Trekking in Aiguestortes

Photo: Wikimedia Commons · Wikimedia Commons

Epic~5 days

Why go

Aiguestortes is a granite wilderness of glacial lakes and refuges under the Besiberri peaks - home of the Carros de Foc, a nine-hut circuit that is one of the Pyrenees' great multi-day walks.

When

In season: Jul–Sep · Peak: Jul–Aug

Who it’s for

Skill

Intermediate–Advanced

Effort

Demanding

Suitable from

12+ · Teen+

Crowds

Steady

Cost

$$$

Trekking specifics

Distance: 55 km
Total ascent: 3800 m
Max altitude: 2900 m
Accommodation: Nine mountain refuges
Technical: Rough granite passes; a summit option on Besiberri

What to expect

High, lake-strewn terrain with rough granite passes; the Carros de Foc is a demanding five days, while the Sant Maurici lakes offer an easy day from the road. Snow lingers into July.

Routes

What the difficulty bands mean

easy: Accessible with basic fitness; no technical skills or exposure.
moderate: Sustained effort or some exposure; comfort on the terrain expected.
hard: Long, technical or serious — experience and the right conditions required.

Sant Maurici lakes loop
easy
The short walk from the road head, best light in the morning
Estany Llong to Colomers
moderate
Lake basins and granite passes through the park's core
Carros de Foc
hard
The refuge circuit, nine huts in five days
Besiberri Sud
hard
The high summit day above the lakes

How to start

Base in Espot or Boi and take the 4x4 taxis to the park edge. Book the refuges well ahead for the Carros de Foc; carry layers for fast Pyrenean weather.