Hut to Hut Hiking in the Pyrenees Mountains

8
Spain
6 Days
4B 4L 4D
From€1,200 EUR
Hut to Hut Hiking in the Pyrenees Mountains
Hut to Hut Hiking in the Pyrenees Mountains
Hut to Hut Hiking in the Pyrenees Mountains

Trek through the Aiguestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. Be amazed by the breathtaking Pyrenees mountains, passing incredible glacier valleys and mountain lakes along the way.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Barcelona airport to Espot & Hike to Amitges Hut

Pick-up is from Barcelona airport @ 9:30 am or "Sants Estació" train station around 10:00 am. From there, it's a 4-hour drive to the Pyrenees. Here, you meet the guide and the rest of the team. We'll show you the hiking route and share a snack while getting to know each other.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we'll take a 4x4 taxi to Sant Maurici Lake (1912m) from where it's a short hike to Amitges hut (2365m). It's an easy hike today to ease us into the trek. The very end of the walk is quite steep, but well rewarded as the hut is in a very privileged spot.

Hiking distance: 4.5km, ascent: 500m, descent: 50m ( 3 hours).

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We start the day with breathtaking scenery serrated ridges, granite towers and beautiful lakes... we start with a gentle descent to reach the viewpoint over Sant Maurici Lake, a really inspiring spot.

Then after 20 minutes of flat section, we start the climb to the Portarro pass (2423m), and then descend to Llong Lake and to Llong hut (1994m). From the pass, we have the option to add a peak ascent, adding around 300+ elevation, 2km and a good 1.5h overall to the day.

Hiking distance: 8.5km, ascent: 487m, descent: 842m (4-6 hours).

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We will start hiking through the forest and climbing up to Dellui Pass (2560m) where the height doesn't allow trees to grow anymore. From here the landscape is almost from another planet, the high mountains, the lakes... it's enough to make you drool! We descend to Tort Lake and climb up a little to reach Colomina hut (2400m), right at the shore of a very nice lake. This is a very beautiful location for a hut with amazing high mountain views.

Hiking distance: 11.3km, ascent: 780m, descent: 370m (6-7 hours).

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The day starts walking beside a lake, a real good start! Next, we'll climb up to Saburo Pass (2648m). There is a little section with boulders where we will play with our balance and learn how to move through this easy but slightly technical terrain. From the pass, It's 99% downhill and a delight for the spirit.

It's one of the shortest days in distance, elevation gain and trekking time. But don't worry, it's the one with the most impressive in terms of views with several mind-blowing lakes and serrated ridges to admire. Our destination - J.M. Blac Hut (2315m)- is situated in a small peninsula of a mountain lake.

Hiking distance: 6.7km, ascent: 455m, descent: 545m (4-5 hours).

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Around 8:00 AM, we start hiking to reach Monestero Pass (2648m). From there, there is only downhill to reach home. This day we have sections of flat path, an easy walk through granite boulders and a downhill section over loose gravel (which can be fun!). Finally, we cross a section of crazy beautiful forest with a creek meandering beside us to reach St Maurici Lake (1938m).

The lake marks the end of our trek and we will be picked up by land rovers and return to Espot (20 mins). Here we'll relax and enjoy a group barbecue to celebrate our adventure. No doubt you will sleep well tonight in the local hotel!

Hiking distance: under 9.3km, ascent: 490m, descent 860m: (6 hours).

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After a nice breakfast, around 10 am, we will drive to Barcelona to be dropped off at the airport or Santas Estacio around 2 pm with enough time to catch a late afternoon flight. We recommend booking a flight that departs after 6 pm.

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What's Included

Included
  • Professional UIMLA guide.
  • Accommodation: 4 x nights in mountain huts, 1 x night hotel in Espot.
  • Full pension in huts: sleep, dinner, breakfast & sandwich for lunch.
  • Return Barcelona airport or train station transfers to specified locations at specified times (see FAQs).
  • Accident insurance (see FAQs).
Not Included
  • International & local flights.
  • Transport not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Extras in the mountain huts, including drinks.
  • Meals & snacks not outlined in the itinerary.
  • Souvenirs & personal items.
  • Tips & gratuities.
  • Travel insurance.
Have a question?

