The Spanish Pyrenees Grade: Moderate
£2,050.00
Welcome to your ultimate mountain adventure: an unforgettable eight-day journey through the jaw-dropping landscapes of the Aragonese Pyrenees. Led by International Mountain Leader Georgina, this meticulously crafted itinerary balances world-class high-alpine trekking with rich cultural discovery. You will journey from the colossal, vertical stone walls of the Ordesa Valley—Europe’s Grand Canyon—to pristine glacial lakes, butterfly-filled peaks, and high-altitude border crossings into France. Complete with a rest day exploring the medieval charms and premium gastronomy of Jaca, this trip blends physical reward with exceptional local hospitality. Lace up your boots, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and prepare to discover one of Europe’s most spectacular and mythical wildernesses.
Itinerary (subject to change):
Day 1: Arrival in Zaragoza & Journey to the Pyrenees
Upon arriving in Zaragoza, you will be warmly greeted by your guide Georgina. From the airport, relax during a scenic 2-hour private transfer in our comfortable 9-seater passenger vehicle, winding up into the mountains to your base hotel in the charming village of Biescas. Before gathering for your first group dinner, your guide will host an informal trip briefing and Q&A session to review the exciting week of trekking ahead and ensure your gear is perfectly prepared.
Day 2: Ibón de Piedrafita: Mythical Forests & Ancient Fossils
Ease into your Pyrenean adventure with a delightful, gentle trek that perfectly blends natural beauty, ancient history, and folklore. Starting from the traditional village of Piedrafita de Jaca, you will wander through the enchanting, ancient beech trees of the mythical El Betato forest. As you follow a rushing mountain stream, your guide will point out remarkable prehistoric marine fossils frozen in time within the riverside rocks. The true reward awaits as the trail opens into a majestic alpine basin, revealing the pristine, reflective waters of Ibón de Piedrafita. Nestled directly beneath the sheer, towering 800-metre cliffs of Peña Telera, this glacial lake provides an awe-inspiring, textbook setting to relax on the grass and enjoy a scenic picnic lunch before a panoramic mountain descent.
- Total Distance: 9.5 km (5.9 miles)
- Total Elevation Gain/Loss: 350 metres
Day 3: The Faja de Racón: Trekking Europe’s Grand Canyon
Prepare for a day of pure mountain awe as you venture into the heart of the Ordesa Valley, a crown jewel of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your journey begins with a rewarding, shaded climb through ancient silver fir forests, emerging directly at the base of the colossal, vertical stone walls of Tozal del Mallo. From here, you will step onto the legendary Faja de Racón—a spectacular, winding balcony trail that contours seamlessly along the mid-level ledges of the canyon wall. Enjoy thrilling, front-row views of the lush valley floor and cascading waterfalls far below, all while giant limestone cliffs tower hundreds of metres over your head. After a scenic picnic lunch inside the jaw-dropping Cotatuero glacial amphitheatre, you will descend through cool woodland paths to complete an unforgettable trek through one of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe.
- Total Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Total Elevation Gain/Loss: 650 metres
Day 4:Â Punta del Pacino: The Summit of the Butterflies
Embark on a truly magical mountain trek that combines panoramic alpine summits with one of the Pyrenees’ most enchanting natural spectacles. Starting from the historic village of Sallent de Gállego, you will ascend through cool pine forests and sun-drenched pastures to the sweeping Collado del Pacino pass. From here, a rewarding ridge walk brings you to the summit of Punta del Pacino (1,965m) for an incredible 360-degree view over the turquoise Lanuza Reservoir and the surrounding jagged peaks. At the summit crest, you will witness a breathtaking wildlife phenomenon: hundreds of massive, vibrant yellow-and-black Swallowtail butterflies dancing in the mountain breeze, making this a uniquely unforgettable spot to enjoy your picnic lunch.
- Total Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Total Elevation Gain/Loss: 700 metres
- Day 5:Â A Cultural Escape to Jaca: The Pearl of the Pyrenees
Give your hiking boots a rest and immerse yourself in the rich medieval history of Jaca, affectionately known as the “Pearl of the Pyrenees.” A short, scenic drive brings you to this vibrant historic gateway, where you can explore entirely at your own leisure. Wander through stone-paved lanes to discover Spain’s oldest Romanesque cathedral, and stand before the magnificent, star-shaped 16th-century Citadel, where deer roam freely in the historic dry moats. After a relaxing day of sightseeing, shopping, and soaking up the lively mountain-town atmosphere, the group will gather for an unforgettable evening culinary experience: a premium tasting menu celebrating the rich, traditional flavours and world-class wines of Aragonese cuisine.
