Peaks & Passes
of Benasque
Challenging guided walking holiday in the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees
High mountain routes, rocky passes and spectacular alpine lakes
★★★★★
14 trusted reviews from our guests
High peaks, mountain passes and alpine lakes in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park
Peaks & Passes of Benasque is one of our more challenging guided walking holidays in the Spanish Pyrenees, based in the characterful mountain town of Benasque in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park. Designed for walkers who enjoy longer mountain days, higher routes and spectacular alpine scenery, this week explores rugged passes, glacial lakes, rocky valleys and superb viewpoints.
Each day is led by our experienced local guides, with routes chosen to make the most of the conditions and the group. It’s a rewarding week for fit walkers looking for a more challenging Pyrenean hiking holiday, with big views, classic mountain terrain and plenty of time to enjoy the high country.
Peaks & Passes of Benasque
7-night guided walking holiday
in the Spanish Pyrenees
per person
Single supplement: From €199
2027 Dates & availability
Ready to book?
You can book your Peaks & Passes of Benasque holiday online.
Overview
- 7-night guided walking holiday
- Single-level walking throughout the week
- Challenging high-mountain routes for fit, experienced walkers
- Based in Benasque, one of the great mountain centres of the Spanish Pyrenees
- Walk beneath Aneto and Posets, the two highest peaks in the Pyrenees
- Transfers included from Barcelona Airport and Barcelona Sants railway station
Peaks & Passes of Benasque is a challenging guided walking holiday based in one of the most spectacular high-mountain areas of the Spanish Pyrenees. From the lively mountain town of Benasque, we explore the rugged trails, high passes, glacial valleys and alpine lakes of the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park.
This is a week for fit and experienced walkers who enjoy long mountain days and more demanding terrain. The Benasque Valley has a distinctly alpine character, with three-thousand-metre peaks rising above forests, flower-filled meadows, glacial valleys and wild high country. Many of our routes offer superb views towards Aneto, the highest peak in the Pyrenees, and Posets, the second highest.
Challenging single-level walking
This is a single-level guided walking holiday, with the group walking together each day. You should have a good level of fitness, previous mountain walking experience and confidence on rough, uneven terrain.
The walking around Benasque is generally more rugged and alpine than on many of our other holidays. Routes can include sustained climbs, rocky mountain paths, boulder fields, steep ascents and descents, and occasional sections where you may need to use your hands for balance. This is not a technical climbing holiday, but you should be comfortable moving confidently through high mountain terrain.
Typical walks are around 14–20 km, with approximately 700–1,400 metres of ascent and walking days of around 7–9 hours, depending on the route and conditions.
Our guides choose the walks carefully according to the weather, mountain conditions and the group. The aim is to explore some of the finest high-level walking in the Benasque Valley at a steady, safe and enjoyable pace.
Itinerary
This itinerary explores the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park and the high mountain landscapes around Benasque. It is designed for fit and experienced walkers who are comfortable with long days, sustained climbs and rough mountain terrain.
The itinerary below is an example of the walks we normally offer. We keep our programme flexible and may change the order of the walks, or choose alternative routes, depending on the weather, mountain conditions and the needs of the group.
Day 1 – Arrival in Benasque
We’ll meet you at either Barcelona Sants train station or Barcelona-El Prat Airport before transferring to Benasque, our base for the week.
On arrival, we’ll settle into the hotel and meet for a welcome briefing over dinner, where your guide will talk through the week ahead.
Day 2 – Estós Valley and Ibón de Batisielles
Our first walk explores the beautiful Estós Valley, one of the classic valleys of the Benasque area. We follow the valley trail before climbing towards Ibón de Batisielles, a stunning glacial lake surrounded by forest, meadows and high mountain peaks.
It’s a superb introduction to the landscapes of the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, with a rewarding mix of riverside paths, woodland, open views and alpine scenery.
Distance: 16 km (10 miles) · Ascent: 980 m (3,215 ft)
Day 3 – Literola Valley and Tuca Daliú
Today we head into the Literola Valley for a rewarding ascent of Tuca Daliú. This is a fine mountain route with wide views over the surrounding valleys and rugged Pyrenean peaks.
The walk gives a real sense of the higher terrain around Benasque, with steeper sections, rocky paths and excellent viewpoints along the way.
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) · Ascent: 1,000 m (3,280 ft)
Day 4 – Llanos del Hospital and Tuca Salvaguardia
Starting from the beautiful area of Llanos del Hospital, we climb towards the border pass of Portillón de Benás before continuing to the summit of Tuca Salvaguardia.
This is one of the classic high viewpoints of the Benasque Valley, with superb views across the Maladeta massif, including Aneto, the highest peak in the Pyrenees.
Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles) · Ascent: 1,035 m (3,396 ft)
Day 5 – Rest Day in Benasque
After three good mountain days, today is a chance to enjoy a well-earned rest. Breakfast is served until 10:30 am, so you can start the day slowly before exploring Benasque at your own pace.
The town has plenty of cafés, outdoor shops and local interest, and your guide will be happy to suggest options. There may also be the possibility of visiting some of the attractive villages in the surrounding valley.
Day 6 – Tuca Paderna
Today’s walk takes us into the Maladeta area for an ascent of Tuca Paderna. This is a superb viewpoint over the northern slopes of the massif, with views across the Remuñé and Gorgoutes valleys and towards Perdiguero.
The route gives another excellent day of high mountain walking, with dramatic scenery and a real sense of being among the highest peaks of the Pyrenees.
Distance: 9.4 km (5.8 miles) · Ascent: 750 m (2,460 ft) · Descent: 950 m (3,120 ft)
Day 7 – Sierra Negra Circuit
Our final walk explores La Sierra Negra, a striking mountain range known for its dark-hued rocks and superb views towards the Maladetas and Aneto.
This is a challenging and rewarding ridge circuit, with a series of ascents and descents linking the high points of the range. It makes a fitting final mountain day, with spectacular views across one of the finest areas of the Pyrenees.
Distance: 14.3 km (8.9 miles) · Ascent: 1,039 m (3,408 ft)
Day 8 – Departure to Barcelona
After breakfast, we leave Benasque and transfer back to Barcelona, with drop-offs at Barcelona Sants train station and Barcelona-El Prat Airport.
Peaks & Passes of Benasque
2027 Dates & Prices
This holiday runs Sunday to Sunday
18 – 25 July 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
- Picnic lunches on each walking day
- 7 three-course evening meals, including the rest day
- 5 days of fully guided walking
- Arrival and departure transfers from Barcelona Airport or Barcelona Sants railway station
- 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
Hotel Ciria
Peaks & Passes of Benasque 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 challenging days on the trails, it’s a comfortable and atmospheric base to return to each evening.






Frequently Asked Questions
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Peaks & Passes of Benasque
7-night guided walking holiday
in the Spanish Pyrenees
per person
Single supplement: From €199
2027 Dates & availability
Ready to book?
You can book your Peaks & Passes of Benasque holiday online.
Prefer to talk?
We’re happy to help with availability, travel plans or choosing the right holiday.
Call us +34 974 495 401 WhatsApp us Send us a message Email us info@hikepyrenees.co.uk[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="262" gal_title="Benasque"]
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Location:
Hotel Ciria, Benasque
