THE HEART OF THE PYRENEES: HIKING ORDESA AND MONTE PERDIDO NATIONAL PARK

calendar_month 8 days trip
trip Group trip
location_on Trip to know Spain, Pirineos
THE HEART OF THE PYRENEES: HIKING ORDESA AND MONTE PERDIDO NATIONAL PARK
from 1.395
public Pyrenees
Pirineos 
public Spring
public Summer
public Autumn
public Hiking trips
Viajes de Senderismo
public Easy Level
Baja
public Moderate Level
Media
public Guided Inn-based hiking tours
De hotel en hotel
public Eire
THE HEART OF THE PYRENEES: HIKING ORDESA & MONTE PERDIDO NATIONAL PARK

Exploring the Ordesa & Monte Perdido National Park and Beyond

 

Situated on the West side of the Pyrenees is the Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Ordesa is famous for its 3,000m deep glacial valleys, overlooked by Monte Perdido, standing at 3,348m high. The park contains a dozen or so other summits of over 3000m, mostly strung out along the border. There are hiking trails suitable for all levels.  The challenging GR11 route also connects the Pyrenees range from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean.  The trails take one through mountain summits, waterfalls, lakes, and caves or follow valleys and high mountain meadows.

This 8-day adventure takes you deep into the heart of the Pyrenees, exploring the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Ordesa & Monte Perdido National Park, one of Spain's most iconic natural treasures. From the dramatic canyons of Ordesa and Añisclo to the Otal Valley's peaceful meadows and the Pineta Valley's cascading waterfalls, this trip offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts alike.

Your journey begins with a stay in the charming mountain village of Torla, a perfect gateway to the national park. Each day offers two hiking levels, allowing you to choose between more challenging routes or moderate options tailored to your fitness level. You'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of towering peaks, pristine rivers, and the park's famous waterfalls as you traverse narrow cliffside paths, alpine meadows, and ancient woodlands.

Beyond the hikes, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the medieval town of Ainsa, visit the fascinating Bird Centre of the Pyrenees, and discover the peaceful beauty of lesser-known valleys like Escuain and Otal. With knowledgeable guides, carefully planned routes, and stunning natural beauty at every turn, this trip promises a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Whether you're seeking to challenge yourself with steep ascents or prefer a more leisurely pace through majestic valleys, this trip provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the Pyrenees in all their glory.

Depending on your brief, we can facilitate “A” walkers with more challenging options,  “B” walkers with shorter walks with more peaks & “C” walkers with comfortable walks featuring areas of historic or cultural interest.   The choice is yours. Just let us know in advance.

Day 1. ARRIVAL

Arrival at Tarbes-Lourdes Airport. Transfer to Torla, followed by check-in and a briefing at the hotel. Dinner and overnight accommodation.



Day 2. ORDESA VALLEY

LEVEL A - VALLE DE ORDESA: SENDA DE CAZADORES – CIRCULAR ROUTE (19 KM, ↑850M, ↓850M)
Explore the stunning Ordesa & Monte Perdido National Park with a challenging yet rewarding route. Starting along the scenic Senda de los Cazadores, we’ll ascend to the Faja de Pelay and walk toward the famous "Cola de Caballo" waterfall. The return journey takes us through the breathtaking Ordesa Valley, following the river and passing by the picturesque "Gradas de Soaso" waterfalls. Dinner and accommodation in Torla.

LEVEL B - VALLE DE ORDESA: FAJA RACON – CIRCULAR ROUTE (11 KM, ↑550M, ↓550M)
This unforgettable hike starts with a gradual ascent through lush woodlands, reaching the imposing cliffs of Faja Racon. A narrow path beneath these towering cliffs offers magnificent views at every turn. After an hour on the Faja, you'll witness the Circo de Cotatuero and its spectacular waterfall, a true highlight. The descent leads through tranquil woodlands and back to the start. Dinner and accommodation in Torla.



