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

There are two hiking options each day – an easier and a harder route. On a couple of the days even the easier options are still fairly challenging. The longest day on the easier option is 19km (11.8 miles) with 1000 metres (3280 ft) of ascent this day isn’t to be taken lightly.

For the fit, there are longer options and side trips taking in extra peaks and viewpoints. The terrain varies from gentle paths through woods to some fairly rocky sections underfoot even on the easier routes.

The paths are generally easy to follow and detailed maps and route cards are provided. GPS hire is available with all of the tracks and maps marked. On the first evening you’ll have a briefing to talk you through the routes, options, weather and answer any questions that you may have.

Day 1 – Alquezar

Arrive in Alquezar spending the night at the beautiful Hotel Villa de Alquezar. Briefing in the evening  about the week ahead, going over the route and giving you a chance to ask any questions.

 Day 2 – Circular hike from Alquezar

The week starts with a circular hike from Alquezar. First you descend into the canyon of the Rio Vero before climbing to the charming villages of Asque and Colungo. Your return route again crosses the Rio Vero with an option to walk the famous ‘pasarelas’ – a walkway above the river along a narrow and spectacular section of the canyon. Optional extension to the Basacol pools or Chimiachas cave. Second night at Hotel Villa de Alquezar.
Distance : 13.8km (8.6 miles), ascent: 680m (2230 ft)
with extension: 17.8km (11.1 miles), ascent 850m (2790 ft)

Day 3 – Alquezar to Lecina/Bárcabo.

From Alquezar you head deep into the Vero canyon where you cross the medieval bridge of Villacantal. The route takes us past three caves with neolithic cave paintings dating from 3000 to 5000 BC. As you climb again you get fantastic views both back down the canyon and north to Monte Perdido. You can end the route in Lecina, which has a huge holm oak tree, the third biggest in Spain and the winner of European Tree of the Year in 2021!  You can get picked up here, or have the option to extend the route by 8km (5 miles) to take you to the viewpoint and cave painting of Barfaluy or alternatively the option of hiking on to the village of Barcabo. At the end of the hike you’ll be picked up and transferred to Paules de Sarsa to stay the night in El Condor.
Distance: 10.5km (6.5 miles), ascent: 630m (2070 ft)
with extension: 18.5km (11.5 miles), ascent: 830m (2725 ft)

Day 4 – Pico Asba circular route

Heading into the heart of the Sierra de Guara your route today passes through a wild landscape not often visited.  This circular route passes over the peak of Asba (1438m) (4718 ft) for wonderful views over the Sierra de Guara and north to the high peaks of the Pyrenees. Second night at El Condor in the tiny village of Paules de Sarsa.
Distance: 15.2km (9.5 miles), ascent 700m (2295 ft)

Day 5 – Paules de Sarsa to Rodellar

Heading west you reach the northern end of the Mascun canyon. The path skirts above the canyon with magnificent views down onto the rock spires and towers of Mascun. You have the option of starting with a taxi ride to shorten the distance. Night at Aparthotel Valle de Rodellar.
Shorter option: distance: 19km (11.8 miles), ascent: 1100m (3610 ft)
Longer option: distance: 28km (17.4 miles), ascent: 1350m (4430 ft)

Day 6 – Circular hike from Rodellar

This circular hike begins by following the floor of the Mascun canyon before a steep climb heads to the abandoned village of Otin. A longer option takes you to Nasarre another abandoned village. Continue past a neolithic dolmen and descend down a side canyon back to Rodellar. Second night at Aparthotel Valle de Rodellar.
Shorter option: 15.3km (9.5 miles), ascent 640m (2100 ft)
Longer option: 20km (12.5 miles), ascent 860m (2820 ft)

Day 7 – Rodellar to Alquezar

Your final days hiking takes you along the conglomerate canyon of Balced. From the southern side of the Sierra de Guara there are fantastic views over the plains before descending to Alquezar. Option of taxi ride at start to shorten the distance. Night at Hotel Villa de Alquezar.
Shorter option: 14km (8.7 miles), ascent 400m (1310 ft)
Longer option: 20km (12.5 miles), ascent 806m (2645 ft)

Day 8 – Alquezar

Final day spent in Alquezar before departing for your homeward journey.

Village of the Guara Natural Park

2025 Dates

The Villages of the Guara Natural Park holiday is available spring, early summer and autumn when the weather is perfect in this area. Arrive and depart on any day you wish.

Prices

Single supplement: 275€ (single en-suite rooms each night except for the 2 nights in Rodellar where you share an apartment with two seperate bedrooms but one shared bathroom) 400€ (for single en-suite rooms each night with your own apartment in Rodellar) Prices are per person and based on two sharing. Minimum party size is 2 people.

Included

7 nights accommodation: 3 x Hotel Villa de Alquézar, 2 x El Cóndor (Les Paules), 2 x Apartahotel Valle de Rodellar. Breakfast each day. Picnics each walking day. 3 course evening meals every night in the hotels, except nights in Alquézar, you’ll go to have dinner at restaurantes in the village – La Marmita, Cueva La Reina and Casa Pardina. Detailed route description and GPS tracks. Luggage transport each day – only one 15 kg suitcase per person. Taxi transfer days 3, 5 and 7.

Not included

Flights, insurance, drinks with evening meal. Transfers from/to Alquézar. For more information about getting in Alquézar you can see our website.

Hotels are small rural hotels in lovely little villages. Rooms are en-suite throughout the week and each hotel has free wi-fi.

Hotel Villa de Alquezar

This former castle of King Sancho Ramirez is now a lovely hotel. Peaceful garden with sofas. Rooms all have great views over the village of Alquezar, the church and the old castle.

El Condor (Paules de Sarsa)

A beautiful 300 year old stone building in the tiny hamlet of Paules de Sarsa – it’s hard to imagine a more peaceful place. It has a traditional fireplace and chimney known locally as ‘espantabrujas’ – witch scarers – as they are said to prevent evil spirits from entering the building. The hotel and rooms are basic but all rooms are en-suite and what the hotel lacks in luxury it makes up for in charm. Opposite, the hotel has a swimming pool which is open when the temperatures are warm enough.

Aparthotel Valle de Rodellar

Your two nights in Rodellar will be spent in the apartments of Valle de Rodellar with lovely views over the gorges of the area. The apartments are centred around a restaurant and bar where you’ll take breakfasts and evening meals.

Frequently asked questions

Here’s feedback from guests on our Villages of the Guara 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 walking was varied and we rarely met anyone. Sheer perfection! I cannot praise Hike Pyrenees highly enough. The whole holiday went so smoothly. All staff were highly professional and very friendly. A 10/10, 5* rating. I can’t wait to do another one.
Hannah & Anthony, Villages of the Guara, May 2019

We loved the hikes, stunning sceneries, varied walks with good options for those who want longer hikes. All accommodations were nice, we enjoyed this.
Kristin & Lisbeth, Villages of the Guara, April 2019