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
The Rio Aguas Limpias on day 5 of the itinerary
Hotel to hotel walking along the length of the Valle de Tena, starting in the pretty village of Biescas, and staying at four 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.
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 Saturday 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
In 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: 10.7 km (6.7 miles), ascent: 670m (2200ft). View profile
Long option: Biescas – Panticosa: 15.7km (9.8 miles), ascent 870m (2860ft). 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: 11.7km (7.3 miles), ascent: 530m (1740ft). View profile.
Medium option (via ski gondola): distance: 15.1km (9.4 miles), ascent: 370m (1214ft), descent 1050 m (3480ft). View profile
Longer option: peak of Catieras 22km (13.5miles), ascent 1650m (5415 ft). View profile
Longer option: ibón de Sabocos distance: 18.5km (11.5 miles) , ascent: 1150m (3740ft). View profile.
Electric Bike Option
There is also the option to do today’s route by electric mountain bike. We’ll arrange for the bikes and you’ll pick them up at Tena Riders bike hire shop, next to the hotel. There is a choice of a half day or full day cycling.
Half day route: the route is mainly on 4×4 (jeep) track and heads into the Valle de La Ripera. There is splendid scenery all the way. It is a there and back route so can be shorten if required. The route is not technically difficult.
Half day route: 19 km (11.8 miles), 860 m ascent (2820 feet).
Electric bike hire 40€, 4 hours, front suspension
Full day route: This route also heads up the La Ripera valley, but instead of turning around, you continue up and over the Collado dera Verde and down past the beautiful glacial lake of Ibon de Sabacos. Passing through the ski station you then take a jeep track for a long descent down into the village of Hoz de Jaca and cycle back to Panticosa on the country lane beside the Bubal lake. Please note that this route has a few kilometres of more technical riding. The section across the col is not on a good path and very steep – you are likely to need to push your bike on some sections (both on the uphill and downhill)
Full day route: 34 km (21 miles), 1500 m ascent (4900 feet).
Electric bike hire Full day, 55€ front suspension, 80€ full suspension
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: 10.2km (6.4 miles), ascent: 300m (985ft). View profile.
Longer option: distance: 13.2km (8.2 miles), ascent: 900m (2953ft). View profile.
Day 5 – Sallent de Gállego
Hike along the beautiful Rio Aguas Limpias – the river of clean water. Pass by meadows, woods and waterfalls as you initially climb quite gently. You can have a leisurely day walking to a lovely picnic spot. Alternatively, head higher to the high set of alpine lakes, Ibones de Arriel, set amongst spectacular mountain scenery. A third choice is the peak of Musales (2654m) (8707ft) – a hard but long day taking in a spectacular high peak. Second night at Hotel Almud.
Shorter option (La Sarra loop): distance: 12.6 km (8 miles), ascent: 350m (1150ft). View profile.
Longer option (Ibones de Arriel): distance: 21km (13 miles), ascent: 940m (3090ft). View profile.
Extreme option (Pico Musales): distance 20km (12.5 miles), ascent: 1300m (4265ft). 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 or Punta del Pacino circular route
Today, you cross over to the western side of the valley to hike. The routes passes through lovely alpine meadows, which are covered in orchids during early summer. The views are great throughout the day. You can either choose from a circular loop of Punta del Pacino returning back to Sallent, or choose a linear route to Tramacastilla, getting a lift back to Sallent at the end of the day.
The three hiking options are as follows:
Option A: Punta del Pacino loop – shorter option. Circular route ending back in Sallent de Gállego.
Distance: 12 km (7.46 miles), ascent: 650 m (2132ft).
Climb up through beech woods to the a wide ridge with splendid views on both sides. You follow the ridge for a kilometre, and then have the option of the side trip to the summit of Punta del Pacino (adds approx 100 metres of climbing and 50 minutes to the route), before descending back down on an alternative path to Sallent and Hotel Almud.
Option B: Punta del Pacino loop – longer option. Circular route ending back in Sallent de Gállego.
This is a longer loop of Punta del Pacino, making a circuit of the whole massif, before arriving at the summit. Highly recommended and one of the best route for wildflowers in the area – in June you’ll see hundreds of orchids.
Distance: 16 km (10 miles), ascent: 850 m (2800 ft).
Opion C: Sallent de Gállego to Tramacastilla de Tena linear route.
