Spain & France Across the Pyrenees Hiking Tour
High Mountain Passes & Historic Paradores
- Available: June, July, August, September
- Activity: Level 4
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
Highlights
- Explore Ordesa National Park, called the "Spanish Grand Canyon" for its dramatic cliffs and valleys
- Enjoy bird's-eye views of the majestic Gavarnie stone amphitheater, with waterfalls pouring over 1,500-foot walls
- Stay at charming inns and Paradors, and wrap up your trip with a tour of Gaudi masterpieces in Barcelona
Itinerary
Arrive in Bilbao, Spain
Day 1
Arrive in Bilbao early morning to rendezvous with the group. After a briefing, enjoy a 2-hour drive to the capital of Navarra province, Pamplona — best known for the famous "running of the bulls." Enjoy a walking tour, followed by lunch in the old town. Then transfer to Ordesa National Park, founded in 1918 as Spain's first national park, with sheer cliffs, lush forests, and deep valleys, all dominated by Monte Perdido, the third highest peak in the Pyrenees. Spend the night in the mountain village of Torla.
Accommodation: Hotel Bujaruelo
Accommodation: Hotel Villa RussellTransportation: 4.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hike through Forests & Meadows to Gavarnie
Day 2
This morning, transfer to the trailhead for a hike along the banks of the Ara River through beech and pine forests. At San Nicolas de Bujaruelo, cross the river on a beautiful stone bridge, the remains of an old Roman road. Continue through meadows and high pastures to Bujaruelo Pass (7,920') and the French border. In the late afternoon, descend into the French town of Gavarnie, enjoying spectacular bird's-eye views of the majestic amphitheater, where foaming waterfalls pour over 1,500-foot walls.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Vignemale
Activity: 6-7 hours/10 miles hiking with 3,201' elevation gain & 2,937' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Dramatic Hike to Monte Perdido
Day 3
Enjoy dramatic views of the scree field and valley below as you take a challenging 9-hour hike down a very steep scree slope in the area of Monte Perdido. From Gavarnie (4,554'), cross again to the Spanish side via Espuguettes-Puerto Nuevo de Pineta (9,441') and the Circo de Pineta, ending at the Parador Nacional de Bielsa (also known as Parador Monte Perdido) in Aragon's Valle de Pineta — a truly impressive mountain setting!
Accommodation: Parador de Bielsa
Accommodation: Monasterio de BoltanaActivity: 9 hours/12 miles hiking with 4,700' elevation gain & 4,000' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Admire Sweeping Views from the Balcon de Pineta
Day 4
On today's hike, follow switchbacks to the Balcon de Pineta and Lago Helado de Marbore. This strenuous route goes along the highest part of the base of Pico Marbore and Monte Perdido, two of the area's high peaks. From the Balcon (9,900'), enjoy dazzling views of the valley below.
Accommodation: Parador de Bielsa
Accommodation: Monasterio de BoltanaActivity: 8 hours/8 miles hiking with 4,158' elevation gain & loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover Benasque in Maladeta Aneto Natural Park
Day 5
Transfer to the village of Benasque in Maladeta Aneto Natural Park. After visiting the village, drive a little further to Llanos del Hospital, under the peaks of Aneto, the highest of the Pyrenees, and Maladeta. Check into the hotel and enjoy a delicious lunch before the 2-hour hike to Aigualluts, the lower meadow below Aneto Peak. Enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel Llanos del Hospital
Activity: 2-3 hours/5 miles hiking with 500' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike below Aneto, the Highest Peak in the Pyrenees
Day 6
Hike towards Puerto de la Picada through a tranquil landscape with grazing horses and swaying grasses. After the initial ascent on a good trail with magnificent views of the Aneto (11,168') and Maladeta (10,866') peaks, reach the highest point of the Puerto (8,182'). Then enter Catalonia and the Val d'Aran (7,755') as you descend to the waterfall of Uelhs deth Joeu (Eyes of the Jew). After a short transfer, reach the Parador and enjoy time to stroll through the mountain village of Arties or swim in the Parador's outdoor pool.
