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Village to Village - self guided

Hotel to hotel walking in the high Pyrenees

Hike with just a daypack

 We move your luggage each day

Easy to follow routecards

With a choice of two routes between each village – an easier and a harder option

Beautiful hotels

In fantastic mountain locations

Village to Village

Hike with just a daypack

Easy to follow routecards

Beautiful hotels

Self guided
hiking

7 nights

Grade 2/3: Two hiking options daily

Hotel to hotel
hiking

Village to Village

7 night self guided walking holiday

  • 7 night hotel to hotel self guided walking holiday
  • hotel to hotel walking with your bags moved each day
  • grade 2/3: two route options each day
  • charming mountain hotels in picturesque villages
  • Hiking maps and route directions provided
Village to village

The Rio Aguas Limpias on day 5 of the itinerary

Hotel to hotel walking along the length of the Valle de Tena, staying at different villages during the week. We transport your luggage each day meaning you just have to walk with a daypack.

A wonderful route, with fantastic views throughout the week, plenty of variety and a real sense of journey as you head up the valley. The route doesn’t just stick to the valley floor but gets up into the higher mountains. You’ll stay at small traditional Pyrenean villages with narrow winding streets and stone houses centred around medieval churches.

The walking is mid-level with each day having the option of a shorter or longer option. You’ll cover a reasonable distance each day – between 10 km (6 miles) and 14 km (9 miles) (up to 20 km (12 miles) on the longer options).

The hotels have all been carefully chosen to give you an authentic Spanish experience and all are charming with great food and facilities.

There is also the option to add an overnight stay at a high mountain hut which is always a great adventure.

Village to village

The Valle de Tena on day 6 of itinerary

You can start the holiday on whichever day you’d like and the itinerary is 7 nights with 6 days walking.

The itinerary has plenty of flexibility with each day offering two walking options of differing difficulty. With two nights spent at both Panticosa and Sallent de Gallego you also have the option of taking a rest day.

For those that like long hikes the harder options are fairly strenuous with some of the days covering over 20km (12.5 miles) and getting into steep high mountain terrain.

The holiday starts in Biescas and you can arrive by car (free safe parking at the first hotel where you can leave your car for the week), by public transport and taxi (which we will arrange) or on Sunday evenings we can provide transfers to and from Zaragoza airport or train station for 99 € per person.

Day 1 – Biescas

Arrive in Biescas spending the night at the 4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas. Briefing in the evening about the week ahead, going over the route and giving you a chance to ask any questions.

Day 2 – Biescas to Panticosa with option of zip-line on route

Valle de Tena zip lineIn the morning, you can either head out straight from the hotel, or we can give you a short lift to the area known as Santa Elena to cut the distance down for the first day. The route passes under the high cliffs of the Sierra de Tendeñera where you see the valley open up before you. Roughly halfway along the route you reach the pretty village of Hoz de Jaca where there is a kilometre long zip-line which you can ride across the lake. It’s great fun and makes for a nice break in the days hiking.

The hike’s full of history as you pass a neolithic dolmen, the scenic church of Santa Elena and bunkers built by Franco to defend against invasion through the Pyrenees. Spend the night at Hotel Sabocos.

Short option: Santa Elena – Panticosa: 13km (8 miles), ascent: 700m (2300ft). View profile
Long option: Biescas – Panticosa: 18km (11 miles), ascent 860m (2820ft). View profile.

Day 3 – Panticosa

Today, you have a choice of several routes. The shorter option passes through lovely woodland into the meadows of the Valle la Ripera. At the head of the valley, you get to the area known as Rincon del Verde, where 700-metre vertical cliffs rise up from the meadows.

One longer option heads up the Valle La Ripera, continuing over a 2000 metre (6560ft) col where you have the option of a side trip to the peak of Montaña del Verde (2288m, 7500 ft) which has wonderful views over the area. As you descend you pass the glacial tarn of Ibón de Sabacos before descending down to Panticosa.

Another longer option heads up to the beautiful lake and peak of Catieras. This is a long day but you are rewarded by fantastic alpine scenery and views from this 2600 metre peak.

There is an excellent mid-length option from mid-July to late August when the ski gondola is running. This takes you up 700 metres into the high mountains from where you can take a fantastic hike back down to Panticosa – highly recommended.

Night at Hotel Sabocos.

Shorter option: distance: 12km (7.5 miles), ascent: 530m (1740ft). View profile.
Medium option: distance: 14km (8.7 miles), ascent: 500m (1640ft), descent 1050 m (3444ft). View profile
Longer option: lake of Catieras 22km (13.7 miles), ascent 1250m (4100ft), to the peak 25km (15.5 miles), ascent 1600m (5250 ft)
Longer option – Montaña del Verde: distance: 19.5km (12 miles) , ascent: 1100m (3610ft). View profile.

