Walking the Rugged Pyrenees of Andorra
Walking the Rugged Pyrenees of Andorra
Walking the Rugged Pyrenees of Andorra
8 Days Starting in Encamp and ending in El Serrat
Visiting: Encamp, Ordino, El Serrat
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W07RP
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
18-99
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : 1: Arrival At Encamp
Location: Encamp
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)
Day 2 : 2: At Encamp 10Km / 6.2 Mi / 4Hrs
Location: Encamp
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)
Day 3 : 3: At Encamp 13.5 Km / 8.5 / 5 Hrs
Location: Encamp
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)
Day 4 : 4: Encamp To Ordino 8 Km/ 5 Mi /3.5Hrs
Location: Ordino
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)
Day 5 : 5: Ordino To El Serrat 12 Km / 7.5 Mi / 5 Hrs
Location: Ordino
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)
Day 6 : 6: At El Serrat- Estany Blau 13 Km / 8 Mi / 5 Hrs
Location: El Serrat
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)
Day 7 : 7: At El Serrat - Estanys De Juclar 14.5 Km / 9 Mi /5.5Hrs
Location: El Serrat
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)
Day 8 : 8: Leave El Serrat
Location: El Serrat
Transfer by bus to Barcelona airport (3 hours journey).
What's Included
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Twin-centre accommodation in
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and
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hotels
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All breakfasts and 3 evening meals
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Luggage transfers between hotels
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Visas or vaccinations
Food
Accommodation
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.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes a bus transfer from Barcelona airport to Encamp, which takes approximately 3 hours. On the final day, a bus transfer is provided from El Serrat back to Barcelona airport, also taking around 3 hours.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides twin-centre accommodation in hotels. If you wish to extend your stay or upgrade your room, you can request this at the time of booking. Early booking is advised as substitutions may occur during busy times.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, all breakfasts and 3 evening meals are included in the tour package.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour.
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What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour starts in Encamp, Andorra, after a bus transfer from Barcelona airport.
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What is the final destination of the tour?
The tour ends in El Serrat, Andorra, with a bus transfer back to Barcelona airport.
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What kind of walking experience can I expect on this tour?
The tour offers a variety of walking experiences, including serene valley walks, challenging high-level hikes, and routes with stunning views of peaks in Spain, France, and Andorra. The walks range from easy circuits to more demanding trails with significant elevation changes.
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Are there any optional activities during the tour?
Yes, on the first day, there is an optional easy circuit walk around Encamp, which can be shortened if desired.
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What should I consider when planning the high-level walks?
For high-level walks, such as the one crossing via Pic de Pessons, it is important to check weather predictions carefully and not attempt the walk if there is any doubt about the conditions. These walks require an early start and a good level of fitness.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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