Day 3. ORDISO AND OTAL VALLEYS

LEVEL A - ORDISO-OTAL: CIRCULAR ROUTE (17 KM, ↑1,000M, ↓1,000M)
Experience the breathtaking Valle de Bujaruelo, with stunning views of Vignemale. This loop between the Ordiso and Otal valleys showcases the beauty of the wild Pyrenees. Walking alongside the roaring Ara River, you’ll enjoy the natural scenery of meadows, mountain ranges, and peaceful rivers. Dinner and accommodation in Torla.

LEVEL B - VALLE DE OTAL (BUJARUELO): SEMI-CIRCULAR ROUTE (13 KM, ↑350M, ↓350M)
This more accessible route leads into the hidden Otal Valley. Admire the surrounding peaks, including Tendeñera, Peña de Otal, and Peña de Ordiso, as you walk through flower-filled meadows and peaceful forests. The valley’s unique U-shape and charming Otal stream create a postcard-perfect Pyrenees scene. Dinner and accommodation in Torla.



Day 4. AÑISCLO CANYON

LEVEL A - THE AÑISCLO CANYON FROM MONDOTO PEAK: CIRCULAR ROUTE (14 KM, ↑800M, ↓800M)
Marvel at the Añisclo Canyon, where towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls create a dramatic landscape. From Mondoto Peak, the canyon stretches endlessly beneath you, offering dizzying views of Monte Perdido and the iconic "Las Tres Sorores" peaks. This breathtaking hike provides panoramic views throughout. Dinner and accommodation in Torla.

LEVEL B - THE AÑISCLO CANYON FROM MONDOTO PEAK: SHORTER ROUND TRIP (8 KM, ↑600M, ↓600M)
A shorter version of the Level A route, offering the same spectacular vistas in a more compact trek. Dinner and accommodation in Torla.



Day 5. TRANSFER TO BIELSA

After breakfast, we transfer to Bielsa via the impressive Pineta Valley. En route, we’ll stop in Ainsa to visit the Ecomuseum de Fauna Pirenaica (Bird Centre of the Pyrenees). Learn about birds of prey through guided exhibitions and observe bearded vultures up close. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the historic town of Ainsa, famous for its Romanesque architecture and charming streets. Time for lunch in Ainsa before continuing to Bielsa. Free afternoon, followed by dinner and accommodation in Bielsa.



Day 6. THE ESCUAIN GORGES

LEVEL A - THE ESCUAIN GORGES: CIRCULAR ROUTE (17 KM, ↑800M, ↓800M)
Delve into the wild beauty of the Escuain Gorges, one of the most serene corners of the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park. Starting from Revilla, we hike to the Foratarruego Refuge, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the valley and the Gurrundué glacial cirque. Along the way, you’ll pass through alpine meadows and witness the graceful flight of bearded vultures. Dinner and accommodation in Bielsa.

LEVEL B - THE ESCUAIN GORGES: ROUND TRIP (12 KM, ↑300M, ↓300M)
A shorter exploration of the Escuain Gorges, also known as the Yaga River gorges. This tranquil route takes you through scenic landscapes, surrounded by mountains and alpine meadows. Keep an eye out for bearded vultures and other wildlife. Dinner and accommodation in Bielsa.



Day 7. THE PINETA VALLEY

CIRCULAR ROUTE PINETA VALLEY (11 KM, ↑450M, ↓450M)

Both Level A and B groups will enjoy a spectacular final day hiking through the Pineta Valley. The circular route takes us past the magnificent Cinca River waterfalls and into the stunning hanging valley of Lalarri. Cross the Lalarri River via a charming bridge to reach the expansive Lalarri Plains. The return journey follows the GR-11 trail, which spans the entire Pyrenees. Dinner and accommodation in Bielsa.