Day 6:Â The High Pastures & Canyons of Sabocos: From Peak to Village
Step directly from your hotel into the Panticosa gondola and glide effortlessly up to the alpine ridge of Puntal de los Petrosos (1,865m) to begin a day of breathtaking contrasts. Your trek leads you into a hidden glacial basin to discover the deep, dramatic waters of Ibón de Sabocos, before making a gentle ascent to the sweeping Cuello de Sabocos pass (2,090m). Here, you will hike alongside free-roaming mountain horses grazing peacefully against a jagged mountain backdrop. The true geological masterpiece of the day unfolds as you descend into the Rincón del Verde—a colossal, horseshoe-shaped limestone amphitheatre of towering rock formations. The journey finishes beautifully along a shaded, rushing river path, guiding you right back into the heart of Panticosa for a well-deserved evening of relaxation.
- Total Distance: 14.5 km (9 miles)
- Total Elevation Gain: 350 metres (thanks to the gondola)
- Total Elevation Loss: 950 metres (sustained descent back to the valley)
Day 7: The Grand Border Finale: Trekking the French Pyrenees Cap off your mountain adventure with a spectacular high-alpine crossing into France to loop the iconic, volcanic giant of the Pyrenees: the Pic du Midi d’Ossau. Starting from the mountain pastures of Cabane de l’Araille, you will ascend through valleys where massive Griffon Vultures soar on the thermal wind currents. A rewarding, rocky ridge climb brings you to the panoramic summit of Pic de Peyreget (2,487m), offering an absolute front-row, face-to-face view of the Pyrenees’ most famous twin peaks. Descend through a dramatic boulder field to the edge of a pristine glacial lake for a well-deserved coffee or cold drink at the historic, stone-built Refuge de Pombie, completing a truly unforgettable day of world-class mountain trekking.
- Total Distance: 11.5 km (7.1 miles)
- Total Elevation Gain/Loss: 900 metres
Day 8:Â Farewell to the Pyrenees & Departure for the UK
Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Your private 9-seater vehicle will provide a smooth, 2-hour transfer back to Zaragoza Airport in time for your return flight to the UK. As you head home, you will carry unforgettable memories, newfound friendships, and stories of spectacular high-alpine trails.
£2050 in a single ensuite room £175 discount per person in a shared twin ensuite
Included in the price: 7 nights accommodation in 3* hotel, all meals from dinner day 1 to breakfast day 8, transfers to and from airport, transfers to and from treks and Jaca day trip, fully qualified International Mountain Leader, gondola on day 6, tasting menu on day 5
Not included: flights, insurance, tips for the guides, drinks, sightseeing entrance fees, optional visit to Baths of Liberia 45e
We stay in a comfortable, recently renovated hotel in Biescas, a lovely village at the southern end of the Valle de Tena in the province of Huesca. Brekafast is served at the hotel and dinner is at the sister hotel opposite.
The walks on this holiday are graded as moderate. Walks are up to 9 miles with up to 900 meteres of ascent and descent. The mountainous terrain can be challenging and you must have experience of walking in the mountains of the UK or elsewhere. However, no technical equipment is necessary and no scrambling or steep drops are involved.
Georgina Talfana is a qualified International Mountain Leader. She has been leading groups of adults and children in mountain areas worldwide and facilitating outdoor activities since 2002.
Georgina has experience of leading groups in the following areas: French, Swiss & Italian Alps; French & Spanish Pyrenee;, Great Wall of China; Macchu Picchu & Alpamayo, Peru; Mountain Pine Ridge, Belize; Romania, Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base camp, Langtang & Manaslu, Nepal; Mt Etna, Sciliy; Australia; New Zealand; Wales; Lake Distract; Hadrians Wall; Peak District & Scottish Highlands.
Georgina loves the outdoors and aspires to share her enthusiasm and knowledge of geology, climate issues and flora and fauna with you.
The nearest airport is Zaragoza and there are usually direct flights with Ryanair from Stansted available. Other airports offer indirect flights to Zaragoza.
From there, it is a1 hour and forty minute drive to our accommodation and a private transfer will meet certain flights (tbc).
The Spanish Pyrenees Grade: Moderate
European Holidays, ModerateThe Spanish Pyrenees Grade: Moderate
£2,050.00
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