If you have any questions about this trip or want to speak with an expert, get in touch.

We're ready to help.

Team Images
Team Images
Team Images

Rated 5.0

8 verified reviews

Karen
Karen

(Sep 2024)

I have just completed the hut-to-hut Pyrenees hike with Ian as our guide and can’t recommend this experience highly enough. Ian’s passion for the mountains and area that he has grown up in is apparent and infectious. This is a spectacularly beautiful area with constant “WOW!!” moments. The pace is very gentle and it is an enjoyable and achievable hike for anyone who regularly walks. The terrain does make it challenging as you have to be sure-footed and prepared for sections of the walk where you are navigating large boulders, which I found enjoyable but it did involve really thinking about where you put your feet and sometimes using your hands for support. The safety and enjoyment of the group was Ian’s priority and he prepped us well for every section of the walk. He also shared a lot of local and geological knowledge with us which really enhanced the experience. Do pack for all weather conditions as it can be hot but can also get icy cold so take warm gloves. The huts are fantastic and in beautiful locations with outstanding food and hard-working teams of staff. Do be prepared to sleep in very close proximity to fellow hikers in the dorm beds so pack good earplugs! I joined this hike solo so I was apprehensive but Ian’s guiding skills, warmth and humour brought us all together and I had the most fantastic experience with so many laughs with this wonderful, welcoming and lovely group of people who I feel privileged to have met. Thank you 🙏

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Teresa
Teresa

(Sep 2024)

Fantastic trip led by Ian, our amazing local guide. The lakes and mountain landscape was stunning, totally beyond expectations. Huts were comfortable in stunning settings, food great - catering to all diets, the sleeping arrangements are shared and cosy ( normal for huts). Hike was a bit challenging re terrain, boulders and rocks, distances and elevation were manageable ( even for me who had broken my ankle in England a few months before). Ian totally made the trip, such a passionate guide who went above and beyond to ensure we all had a wonderful experience. Great to share it with such a lovely group of people.

Sharon
Sharon

(Sep 2024)

This was an amazing trip, each day unique in its own way. The Pyrenees are breath taking, with jaw dropping scenery beautiful lakes and mountain vistas. The walk was challenging but doable and the guide ensured the pace was right for the full group. The guys are basic but clean comfortable with friendly staff and great food, the locations of them are amazing. Our guide was fabulous, his English was excellent and his knowledge of the area was exceptional. Nothing was a problem and I really felt he went above and beyond. If anything I think this trip is underpriced for everything that was included- I would definitely recommend!

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Karen
Karen

(Sep 2024)

This was my first hut to hut hiking experience and I was a little apprehensive. I needn't have been. The pace was comfortable and although challenging in places with the rocky terrain underfoot and some steep ascents, it was manageable and the stunning scenery and views certainly made it worthwhile. The huts we stayed in were basic, as expected but the food was great and the staff were very friendly and helpful in all the ones we stayed in. It was clear that Ian, our guide was very experienced in several outdoor activities and his passion for the outdoors shone. His communication skills, both before and during the trip meant we all had clear expectations and helped us gel as a group. Safety was always a priority, not just for our group but others we came across on the mountains. In all, the whole trip, group, guide and most of all the landscape was amazing and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

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Angela
Angela

(Sep 2024)

Fantastic trip, outstanding local guide with phenomenal knowledge and care. Ian provided excellent communication before and during the trip.

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FAQs

Before you go

This is a fantastic trek and is suitable for a first multi-day trek. However, you do need a good base level of fitness and to be prepared for challenging terrain. A typical day in the mountains can be trekking for 6-8 hours with a rucksack. It's very important that you are able to keep up with the group, don't worry, we will be hiking at a gentle pace with lots of breaks.

