Current as of: September 18, 2025 - 12:33

Walking in Andorra

Walking in Andorra Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group
  • Programmes: Walking & Trekking
  • Activity Level:

    3 out of 7 - Moderate

  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: TAA

Trip Overview

Hike the most beautiful trails in Andorra, guided by a tour leader who knows them better than anyone

The mountainous microstate of Andorra, nestled between France and Spain, is a land of dipping valleys, towering peaks, and alpine lakes. A pocket of hiking heaven in the high Pyrenees. This expertly crafted itinerary maximises your adventure, a collection of the most scenic trails (chosen by our local experts) led by the best guide in the region. Additionally, the central location of our Superior hotel means short transfers to the hikes and more time in the beautiful scenery. As you’ll find, local knowledge goes a long way in little Andorra.

Walking in Andorra

At a Glance

  • Accommodation: 7 Superior nights (Ski Plaza Hotel & Wellness)
  • Five walking days
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Option to travel by train to your adventure

Highlights

  • Hike the most scenic trails in Andorra, guided by a tour leader who knows every twist and turn
  • Discover the three mountain-wrapped lakes of the Lagos de Tristaina circuit
  • Walk through history in the Valle de Incles, taking trails used by Second World War refugees
  • Summit Casamanya, the Heart of Andorra, for panoramic views over most of the country
  • Marvel at alpine lakes hidden within the Circ de Pessons, a glorious glacial amphitheatre
  • Stay at our centrally located Superior hotel, spending less time driving and more time in nature

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Suitability: The hikes range from 3hr to 6hr 30min. Some paths feature steep ascents and descents, with some requiring scrambling. Therefore, it is not suitable for those with knee problems.

Terrain: The terrain offers significant diversity. Expect raw wilderness, with rugged peaks, deep canyons, and steep ridges. Be prepared for some uneven, rocky, and sometimes rubble-covered paths.

Flexibility: The order of the itinerary may be changed to ensure the best possible conditions for each activity.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Land Only

  • Start City: Canillo, Andorra
  • End City: Canillo, Andorra

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Adventure begins in Canillo, Andorra

Begin your adventure in the mountain town of Canillo, our gateway to the Pyrenean trails of Andorra.

Around 6pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big Andorran welcome by arranging a group dinner.

Want more time in Canillo or Barcelona? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2
Hike the magnificent Lagos de Tristaina circuit
Walking in Andorra

Linking three glacial lakes near the Ordino-Arcalís ski resort, the Lagos de Tristaina circuit is a wonderfully scenic start to our hiking adventure.

It’s a relatively gentle day, a great warm up for the hikes ahead and the ideal opportunity to get to know each other better.

Along the way, we see all three lakes – Estany Primer, with its deep blue waters; the hill-wrapped Estany del Mig; and Estany de Més Amunt, the largest of the trio – and, if we’re lucky, the free-roaming Percheron horses that live here.

Distance covered: 4mi (7km)

Ascent: 1,427ft (435m); Descent: 1,427ft (435m); Activity hours: 3hr 45min

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3
Hike a Second World War trail in the Valle de Incles

The Valle de Incles, a glacial valley where shepherd huts and meadows sit beneath high ridges, is our host for today’s adventure.

Our circular trail showcases the beauty of the region, passing cascades, rippling peaks and dense pine forests. We also do a lap of the Estany de Siscaró, an alpine lake surrounded by meadows and peaks.

While you’re taking in the beauty, make sure to mine your tour leader’s knowledge on the Valle de Incles, which was used as a clandestine crossing into France by smugglers and refugees during the Second World War.

Distance covered: 7mi (11km)

Ascent: 1,608ft (490m); Descent: 1,608ft (490m); Activity hours: 5

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4
Free day to relax or enjoy optional activities
Walking in Andorra

Today is free to rest or join optional activities. Options include trying a via ferrata and crossing the Tibetan Bridge at Canillo, visiting the Caldea thermal baths in Escaldes-Engordany, lacing up skates at the Palau de Gel ice rink, or heading into Andorra la Vella for shopping (the principality remains tax-free).