Looking over the village Sallent de Gallego

Day 4 – Panticosa to Sallent de Gállego

Continuing your journey you head into the northern half of the Valle de Tena. Either have an easy half day’s walk around the lake of Embalse de Lanuza, spending an afternoon in picturesque Sallent.

Alternatively, climb steeply to the viewpoint of La Cucuraza for bird’s eye views back down to Panticosa and the Valle La Ripera where you hiked the day before. As you continue you get great views into the northern part of the valley and the border peaks before you descend steeply down to the very pretty village of Sallent.

Night at Hotel Almud.
Shorter option: distance: 10.5km (6.5 miles), ascent: 200m (660ft). View profile.
Longer option: distance: 15km (9 miles), ascent: 800m (2620ft). View profile.

Day 5 – Sallent de Gállego

Hike along the beautiful Rio Aguas Limpias – the river of clean water. You can have a leisurely day walking to a lovely picnic spot. Alternatively, head higher to a series of lakes set amongst spectacular mountain scenery or the peak of Musales (2654m) (8707ft). Second night at Hotel Almud.
Shorter option: distance: 13km (8 miles), ascent: 300m (985ft). View profile.
Longer option: distance: 21km (13 miles), ascent: 900m (2950ft). View profile.
Extreme option: distance 23km (14 miles), ascent: 1350m (4430ft). View profile.

Respomuso overnight alternative: the route takes in the lovely mountain lakes of Ibones de Arriel and after spending one night in Refugio Respomuso, a high mountain hut in a fantastic setting, on the second day the peak of Musales which at 2654m is an excellent high rocky peak with fantastic views. For more information read here.

Day 6 – Sallent to Tramacastilla

Today you cross over to the western side of the valley and head south. The route passes through lovely alpine meadows which are covered in orchids during early summer. The views are great throughout the day. There are two optional side trips to two summits. One to Punta del Pacino (1965m) (6447ft) for panoramic views across the valley – you can see nearly the whole weeks hiking route from the summit.

The other side trip is to Punta de la Cochata (1911m) which is a short and sharp ascent involving a bit of scrambling. You descend past the tiny village of Sandinies to Tramacastilla. Night at the family run Hotel Mariana which has wonderful views over the Sierra de Partacua – the cliffs you’ll be walking under the following day.

Distance: 16km (10 miles), ascent: 700m (2295ft). View profile.
Including side trips: 18km (11 miles), ascent: 1000m (3280ft)

Day 7 – Tramacastilla to Piedrafita

Peaks & Passes

On the way up to the Ibon de Piedrafita

Today, one route option passes through the woods of Betato before climbing through meadows to the lake of Ibon de Piedrafita nestled under the vast cliffs of the Sierra de Partacua. The longer route takes a longer track through higher meadows to the lake. Both routes finish at the village of Piedrafita where you’ll be picked up for a short transfer to Biescas where you’ll spend your final night at Hotel Tierra de Biescas.

There is also the option to do today’s route by mountain bike. We’ll arrange for the bikes to be delivered to your hotel either the evening before. The route is mainly on 4*4 track and passes through lovely meadows. You can cycle right back to the hotel in Biescas. There is a choice of either standard or electric bikes – if you don’t cycle regularly choose the electric bike – there’s a lot of up!

Shorter option: distance: 14km (8,5 miles), ascent: 500m (1640ft). View profile.
Longer option: distance: 20km (12 miles), ascent: 650m (2130ft)
Bike option: distance: 40km (25 miles); ascent: 630m (2065ft) – more information in dates and prices tab.

Day 8 – Biescas

Breakfast at the hotel and final morning in Biescas before departing for your homeward journey.

 

Village to Village

2024 Prices & Dates

The Village to Village holiday is available all summer from 1 June to 8 October. Arrive and depart on any day you wish.

PRICES 2 – 3 people 4 or more people
1 June – 12 July 1399 € 1349 €
13 July – 14 Sep 1499 € 1449 €
15 Sep – 8 Oct 1399 € 1349 €

Prices are per person and based on two sharing.

149 € single room supplement low season, 169 € single room supplement high season
80 € optional upgrade to a junior suite in Hotel Tierra de Biescas – per person for first and final nights
95 € hut trip extension self-guided, adding a night to our normal itinerary
40 € hut trip extension self-guided, swapping the night at Tramacastilla for a night in the hut
475 € hut trip extension guided by a qualified mountain leader, price based on two people for two days guiding. If you would like to add the hut extension guided in a bigger group, please contact us and we’ll send you a quote.