Accommodation: Parador de Arties
Activity: 6 hours/10 miles hiking with 1,944' elevation gain & 3,200' elevation loss
Transportation: 25-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a Gentle Climb in Catalonia
Day 7
You are now in the Catalonia region of the Pyrenees, which has a separate identity from the rest of Spain. After a 30-minute transfer, embark on a gentle climb from a meadow below the Puerto de la Bonaigua (6,270') through boulders up to Lagos de Gerver (7,300'), a sparkling lake surrounded by green lichen and bushes bursting with red berries. Then descend to the road, where you board a bus for a scenic drive through the countryside to your accommodation for the night, a Parador with historic architecture offering a glimpse of Spain's past.
Accommodation: Parador de Cardona
Accommodation: Parador de La Seu d’UrgellActivity: 4 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 3.5-hour private van transfer OR 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Montserrat and See Gaudi Masterpieces in Barcelona
Day 8
Transfer to the cable train of Montserrat, the sacred mountain of the Catalans, and hike via the Pla de Ocells and below the sandstone pinnacles of Cavall Bernat (4,950'). The setting of Wagner's opera Parsifal, this mountain range is a mystical landscape of towering pillars and smooth pinnacles. Descend to the 9th-century Benedictine monastery and shrine of the Black Madonna. In the afternoon, transfer one hour to Barcelona, check into the hotel and enjoy a sightseeing tour, taking in Gaudi-designed buildings. Enjoy a farewell dinner with the group.
Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Boulevard
Activity: 3 hours/6 miles hiking with 860' elevation gain & 2,392' elevation loss
Transportation: 1-hour cable train transfer and 1-hour private van transfer OR 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly Home
Day 9
Say adios to Spain! After breakfast, transfer to Barcelona-El Prat Airport for departures home.
Meals: Breakfast
Why Travel With Us?
This journey was designed by top MT Sobek guide Erik Perez, a professional mountaineer and published historian who has been leading hiking tours in northeastern Spain for more than 30 years.
Over 13 days, this well-paced adventure pairs scenic hikes in the Pyrenees with guided city tours, all featuring insights into local history and culture.
After a thrilling quest through a breathtaking landscape of peaks, waterfalls and high meadows, days end at picturesque country inns and upscale historic hotels.
Dates & Prices
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Leo S.
Leo was born in the mountains of Spain’s Basque Country and made his home in Jaca, in the heart of the Pyrenees, where he spends his winters on backcountry skis. He has been guiding in the Pyrenees for many years, as well as in Nepal, Morocco, Tanzania, Peru, Chile, Venezuela, Pakistan, India, and the French Alps. He has also taught skiing in Colorado. He is an International Certified Mountain Guide (UIAGM) and a professional ski instructor (ISIA). Leo is fluent in English, French, and Basque.
Fernando G.
Fernando is a IFMGA Mountain Guide with an extensive backgrouond in mountaneering and guiding. He has hiked the Great Himlayan Trail from India, Sikkim, Buthan, Nepal and Pakistán over a period of 6 months. Fernando was the first man to ever climb to the peak of Cho Oyu (26,906') solo and in Winter. He holds the world record of permanence in altitude, remaining at the summit of Aconcagua (22,841') for 66 days; and he has climbed Aconcagua 40 times. Fernando has been guiding in the Alpes, Andes, Himalaya and Pyrenees and other Mountains in Spain for more than 40 years.
Irene M.
