Walking the Rugged Pyrenees of Andorra

Walking the Rugged Pyrenees of Andorra

62 Views
8 Days From

$1100

Walking the Rugged Pyrenees of Andorra

8 Days Starting in Encamp and ending in El Serrat

Visiting: Encamp, Ordino, El Serrat

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

W07RP

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Challenging

Age range:

18-99

From: $1100

NB: Prices correct on 07-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

  • 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

Expand All

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

  • Twin-centre accommodation in

  • and

  • hotels

  • All breakfasts and 3 evening meals

  • Luggage transfers between hotels

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, all breakfasts and 3 evening meals are included in the tour package.

  • Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour.

  • What is the starting point of the tour?

    The tour starts in Encamp, Andorra, after a bus transfer from Barcelona airport.

  • What is the final destination of the tour?

    The tour ends in El Serrat, Andorra, with a bus transfer back to Barcelona airport.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Thursday

Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025
$1100

Friday - Friday

Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025
$1100

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
$1100

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025
$1100

Monday - Monday

Jun 30, 2025 - Jul 07, 2025
$1100

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025
$1460

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jul 02, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025
$1460

Thursday - Thursday

Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025
$1460

Friday - Friday

Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025
$1460

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025
$1460

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025
$1460

Monday - Monday

Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 14, 2025
$1460

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025
$1460

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jul 09, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025
$1460

Thursday - Thursday

Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 17, 2025
$1460

Friday - Friday

Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025
$1460

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
$1460

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025
$1460

Monday - Monday

Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025
$1460

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025
$1460

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jul 16, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025
$1460

Thursday - Thursday

Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 24, 2025
$1460

Friday - Friday

Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025
$1460

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025
$1460

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025
$1460

Monday - Monday

Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025
$1460

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025
$1460

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jul 23, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025
$1460

Thursday - Thursday

Jul 24, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025
$1460

Friday - Friday

Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025
$1460

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
$1460

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025
$1460

Monday - Monday

Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 04, 2025
$1460

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025
$1460

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jul 30, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025
$1460

Thursday - Thursday

Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025
$1460

Friday - Friday

Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
$1460

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025
$1460

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025
$1460

Monday - Monday

Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025
$1460

Tuesday - Tuesday

Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025
$1460

Wednesday - Wednesday

Aug 06, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025
$1460

Thursday - Thursday

Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025
$1460

Friday - Friday

Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025
$1460

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025
$1460

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025
$1460

Monday - Monday

Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025
$1460

Tuesday - Tuesday

Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025
$1460

Wednesday - Wednesday

Aug 13, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025
$1460

Thursday - Thursday

Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025
$1460

Friday - Friday

Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
$1460

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025
$1460

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025
$1460

Monday - Monday

Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025
$1460

Tuesday - Tuesday

Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025
$1460

Wednesday - Wednesday

Aug 20, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025
$1460

Thursday - Thursday

Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025
$1460

Friday - Friday

Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
$1460

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
$1460

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025
$1460

Monday - Monday

Aug 25, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025
$1460

Tuesday - Tuesday

Aug 26, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025
$1460

Wednesday - Wednesday

Aug 27, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025
$1460

Thursday - Thursday

Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 04, 2025
$1460

Friday - Friday

Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
$1460

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
$1460

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025
$1460

Monday - Monday

Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025
$1460

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025
$1460

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025
$1460

Thursday - Thursday

Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025
$1460

Friday - Friday

Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
$1460

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$1460

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$1460

Monday - Monday

Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025
$1460

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025
$1460

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025
$1460

Thursday - Thursday

Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025
$1460

Friday - Friday

Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
$1460

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
$1460

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
$1460

Monday - Monday

Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025
$1460

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025
$1460

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 17, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025
$1460

Thursday - Thursday

Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025
$1460

Friday - Friday

Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
$1460

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$1460

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
$1460

Monday - Monday

Sep 22, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025
$1460

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
$1460

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 24, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025
$1460

Thursday - Thursday

Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025
$1460

Friday - Friday

Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
$1460

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$1460

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
$1460

Monday - Monday

Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025
$1460

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025
$1460
Prices last published on 07-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

Enquire for huge savings

Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.

By submitting this form, I accept Travel Club Elites terms & conditions and privacy policy.

Similar Tours