Day 8. DEPARTURE

Breakfast and transfer back to Tarbes-Lourdes Airport for your return journey. (1 hour 50 minutes)

  IT INCLUDES:
  • 4 nights at Hotel Bujaruelo or similar in Torla.
  • 3 nights at Hotel Monte Perdido or similar in Bielsa.
  • 7 Breakfast 
  • 7 dinners to experience the gastronomy (food & wine) of the towns/villages.
  • All transport and listed activities. Airport transfers
  • Guides – English speaking qualified/certified/approved guides
  • Insurances and taxes
  DOES NOT INCLUDE:
  • Picnic lunch.  It can be purchased in the hotel or local shops.
  • Drinks.
  • Flights 

TERMS & CONDITIONS

 

TOUR GROUPS 

The minimum number necessary to complete a tour is 8 clients.  They may all be from a Walking Club or a group of friends or just a number of individuals who wish to book a tour.  To ensure the safety of each member of the tour & their enjoyment of the walks, clients must inform the tour company of their competence level A or B.  This should be done at the time the client is discussing the reservation with the tour company.  Each route has been designed to the commonly used competency standards of hillwalking clubs members of Mountaineering, Ireland.  

 

WALKERS LEVELS

Tour groups may be composed of walkers of all similar levels or a mix of different levels both of fitness & experience. As indicated above, clubs & individuals should make their level known to the tour company well in advance so that the walks offered in the tour fit the appropriate levels.  While minor adjustments may be made during the tour, it is best for the enjoyment of all to divide the group into different competence levels & walk the route best suited to their abilities.  Clearly dividing groups into levels requires a dedicated guide to each group & there is an associated cost.  In that regard, it is necessary to have a minimum number of 4 for each such group.  If individuals are making up less than four wishes to undertake the route, the tour company will charge them the cost of the Guide, which will be divided among them.     

TOUR STRUCTURE

The tour company reserves the right to make changes to the structure of the tour program in advance of the tour start date where it considers it necessary to do so & will consult with the clients in advance. The circumstances where changes may be required may include weather conditions, flight/airport connection changes, cost increases of hotels, transport, guides or such other events that are material to the company not incurring a financial loss.

  

DEPOSIT

A deposit of €300 is required to reserve a place on tour.  The Deposit should be paid immediately to ensure that the tour company Rumbo a Picos can confirm your reservation & to ensure that the minimum number required to run the tour has been reached. 

 

FINAL PAYMENT

Final payment must be made not later than 30 days before the tour start date.  

 

CANCELLATION POLICY 

  • The tour company Rumbo a Picos reserves the right to cancel the tour if there are not the minimum number of participants, up to 30 days prior to the tour start date.  In the event of such cancellation, participants shall be refunded 100% of the payments they have made to the tour company Rumbo a Picos. The refund shall be made by Bank Transfer to the client’s bank account within 7 days of the notified cancellation. 
  • If the client cancels his/her booking prior to the tour start date,  to cover the tour company’s costs & administrative expenses the company will retain for a  cancellation prior to 90days/€50, 60days/€100, 30days/€150 and will refund to the client all other payments received by the company from the client.
  • If the client cancels his/her booking within 30 days of the tour start date, the tour company will not make any refund to the client.
  • The tour company reserves the right to modify the tour program & the itinerary in the event of circumstances outside of its control such as Force Majure, severe or unsuitable weather or any other circumstances it considers necessary to ensure the safety of the tour participants. 
  • If a participant decides to abandon the tour for whatever reason, he/she should inform the Guide in writing of their decision.  Any related expenses must be paid by the participant.  

  

INSURANCES 

INSURANCE INCLUDED IN THE PRICE. This insurance covers exclusively the risks related to your hiking activities with us and as a passenger in our company transport foreseen in the trip. It does not cover travel insurance.  

All customers must have travel and medical insurance. They should bring a copy with them, and give it to the Rumbo a Picos leading guides at the start of the trip. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and travel cancellation expenses.