Born in historic Extremadura, Irene combines a strong sense of Spanish culture with a love for wild alpine landscapes, bringing her warmth, expertise, and deep local insight to every day in the mountains. A certified UIMLA Mountain Leader, she is passionate about sharing the Pyrenees, where she now lives and guides. Her friendly nature makes guests feel welcome from the start, and she especially enjoys the camaraderie that develops along the trail.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 4. This is a challenging hike with substantial elevation gain and loss of over 4000 feet some days. You should be an experienced hiker who is comfortable hiking 6 - 9 hours per day. Terrain varies from established paths, loose rock, and scree. Hiking poles are recommended.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
6-7 hours/10 miles hiking with 3,201' elevation gain & 2,937' elevation loss
Day 3
9 hours/12 miles hiking with 4,700' elevation gain & 4,000' elevation loss
Day 4
8 hours/8 miles hiking with 4,158' elevation gain & loss
Day 5
2-3 hours/5 miles hiking with 500' elevation gain & loss
Day 6
6 hours/10 miles hiking with 1,944' elevation gain & 3,200' elevation loss
Day 7
4 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain & loss
Day 8
3 hours/6 miles hiking with 860' elevation gain & 2,392' elevation loss
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Charming mountain hideaways, medieval castles, revamped historic landmarks (Paradores) and modern city hotels, all featuring modern amenities and superb locations.
Hotel Bujaruelo
Located in the center of Torla, near the entrance of Ordesa National Park, Hotel Bujaruelo is a welcoming hideaway with airy public areas, including a cafe and bar featuring a lovely outdoor terrace. The spacious, colorful rooms and stellar service make it a fantastic base from which to explore the park.
Grand Hotel Vignemale
Rising up like a fairytale chateau amidst the Pyrenees, the Grand Hotel Vignemale lures adventure travelers of all types. In addition to incredible scenery that surrounds it, the charming hotel features cozy rooms and a tea room/bar, a great place to unwind after a long day of hiking.
Parador de Bielsa
A welcoming mountain retreat located in Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, Parador de Bielsa offers a great hideaway for taking in the fresh Pyrenean air. Rooms are outfitted with modern amenities and comfortable furniture; some bedrooms have spectacular views. The restaurant serves delicious Aragonese cuisine, such as Cinca River trout and roasted lamb.
Hotel Llanos del Hospital
A beautiful outpost located amidst black pine forests, glaciers, and snowcapped peaks of Posets-Maladeta Nature Reserve, Hotel Llanos del Hospital offers secluded accommodations with an old-country feel, vistas of the highest peaks of the Iberian Peninsula and stellar wildlife watching opportunities (look out for bears, deer, wild boar, otters, vultures, and eagles).
Parador de Arties
The snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees and the green luxuriant valley of Val d'Aran set the scene at Parador de Artie, a shining example of 14th- and 15th-century Aragonese architecture. The interiors feature cozy rooms, sloping ceilings, and wooden beams. During the summer, nap in hammocks by the bar, take a dip in the swimming pool, or unwind at the lounge.
Parador de Cardona
Housed in a 9th-century fortress that dominates the Cardoner River valley, this impressive hotel oozes history. Within the Parador, take in an 11th-century church, a Gothic cloister, an ancient water cistern and moats, towers and walls everywhere. The interiors feature medieval-inspired furniture, walls decorated with tapestries, and wrought-iron torch holders, all paired with modern amenities.
Hotel Catalonia Boulevard
With its superb location in the center of Barcelona, Hotel Catalonia Boulevard allows easy access to the city's most significant architectural highlights, as well as shops, restaurants, and other attractions. Guest rooms are sophisticated and stylish, and amenities include a fitness center and a rooftop pool and terrace, perfect for sunbathing during the day or cocktails in the evening.
Parador de La Seu d’Urgell
Hotel Villa Russell
Monasterio de Boltana
Weather
July is sunny with possible storms in the afternoon. September is clear and cooler. Temps will range from 50 F to 85 F.
FAQs
If you are arriving at the airport on Day 1, your guide will meet you and transfer you to the group meeting point in Bilbao.
We use vans or a bus for transfers, depending on group size.
You are welcome to skip a day of hiking, but you must be willing to travel in our van along with the guide(s) as they support the group and transfer to the next night's hotel.
No, we do not go inside of the Sagrada Familia. If you would like to visit the temple, we recommend doing so on your own after the trip.
No, we highly recommend hiking boots with ankle support for this trip.
There are two hotels that have pools on this trip: The Parador Nacional de Arties on Day 6, and the last night's hotel in Barcelona, the Gallery Hotel.