Included

7 nights accommodation:
7 x breakfasts (every morning)
2 x picnic lunches – on first and final walking days
7 x three course evening meals (each night)
Luggage transfer, you just need to walk with your pack day.
Detailed maps and route cards.

Not included

Flights, insurance, drinks with evening meal.
Transfer from Zaragoza.
Bike hire if you want the biking option – ask for prices and availability when you book.
GPS hire: if you are worried about navigation, you can hire a GPS wich has all the maps and tracks marking. The price is 35€ per trip.

Getting to the Pyrenees

You can arrive at the start of the walk in Biescas by car, public transport and taxi (which we will arrange) or on Sunday afternoons you can use or standard transfers from Zaragoza airport or train station for 99 € per person (for the return journey).
Private transfers are available on any day for 250 € (one way for up to 8 people – price is for the group not per person) for the journey either Zaragoza to Biescas or Biescas to Zaragoza. If you would like a private transfer from any other destination (Barcelona, San Sebastian, etc) please ask us for a quote.
If you drive, there is ample and safe parking at the hotel in Biescas and it’s fine to leave your car there for the week while you’re hiking.

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

See more travel options and details on the getting here page. If you have any questions about getting here or would like any advice then please drop us an email.

Hotels are superb throughout the week, in particular the hotels in Sallent de Gallego and Tramacastilla are full of character. Breakfast and evening meals are taken at the hotels and they’ll provide you a packed lunch on first and final walking days.

4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas (Biescas)

Your base for the first and final nights. Excellent 4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas is in the heart of the old village, set in lovely grounds with an indoor and outdoor pool and a sauna which is a great treat after a weeks hiking.

Each of it’s 51 stylishly furnished rooms have an en-suite bathroom. It has a bar, lounge area with sofa’s, a restaurant and gardens with loungers and tables. There is ample and safe parking at the hotel if you need to leave your car there during the week. Read more about Hotel Tierra de Biescas.

Hotel Sabocos (Panticosa)

Friendly, family-run hotel in the centre of the village. The three-star hotel has 28 rooms with a mixture of singles, twins, doubles and triples.

The hotel has a lovely sun terrace with mountain views – the perfect place to relax with a cold beer after a days hiking!  Downstairs, as well as the terrace, you’ll find the restaurant and bar. Upstairs, there is a large lounge with sofas, a pool table and a library with reading area. Evening meals are taken at the hotels excellent restaurant.

Some of the rooms of the hotel have balconies or terraces and all have mountain views. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with toilet and shower.

Hotel Almud (Sallent de Gállego)

Hotel Almud is a wonderful stone building set in the winding streets of Sallent de Gállego. María José is your host in this friendly family-run hotel with just 11 rooms.

The hotel is fantastically decorated throughout with the bedrooms beautifully converted all with en-suite bathrooms.

The bedrooms have mountain views.There is a living room and reading area with sofas and a stone fireplace where you can have a coffee and relax.

Evening meals are taken at Casa Jaimico a restaurant neighbouring the hotel which has an excellent menu. Breakfasts are taken at the hotel. Read more about Hotel Almud.

Hotel Mariana (Tramacastilla)

A family-run hotel which has beautiful views over the cliffs of the Sierra de Partacua. Inside the hotel has a bar and cafe and on the first floor the restaurant, all with wonderful views. Outside there is a lovely garden, with a bar serving well deserved after hike drinks and tapas. The restaurant serves a good selection of local dishes. All of the hotels 18 bedrooms have en suite bathrooms.

Frequently asked questions

Which meals are included in the price?

All breakfasts and evening meals are included in the price as well the picnic lunches on the first and final walking days. For picnics on the other days you can either order in the hotels or buying in the villages. Vegetarians, celiacs and other dietary requirements can be catered for as long as you let us know in advance.

When is the best time to hike the Village to Village itinerary?

The route can be walked from mid May until the end of September. July and August are the warmest months with June and September usually having cooler weather perfect for hiking. Read more about the temperatures and rainfall on our when to hike in the Pyrenees page.

Do I need a car?

No. During the week you hike directly from the hotel door each day and don’t need a car. Many guests decide to travel to Biescas by hire car but you can easily get here by either public transport or by using our Sunday transfers from Zaragoza train station or airport. See our getting here page for more information.

Are the routes easy to follow?

