude: 2,288 m (7,500 ft)

Tuesday – Aguas Limpias and Ibones de Arriel

Lower-level route: Llano Cheto

Starting by the reservoir of La Sarra, we follow the Río Aguas Limpias along a section of the GR11. The path leads through woods and meadows, with the river running alongside us and waterfalls and a narrow gorge adding interest along the way.

Distance: 8 km (5 miles) · Ascent: 250 m (820 ft)
Highest altitude: 1,670 m (5,500 ft)

Higher-level route: Ibones de Arriel

This route also begins by following the GR11 alongside the Río Aguas Limpias. We then turn off the main path and climb steeply to the Ibones de Arriel, where we find some of the most beautiful lake landscapes in the Pyrenees.

The four lakes lie at different heights and are surrounded by steep granite peaks, with Pico Palas taking pride of place. From the lakes, we take a contouring path with superb views around to the Embalse de Respomuso, before returning along the GR11. It’s a long but fantastic day in the mountains.

Distance: 16.5 km (10.2 miles) · Ascent: 900 m (2,950 ft)
Highest altitude: 2,250 m (7,400 ft)

Wednesday – Rest day and Jaca historical walking tour

Today we rest our legs and spend some time learning about the fascinating history of the area. After a relaxed start, we’ll first visit the 10th-century Romanesque church of San Juan de la Busa.

We then head to Jaca, the first capital of Aragón when the kingdom was formed in 1035. We’ll have a guided walking tour of the old town, visiting the 11th-century cathedral and the 16th-century pentagonal citadel, the first castle constructed in Spain to defend against cannon fire.

Our visit to Jaca finishes with a tapas lunch before returning to Biescas, where you can have a swim in the hotel pool, relax in the sauna or explore the village.

Thursday – Anayet

Lower-level route: Ibón de Anayet

Ibón de Anayet is beautifully set on a high peat meadow, surrounded by red-rock mountains and with views north towards Pic du Midi d’Ossau.

Distance: 10.4 km (6.5 miles) · Ascent: 650 m (2,100 ft)

Higher-level route: Vértice de Anayet

Set on a high plateau of peaty grasslands, the Ibón de Anayet is one of the classic landscapes of the Valle de Tena. From here we have several choices: we can relax with a picnic and take in the magnificent views, or continue higher to tackle Vértice de Anayet, a fantastic high peak made from beautiful red rock.

Distance: 14.5 km (9 miles) · Ascent: 1,040 m (3,410 ft)
Highest altitude: 2,542 m (8,340 ft)

Friday – La Ripera and Ibones Azules

Lower-level route: Rincón del Verde

Starting at the village of Panticosa, we follow a mountain stream along a lovely gorge and into the Valle de La Ripera. It’s a great place to see marmots, birds of prey and the local Hispano-Bretón horses that roam the mountains during the summer.

At the head of the valley lies the Rincón del Verde, where sheer 700-metre cliffs rise above us.

Distance: 10–14 km (6–9 miles) · Ascent: 500 m (1,640 ft)
Highest altitude: 1,600 m (5,250 ft)

Higher-level route: Ibones Azules

A fitting finale to a great week of walking. Our route starts from the high road head at the spa of Balneario de Panticosa. We ascend steeply to a couple of small mountain lakes before traversing around to the larger reservoir of Bachimaña and continuing to the beautiful Ibones Azules.

These two blue mountain lakes sit in rugged alpine terrain, surrounded by dramatic peaks. We return by a different route, following the GR11 once again. This area is wild, rocky and beautiful.

Distance: 10–19 km (6–12 miles) · Ascent: 600–1,100 m (2,000–3,600 ft)
Highest altitude: 2,380 m (7,800 ft)

Saturday – Departure

Breakfast in Biescas, followed by a transfer to either Zaragoza-Delicias train station or Zaragoza Airport for the flight to London Stansted.