Your route begins by climbing Punta del Pacino, then heading down the far side of the peak and continuing through the meadows through the col of Cochata and on to the village of Tramacastilla where we’ll pick you up and give you a lift back to Sallent and Hotel Almud. There are two optional side trips to two summits. One is to Punta del Pacino (1965m) (6447ft) for panoramic views across the valley—you can see nearly the whole week’s 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.
Distance: 15.1km (9.4 miles), ascent: 700m (2295ft). View profile.
Including side trips: 19.7km (12.25 miles), ascent: 1020m (3350ft). View profile.
Day 7 – Tramacastilla to Piedrafita
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.
Shorter option: distance: 13.2km (8,5 miles), ascent: 520m (1700ft). View profile
Longer option: distance: 14.3km (8.9 miles), ascent: 730m (2395ft). View profile
Day 8 – Biescas
Breakfast at the hotel and final morning in Biescas before departing for your homeward journey.
Village to Village
2025 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 – 10 July | 1499 € | 1449 € |
| 11 July – 14 Sep | 1599 € | 1549 € |
| 15 Sep – 8 Oct | 1499 € | 1449 € |
Prices are per person and based on two sharing.
169 € single room supplement low season, 189 € single room supplement high season
80 € optional upgrade to a junior suite in Hotel Tierra de Biescas – per person for first and final nights
99 € hut trip extension self-guided, adding a night to our normal itinerary
50 € hut trip extension self-guided, swapping the night at one hotel for a night in the hut
40 € half day electric bike
55 € complete day electric bike with front suspension and 80 € complete day electric bike with full suspension
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.
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 Saturday 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.
Saturday transfers
We offer two pick-up times from Zaragoza Delicias train station, 12:00 midday and 16:00 the drop off is the following Saturday at 11:45 am. If you can get to Zaragoza for the 12 midday transfer, this is recommended as you get to the Pyrenees in time to have lunch, a look around the village and allow time for a relaxed check-in and afternoon briefing.
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
16:00 Arrival Transfer
Trains that fit well with our 16:00 transfer are:
from Barcelona
RENFE trains – Depart Barcelona 14:00, arrive Zaragoza 15:42
Iryo trains – Depart Barcelona 13:45, arrive Zaragoza 15:08
or from Madrid
RENFE trains – Depart Madrid 13:25, arrive Zaragoza 14:47
Iryo trains – Depart Madrid 14:45, arrive Zaragoza 16:02 (we will wait for you if you catch this train)
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, but not every Saturday and the Saturday flights that remain are quite expensive. Saturday flight times are as follows:
Depart Stansted 11:50, arrive Zaragoza 15:05
Depart Zaragoza 15:40, arrive Stansted 16:45
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 local restaurants. Breakfasts are taken at the hotel. Read more about Hotel Almud.
Frequently asked questions
Which meals are included in the price?
When is the best time to hike the Village to Village itinerary?
Do I need a car?
Are the routes easy to follow?
Do the routes get into the high mountains or do the trails stay in the valley floor?
If we come by car is there somewhere to leave the car while we are hiking?
Could we add a night in a mountain hut?
Will I be hiking with other hikers?
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.
The hike Pyrenees team was amazing. We felt very well looked after and the 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.
From beginning to end, I felt expertly taken care out, with all my modifications and request graciously accommodated. The walks were just stunning and I can’t wait for my next Hike Pyrenees holiday.
Christina, Village to Village, August 2023.
The hikes and scenery were fantastic. The preparation and support provided by Hike Pyrenees was outstanding, specially during a medical emergency that we had.
Sheila & Charlies, Village to Village, June 2023
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.
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.
Village to Village
Self guided walking holiday
2025 Dates:
Village to Village holiday is available all summer – from 1 June to 1 October. Arrive and depart on any day you wish.
from 1449 € per person
Check availability and get more information:
Thoroughly enjoyed the trip. First trip to Spain. I hope I may come back. Great experience
This was an incredible trip that has created some lifelong memories. Thank you for everything!
Photos from our Village to Village
Check availability or book your holiday:
Location:
Tierra de Biescas
Hotel Tierra de Biescas
Hotel Casa Morlans
Hotel Casa Morlans
Hotel Almud
Hotel Almud
4* Hotel El Privilegio
4* Hotel Privilegio
Hotel Privilegio Lounge Area
Hotel Privilegio Bedroom