Villages of The Guara

Hotel to hotel hiking amongst the undiscovered villages of the Sierra de Guara.

Just walk with a day pack.

We move your luggage each day.

Superb weather for spring and autumn hiking

Wonderful scenary with deep canyons, rocky limestone spires and abandoned villages.

Villages of The Guara National Park

Just walk with a day pack.

Superb weather for spring and autumn hiking

Self guided
hiking

7 nights

Grade 2/3: Moderate/Strenous

Hotel to hotel
hiking

Villages of the Guara Natural Park

7-night self-guided spring and autumn walking holiday in the Pre-Pyrenees

The Villages of the Guara is a relaxed, hotel-to-hotel self-guided walking holiday in the Sierra de Guara, a quieter and more characterful region of northern Spain. Walking between traditional villages, you follow carefully planned routes through limestone hills, olive groves and dramatic canyon landscapes, with luggage transfers and detailed route notes ensuring everything runs smoothly. With warm spring and autumn conditions and a gentler feel than the high Pyrenees, this trip is ideal for those looking for a well-organised walking holiday that combines rewarding days on the trail with village life, local culture and a more relaxed pace.

Overview

7-night self-guided walking holiday - hotel to hotel walking
Perfect weather for spring and autumn hiking
Grade 2/3: some days have two options
Remote tranquil villages and hiking

Villages Guara Abandoned Church Hike between the remote villages of the Sierra de Guara natural park. The park has perfect hiking weather in the spring and autumn so you can hike earlier and later in the year than our Village to Village holiday in the Valle de Tena.

Your bags are moved between hotels each day so you just hike with a daypack. 6 days hiking taking you to the heart of this undiscovered area. Wonderful scenery with deep canyons, rocky limestone spires and abandoned villages.

The walking is mid level with a couple of the days being fairly strenuous. Several of the days have two hiking options and the longer days can be shortened by taking a taxi in the morning.

The hike starts and ends in the wonderful village of Alquezar whose castle stares at you from above as you stroll around its maze of cobbled streets. The villages that you stay in midweek are tiny, tranquil and remote - perfect places to get away from it all.

Itinerary

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 Dates & Prices

2026

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

	2 or 3 people	4 or more
1 March - 31 May	1549 €	1499 €
1 Oct - 30 Nov	1549 €	1499 €

Single supplement: 295€ (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) 420€ (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

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

Hike Pyrenees Trip Guarantee

Are your trips guaranteed to run?

Yes — all Hike Pyrenees holidays are guaranteed to run. Once you book, your trip is confirmed.

Travel & Transfers to Alquézar

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 Alquézar 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 details.

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

Yes - Hotel Villa de Alquezar, where 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.

Where do you pick up from, and what time are your transfers?

On Sunday mornings, we can provide transfers to and from Zaragoza airport or train station for 99 € per person. 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 Alquézar or Alquézar to Zaragoza. If you would like a private transfer from another destination (Barcelona, San Sebastian, etc.), please ask us for a quote. See our getting here page for more details.

Accommodation

Where will I stay during the holiday?

You’ll spend your first, second and final nights at Hotel Villa de Alquézar, a charming stone‑built hotel in the heart of the medieval village, with shops, cafés, restaurants and an ATM all just a short stroll away. Nights three and four are in Casa El Cóndor, a beautifully restored rural guesthouse in the quiet village of Las Almunias, where there are no shops or ATMs, but warm hospitality and excellent home‑cooked meals. For nights five and six, you stay at Aparthotel Valle de Rodellar, a friendly base at the entrance to the Mascún Canyon, with spacious apartments, a pool, and a small village shop and cafés nearby, though no ATM in Rodellar.

Do all rooms have en-suite bathrooms?

Yes, all rooms have en-suite bathrooms.

Can I book a single room at all?

Yes. Single rooms are available for a supplement.

Is there Wi‑Fi at the hotels?

Yes — free Wi‑Fi is available throughout all hotels.

Meals & Dietary Requirements

Which meals are included in the price?

All meals are included with breakfasts, picnic lunches and evening meals provided each day. Vegetarians, celiacs, and those with other dietary requirements can be catered for as long as you let us know in advance.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes — vegetarian, vegan, gluten‑free and other dietary needs can be catered for with advance notice.

What are the evening meals like?

You’ll enjoy traditional Aragonese dishes made with local produce. Evening meals are taken either in the hotel or in carefully selected village restaurants, depending on the night.

Walking Levels & Logistics

When is the best time to hike the Villages of the Guara itinerary?

The Sierra de Guara is best from April to early June and late September to November.

•Spring (April–June): Wildflowers, pleasant temperatures and clear views.

•Autumn (September–November): Quiet trails, stable weather and beautiful colours.

Do you transfer my luggage from hotel to hotel?

Yes, we will transfer your luggage from hotel to hotel, so you will only need to walk with a day pack. Your luggage will be waiting for you at the hotel when you arrive.

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.

I've read that you provide Garmin InReach Satellite Communicators, what do they do?

A Garmin InReach is a small, tough satellite communicator that lets you stay in touch even when you’re out of mobile coverage. It uses the Iridium satellite network to send and receive messages, share your location, and trigger an SOS in an emergency. It’s a useful bit of kit for remote mountain areas where phone signal can’t be relied on. We provide these to every self-guided group.

What is the terrain like in the Seirra de Guara?

The Sierra de Guara is a lower‑altitude limestone region. Walks explore rolling hills, canyons, ridges and medieval villages. The terrain is varied but never technical.

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.

Booking & Practicalities

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes - insurance to cover accidents in the mountains and illness is compulsory. The insurance must cover mountainous terrain and hiking. We also recommend general travel insurance to cover flight delays, lost luggage and for cover if you need to cancel your trip due to injury/illness before you travel.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel your trip, the deposit of 125€ per person is non-refundable. If you have paid your balance and cancel with 7 weeks' notice or more, we will refund 50%. If you cancel with less than 7 weeks' notice, no refund will be made. Remember, most travel insurance policies will cover this cost if you need to cancel due to injury.

Can I extend my stay?

Yes — let us know when booking and we can help arrange extra nights either in Alquézar or in Zaragoza, which is a lovely city to visit with lots to see and a fascinating history.

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