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
Summit Casamanya peak, the ‘Heart of Andorra’
Walking in Andorra

We set our sights on Casamanya today. The peak is an icon of the central Pyrenees and a firm favourite for local hikers. Our route takes us up some steep sections, but the views from the top, over virtually the whole country, are well worth the effort.

On our descent, we stop at the Roc del Quer viewpoint, a cantilevered platform jutting 40ft (12m) from the mountainside, offering a bird’s-eye view of Canillo village.

Distance covered: 5mi (8km)

Ascent: 2,428ft (740m); Descent: 2,428ft (740m); Activity hours: 3

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6
Valley to valley hike, passing mountain lakes en route

Cross from east to west today, tracking a spectacular linear route between two valleys.

From the peaceful village of Ransol, we ascend through a dramatic glacial valley, passing a series of pristine alpine lakes before we climb toward the high mountain pass of Collada dels Meners, each turn reveals sweeping views and wild, unspoiled landscapes.

We then descend to Sorteny Valley, a protected nature park renowned for its meadows of wildflowers, endemic alpine species, and one of the richest floral reserves in the Pyrenees.

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Ascent: 2,887ft (880m); Descent: 3,215ft (980m); Activity hours: 6

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7
Discover hidden mountain lakes in the Circ de Pessons amphitheatre
Walking in Andorra

A 30-minute transfer brings us to Grau Roig. It may be a renowned ski resort, but it’s the gateway to the Circ de Pessons for us, a glorious glacial amphitheatre dotted with a series of mountain lakes. A fitting finale to our week of hiking.

We follow a circular route linking several of the lakes, surrounded by glorious Andorran peaks throughout.

Distance covered: 7mi (11km)

Ascent: 1,657ft (505m); Descent: 1,657ft (505m); Activity hours: 6hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8
Adventure ends in Canillo, Andorra

You’ve hiked the most beautiful trails in the country, climbed the ‘Heart of Andorra’ and traced glacial valleys, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home.

Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.

Meals included: Breakfast

Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Accommodation

Ski Plaza Hotel & Wellness, Canillo

Walking in Andorra

There’s no better place to base yourself than Canillo. The village occupies a central spot in Andorra, meaning less time on the road, more time in nature.

We stay at the Ski Plaza, a welcoming hotel with two restaurants, a lobby bar, and comfortable rooms. If you really want to treat yourself, consider a visit to the spa, which features a hydrotherapy circuit, sensation pool, hot stone beds, and contrast showers.

Transport

Transfers are in an air-conditioned minibus.

Weather & Seasonality

Andorra’s summer climate is warm and sunny, with daytime highs around 30C (86F), cooler mountain breezes, and refreshing evenings. Rainfall is occasional, and the Pyrenees provide clear skies ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Ski Plaza Hotel & Wellness, Av. Sant Joan de Caselles, AD100 Canillo, Andorra
Phone: +376 739 444
Recommended arrival time: There is a welcome briefing at 6pm, followed by a group dinner
Airport: Barcelona Airport (BCN)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately three hours’ drive from Barcelona Airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Catching your return flight

There’s one group transfer to Barcelona Airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Canillo, Andorra
Location end: Canillo, Andorra

What To Take

Essential Equipment

  • Walking shoes or boots with ankle support
  • Small backpack for camera, water bottle etc
  • Large refillable water bottle
  • Waterproofs
  • Sun hat and sunscreen

Practical Information

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

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)

Vaccinations and Health

Andorra

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Andorra's time zone: Europe/Andorra (UTC +02:00)

Electricity

Andorra's electricity: Plug type F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Walking in Andorra

Money

Andorra's currency: Euros (EUR)

Sustainability and Impact

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.

Important Information

Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.

How to Book

Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:

  1. Check availability: our website shows real-time availability or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
  2. Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
  3. Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.

After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.

Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.

  • Where free transfers are included, they are available for any flight but can only be added to your booking once we have received your flight schedule.
  • Where group arrival and departure transfers are available, these operate at fixed times. You will need to arrive in time to meet the scheduled transfer. If the timings don’t align with your travel plans, our team can arrange private transfers once they receive your flight schedule.

Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

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