Yes. Our route descriptions are detailed and in general the paths are easy to follow. In a couple of places the paths aren’t so clear but we highlight these spots in the route notes so that you can take extra care. We also provide GPS tracks for all of the routes. These can be used with a GPS application on your phone and are a brilliant aid to navigation.
 

Do the routes get into the high mountains or do the trails stay in the valley floor?

The harder options get into steep high mountain terrain and in no way stick to the valley floor. The longest days are over 20km with over 1000 metres ascent and the highest peak during the week is Pico Musales at an impressive 2654 metres. A real advantage of the itinerary is the flexibility that the two options each day gives you. If you prefer to stick to the easier routes, are tired one day or the weather is bad you can stick to the easier routes that stay lower in the valley.

If we come by car is there somewhere to leave the car while we are hiking?

Yes – Hotel Tierra de Biescas wher you spend the first and final night has free car parking and it’s no problem to leave your car there during the week while you are hiking.

Could we add a night in a mountain hut?

Yes. You can see more information about the extension here

Will I be hiking with other hikers?

This is a self-guided itinerary and although other hikers may start on the same day as you (particularly if you arrive on a Sunday), this isn’t guaranteed. Some of the days follow routes where you won’t meet many other hikers during the day and you need to be comfortable hiking and navigating on your own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s feedback from guests on our Village to Village self 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.

We spent a month in Spain and this week of self guided walks was our highlight. Phil and the team do a terrific job making sure everithing is well organised. They even arranged perfect weather and new friends along the way.
Phil & Jacqui, Village to Village, September 2018.

Our self guided tour exceed our expectations. Thoroughly enjoyed our 5 days on the trail. Great diversity to our hikes and the difficulty matched our ability perfectly. Look forward to returning and seeing more of this beautiful part of Spain.
Jill & Rick, Village to Village, September 2018.

A great introduction to the Pyrenees and the small villages along the way.
Al & Cheryl, Village to Village, September 2018.

Stunning walks in beautiful scenery and visiting authentic villages in the Pyrenees. Fabulous holiday, extremely well coordinated and organised by Phil and his team. Highly recommended!
Peter & Rebecca, Village to Village, July 2018.

Conchita and Paco were so gracious and welcoming in Sandinies. Casa Morlans staff were great. Really enjoyed the views and balcony. Sallent restaurant for dinner was exceptional (Casa Jaimico)
Randy, Sharon & Jessica, Village to Village, June 2018.

We enjoyed our trekking holiday – awesome sceneries and had opportunity to be on same route with 5 Americans where we had great time together. In additions, great guidance from Hike Pyrenees staff. Thank you!
Ian & Adeline, Village to Village, June 2018.

A week of very well curated walks. Each day was wonderful, every day was different.
Kati & Tuomo, Village to Village, June 2018.

This was a wonderful holiday! The Hike Pyrenees staff and organization took care of everything and were very friendly and helpful.
Ken & Daryl, Village to Village, June 2018.

This was our first self-guided tour with support and it was a great experience. Hike Pyrenees does an excellent job!
Laura, Village to Village, June 2018.

Excellent holiday. Enjoyed very much!
Jim & Kathleen, Village to Village, June 2018.

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Village to Village
Self guided walking holiday

2024 Dates:

Village to Village holiday is available all summer – from 1 June to 1 October. Arrive and depart on any day you wish.

from 1349 € per person

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Book now

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Excellent way to explore one of the main valleys of the Spanish Pyrenees. Hike Pyrenees ensures that you get the best one of your holiday with their attention to detail.

Julie & Phil

Village to Village, June 2023

The hike Pyrenees team was amazing. We felt very well looked after and te whole trip ran very smoothly. They were also very accommodating to our activity level and gave us numerous options to try on each day. Thank you Phil and David.

Nicole & Jessica

Village to Village, September 2023

Photos from our Village to Village

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Location:

Tierra de Biescas

4* hotel with pool, sauna, bike storage and maintenance facilities

Hotel Tierra de Biescas garden and outdoor pool

Hotel Tierra de Biescas

Hotel Casa Morlans

Village to village

Hotel Casa Morlans

Hotel Almud

Friendly, comfortable, family run hotel in the high mountain

Village to village hotel

Hotel Almud

4* Hotel El Privilegio

4* Hotel Privilegio

4* Hotel Privilegio

Hotel Privilegio Lounge Area

Hotel Privilegio Lounge Area

Hotel Privilegio Bedroom

Hotel Privilegio Bedroom

Final day pick up place

You’ll be picked up at Piedrafita carpark for a short transfer to Biescas where you’ll spend the night at Hotel Tierra de Biescas.