Walking the Rugged Pyrenees of Andorra

Activity Level

Challenging

Activity

Walking & Trekking

Overview

This self guided twin centre walking holiday takes in unforgettable views over vast lakes and lush countryside high in the Pyrenees

Andorra is well known for its unique mountain walking, offering unforgettable views over vast lakes and lush countryside with its highest mountain Coma Pedrosa, standing at a sizeable 2943 metres! This intriguing landlocked principality situated high in the Pyrenees offers all the spectacular views of ever-changing scenery a walker could wish for, some of the most dramatic in all of the Pyrenees. Boasting isolated refuges, medieval villages, soaring mountain passes and the beautiful tranquillity of a thousand lakes.

We have carefully selected our routes to ensure you truly experiences the best the Andorran Pyrenees has to offer. With its independent character, wildflower meadows and towering peaks, Andorra offers some of the finest paths in the Pyrenees making it a walker’s paradise. The variety and quality of paths is quite exceptional.

Our two centres have been chosen for their accessible locations, high standard of hotels and of course the quality of the surrounding walks. You will first be based in Encamp, a lovely parish located on the stunning Valira d’Orient River with good bus links. You can then opt to either walk or be transferred to your second centre in El Serrat. The walking is more mountainous in this village and has a surplus of beautiful wildflowers framing deep lakes.

Key Information

Trip Code: W07RP
Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
Countries: Andorra

What's Included

Twin-centre accommodation in *** and ****
All breakfasts and 3 evening meals
Navigation app
Luggage transfers between hotels

Highlights

Add extra nights in the vibrant city of Barcelona before or after your holiday!
Witness spectacular views and ever-changing scenery and an exceptional variety and quality of walking paths
Medieval villages, isolated refuges and soaring mountain passes

Itinerary

First Destination: Encamp
Next Destination: El Serrat

Meals included:None

Meals included:None

Meals included:None

Meals included:None

Meals included:None

Meals included:None

Meals included:None

Meals included:None

First Destination: Encamp
Next Destination: El Serrat

Arrival in Barcelona airport. Bus transfer (3 hours journey) to Encamp. Optional walk : This is an easy circuit which may be shortened by just going to Meritxell or Prats if you want to eliminate the downhill section at the end. It offers a good introduction to the immediate location, a taste of the hiking in Andorra and a level of orientation.(11 km / 3HRS)

A serene valley walk leading to an ascent to Col de Incles from where you drop down into France for a lakeside picnic. Superb views, jagged peaks and a well marked trail make for a very enjoyable days’ hike. (+619m / -651m)

This is a challenging high level walk crossing via Pic de Pessons. It means an early start to reach Grau Roig in time for the bus up to Estany Primer. The highest point reached is 2890 metres so check weather predictions carefully and do not attempt if there is any doubt. If all is fine, this is an incredible walk; high rugged mountains, strings of lakes, tumbling waterfalls and stunning views of peaks in Spain, France and Andorra. At the Coll below Pic de Pessons, the landscape becomes lunar with soft gravel, huge boulders of granite and alpine flowers. The latter part of the descent presents a narrow ambling path leading through cooling forest with streams and flowers like natures own rock garden. (+710m / -905m)

A shorter walk giving the option of a later start or a free afternoon in lovely Ordino. Following an ancient mountain trail, the walk rises steeply up to Coll d’Ordino. From here you can see Andorra’s highest peaks and pass by Casamunya at the country’s centre. From the Coll, an enjoyable descent leads straight into Ordino. (+710m / -695m)

Transferring over to your next hotel in El Serrat, you can walk from Ordino following the valley up to El Serrat, but not wishing to follow the road, a higher route is taken as far as La Cortinada. From there the already pleasing riverside trail is made more so by the interest of it being the Ruta de Fero depicting the history of the iron mining era in Andorra.(+835m / – 590m)

El Serrat offers many walking options which may be chosen according to weather and time of year. The valley leading into Sortenay is exceptional in Spring for its immense variety of wild flowers. Later in the year the Rialb valley on a clear, day will delight with a walk into France. This walk up the Rialb valley takes you over a ridge, into France and to the stunning, clear blue lake of Estany Blau. You will enjoy the breath-taking views of the Ordino pass as well as landscapes rich in rare plants, birds and small mammals. Shepherd’s huts are dotted through the valley and streams tinkle along the route. As you reach the Coll de Siguer at 2395m, before descending into France, enjoy wide sweeping mountaintop views followed by a lakeside picnic in serene surroundings. (+900m / -900m)

This has to be one of the best walks in the whole of the Pyrenees least alone Andorra! Save it for a day when the weather is predicted to be superb and you will be elevated into a land of waterfalls, rugged peaks, alpine flowers and glistening lakes. Pic de Noe and Pic d’Escobes set a stunning backdrop for two lakes and the Refugio de Juclar. (+817m / -817m)

Alternatively, choose another walk for the day : Perhaps best left until last, this is a high level walk demanding a good level of fitness. Route finding can be difficult in poor weather or misty conditions and it should not be attempted. If blessed with fine weather, the trail lifts you to the greatest heights and grandeur of Andorra’s high mountains and its stunning. After a long ascent to Portella de Rialb, the descent is long and exhilarating into the Rialb Valley.(+1013m / -1023m)

Transfer by bus to Barcelona airport (3 hours journey).

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, dates that suit you, 24-hour support, loyalty discounts, and peace of mind for delays or disruption.

Call us on 1 844 462 4317

Your Group, Your Adventure

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Accommodation

Walking the Rugged Pyrenees of Andorra

These are the standard hotels for our ” trip. If you’d like to extend your time at any of these or, if you’d like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.

Early bookng is advised as during busy times we may have to substitute individual hotels for one of an equal or superior standard.

Hotel Guillem

Hotel Guillem, Encamp:

Located in the pretty village of Encamp, very close to the town hall, the 4* Hotel Guillem is very comfortable and friendly. There is a bar and a well-lit restaurant serving tasty dishes. The hotel also offers an indoor pool, steam room, sauna and hot tub to enjoy after a long day walking. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, safe and private bathroom with WC, shower, bath and hairdryer.

Hotel Bringue

Hotel Bringue, El Serrat:

Surrounded by mountains, the 4* Hotel Bringue is located in an idyllic position in the Ordino valley. This family run hotel is modern, warm and elegant whilst offering all the charm of a traditional mountain hotel. Enjoy a unique spa experience with spectacular views of the Andorran mountains as you enjoy the facilities including pool, sauna and Turkish bath. Taste authentic Andorran cuisine at the Bringué Hotel Restaurant, offering the grilled meats specialities of the Ordino valley. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, safe and private bathroom with WC, shower, bath and hairdryer.

Hotel El Pradet

Hotel El Pradet, El Serrat:

You will find everything you need to make you feel at home at the comfortable, family run 3* Hotel El Pradet. With stunning landscape views, it offers the perfect environment to relax after a long day walking. The restaurant serves delicious Andorran food cooked in a traditional style and the sunny terrace has fantastic views of the Vall d’Ordino. All rooms in the hotel feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone and private bathroom with WC, bath/shower and hairdryer.

Essential Information

The tour normally begins at the start hotel in Encamp.

Andorra

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Andorra. However, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through (Andorra is landlocked, so you will need to enter from either France or Spain)

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.