Spain & France Across the Pyrenees Hiking Tour

Your Guides

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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 San Sebastian

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.

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                    [Headline] => Arrive in Bilbao, Spain
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Arrive in Bilbao early morning to rendezvous with the group at 11am. After a briefing, enjoy a 2-hour drive to the capital of Navarre 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.
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                    [Headline] => Hike through Forests & Meadows to Gavarnie
                    [ActivityOverview] => 6-7 hours/10 miles hiking with 3,201\' elevation gain & 2,937\' elevation loss
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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.
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                    [Headline] => Take a Dramatic Hike to Monte Perdido
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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 Aragón\'s Valle de Pineta - a truly impressive mountain setting!
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                    [Headline] => Admire Sweeping Views from the Balcon de Pineta
                    [ActivityOverview] => 8 hours/8 miles hiking with 4,158\' elevation gain & loss
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On today\'s hike, follow switchbacks to the Balcon de Pineta and Lago Helado de Marboré. This strenuous route goes along the highest part of the base of Pico Marboré and Monte Perdido, two of the area\'s high peaks. From the Balcon (9,900\'), enjoy dazzling views of the valley below.
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                    [Headline] => Discover Benasque in Maladeta Aneto Natural Park 
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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.
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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 Vall 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.
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                    [Headline] => Enjoy a Gentle Climb in Catalonia
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You are now in the Catalonia (Cataluña) 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 3-hour drive to the Montserrat area, near Barcelona. Enjoy an overnight in a beautiful medieval castle.
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Transfer one hour 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.
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Transfer on your own to Barcelona International Airport for homeward-bound or onward flights.
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    [ActivityHighlight] => 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.  
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Accommodations

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Charming mountain hideaways, medieval castles, revamped historic landmarks (paradors) and modern city hotels, all featuring modern amenities and superb locations.

Hotel Bujaruelo-Torla, Spain

Comfortable Hotel

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-Gavarnie, France

Comfortable Hotel

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 Nacional de Bielsa-Monte Perdido, Spain

Comfortable Hotel

A welcoming mountain retreat located in Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, Parador Nacional 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-Benasque Huesa, Spain

Comfortable Hotel

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-Lleida, Spain

Comfortable Hotel

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-Catalonia, Spain

Comfortable Hotel

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 Gallery-Barcelona, Spain

Comfortable Hotel

With its superb location in the center of Barcelona, Gallery Hotel 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.

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