Day 1: Arrive Andorra La Vella
There are regular bus links from Barcelona to Andorra la Vella. We will meet you at the hotel at 18:00 to discuss packing and kit. After the briefing we will have dinner at a local restaurant. We can leave luggage at the hotel for your return at the end of the hike.
Day 2: Andorra la Vella to Refuge de l’Illa
We leave on foot via the Tosca Bridge on the River Engordany and take the GR7 to Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, registered since 2004 as a Unesco World Heritage Site. We continue steeply on to Entremesaigües, crossing Sassanat Bridge, and follow the paved path to Pla de l’Ingla, a beautiful plain where the river splits into two over the flat terrain. Here, we can take a moment to contemplate the mountains of Estall Serrer, Setut Port, Portelleta Peak and Vall Civera Port, and soon we’ll see the first lakes that are scattered in this wide open landscape. The large Refuge de l’Illa appears in the distance with its wooden deck perfect for a sundowner in this awe-inspiring landscape. We take dinner and sleep in shared dorms at this refuge. Height gain 1473m | distance 13km.
Day 3: Refuge de l’Illa to Grau Roig Boutique Hotel & Spa
After breakfast we ascend gently to Collada de Pessons (2810m). From here we can see the circle of lakes in Pessons. We descend past seven of these – great for a swim on hot days! We aim to arrive at the magnificent Grau Roig hotel early afternoon for a luxury spa experience and quality restaurant. Height gain 740m | height loss 360m | distance 8.2km.
Day 4: Grau Roig Boutique Hotel & Spa to Refuge Juclar
After a large buffet breakfast we cross the ski resort of GrandValira. From here we go down to the small town of Les Bordes d’Envalira. The next ascent to Port Dret is steep with an amazing view of Andorra and France, as well as the valleys of Soldeu and Siscaró. We decend to Siscaró Refuge, from here the route is rough and more technical. We spend the night at Juclà Refuge (2310m), nestled inbetween steep-sided intimidating peaks. At this charming refuge we will eat a hearty meal and sleep early in shared dorms as the next day we will wake to watch the sunrise on Coll de l’Alba. Height gain 1200m | height loss 890m | distance 16.4km.
Day 5: Refuge Juclar to Refuge Sorenty
After breakfast and a picnic pick-up we traverse through rocky terrain and leave behind the bubbling Manegó river, and head towards Lake Cabana Sorda at 2295m and the shelter of the same name. We now ascend towards refuge de Coms de Jan where we will take in a panoramic view of the Ransol valley, and perhaps see chamois. After an ascent to Collade de Meners we can enjoy the views of the Ransol valley and Sorteny valley ahead and behind us. This final climb is on good paths through spectacular scenery. We now have a long, gentle descent from Collada de Meners between La Serrera and Estanyó Peaks, entering the Sorteny valley and the welcoming Refuge Sorteny (1965m). This is a beautiful refuge and we will be treated to a fabulous dinning experience before a night in shared dorms. Height gain 1425m | height loss 1771m | distance 16.9km.
Day 6: Refuge Sorenty to El Serrat hotel
Today we can have a late breakfast and lazy morning at this beautiful refuge. We have time to have coffee on the deck and look back up the long valley we hiked down the day before. We follow a meandering path beside a beautiful mountain stream to El Serrat. At our hotel in El Serrat we can take our rucksacks off and relax in the comfortable common areas. You can chose to take lunch on the terrace overlooking the valley before we check in to our rooms at 15:00. You are free to have dinner on your own tonight. Height loss 400m | distance 4km.
Day 7: El Serrat to Arinsal
After a large continental breakfast we start the day with with gentle descent along the valley to Llots followed by a steep ascent. We then enter the parish of La Massana surrounded by many high beautiful mountains. Then a steep steady decent to Arinsal for some well-deserved spa luxury at Hotel Spa Princesa Parc. Height gain 1210m | height loss 1290m | distance 17km.
Day 8: Day off – spa day!
Today you are free to relax and luxuriate at the hotel, and to explore Arinsal. Choose your own lunch and dinner today in this pretty ski town.
Day 9: Arinsal to Refuge Comapedrosa
After a leisurely large buffet breakfast we have a steady climb through beautiful woodlands on rocky paths to the Refuge Comapedrosa at 2265m. From the grassy terrace we can admire steep mountain vistas in all directions. A friendly welcome and a large dinner await us! We will sleep in shared dorms. Height gain 790m | distance 4.7km.
Day 10: Refuge Comapedrosa to Andorra La Vella
We begin the last day of hiking with an early breakfast as the first rays of sun appear across the summit of the Comapedrosa peak (2942m), the highest in Andorra. After enjoying this spectacle, we start our walk towards Portella de Sanfons, on the border with Spain. Here, we enjoy splendid views of Aneto, the highest peak in the Pyrenees. We cross the ski slopes of Vallnord Pal-Arinsal and soon enter a wooded area where we might see grouse, squirrel or roe deer. We traverse easy terrain on our way to Collada de Muntaner. From here we can see the Ós de Civís valley in the distance. Our descent takes us through high-mountain agricultural activity (barley and tobacco). We pass by the rural cottages in Cortals and onto the village of Sispony, following the well-maintained Fenerols path. We cross the Muntaner river and leave behind us the reservoirs in Andorra la Vella. A final cobblestone road that connects with Pont dels Escalls bridge – declared a site of cultural interest – takes us back to our starting point for a celebration meal and a good night’s sleep. Height gain 716m | height loss 1922m | distance 21.4km.
Day 11: Depart
You can depart to Barcelona on the bus of your choice.