Although no technical mountaineering skills are required, the trails do have "technical" sections, including high steps and boulder sections... (it's not a wide, flat trail around the lake). It is a demanding hike, but definitely worth the effort.

We recommend training regularly with any sport that you enjoy (e.g. running, swimming, tennis). Training hikes will also help, ideally for a full day with a 5kg rucksack.

Documents:
• Passport
• Travel insurance details
• Boarding passes for flights
• Cash – Euro’s
• Credit/Debit Card

Sleeping:
• Sleeping bag liner

Footwear:
• Trekking boots: 3 or 4-season lightweight
• Lightweight shoes for the evenings (such as house shoes, flip flops, sandals etc.) The huts provide "crocs," but keep in mind that these are used by other people if hygiene is a concern for you.

Clothing:
Please make sure that you have non-cotton, fast-drying clothing for trekking.
• 1 x pair of synthetic under-top and bottom (Long johns or similar)
• 2 x t-shirts for the hike
• 1 x comfortable shirt for the evening
• 4 x socks for hiking
• 3 - 4 x pairs of underwear
• 1 x fleece
• Light down or Primaloft jacket
• Rain and windproof jacket with hood
• Rain and windproof trousers
• 1 x pair of hiking trousers: We recommend a pair that zip off into shorts.
• Comfortable trousers for the evening
• Hat and gloves
• Buff or scarf
• Swimming shorts/costume (it is not allowed to swim in the national park lakes, but some of the huts have shared showers)

Other:
• A daysack: 35-45 litres. All your kit should fit in this bag
• Travel towel
• Dry Liner or Dry Bag
• Water bottle: At least 2L. Nalgene bottles best.
• Sunglasses
• Suncream and additional sun protection such as a baseball cap or similar
• Personal medication – inhaler, blister pads, etc.
• General toiletries, contact lenses, glasses (if needed)
• Electronics - Head torch, travel adaptor, phone & charger
• Lipsil
• Hand sanitiser, wet wipes

Your rug sack should not weight more than 10kg (water included) ideally around 7-8kg. This is not only for your comfort, but as well for the safety of the entire group.

Walking poles are available for rent. The cost is 10 euros, and these must be requested on your registration form, at least 1 week before departure. These are highly recommended, and all your guides use them.

Yes. Our local guides are fluent in English and have experience working internationally.

Absolutely! We get lots of solo travellers - it's a great way to meet like-minded people.

We collect you from Barcelona airport at 9:30 am (can be moved a little up and down depending on flights) or from Sants Estació train station half an hour later.

Drop-off is in Barcelona around 2 pm. We recommend you book return flights after 6 pm.

If the only flight and the only way for you to get back home that day is a little earlier, let us know. We can try to push the whole day a little bit earlier to get you there on time for your flight.

N.B. THERE IS ONLY ONE TRANSFER UP AND ONE DOWN PER HIKE. If you want to come earlier or leave later, it will be at your own expense.

The hike is circular, so we start and finish at the same point - the little town of Espot. From here we take a 4WD taxi that will drive us into the National Park. Drop off and pick up points are the same: Estany de Sant Maurici, at 1,900 meters of elevation.

It’s highly recommended you take out personal travel insurance. Travel cover protects you in the case of unforeseen circumstances including cancellations, injuries, equipment loss, flight changes and other events that could negatively impact your trip.

We suggest specialist adventure travel insurers, Rise & Shield. They cover 100s of activities and are easy to deal with if you need to make a claim. They also cover unique scenarios, like trekking at altitude or emergency evacuation in hard-to-reach places, that ordinary travel insurance doesn’t cover.

We do have accident insurance that will cover some medical expenses IF THEY ARE THE RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT. Any other medical condition won't be covered by it. Same as if you have problems with your luggage on your way in or any other issues.
On your trip

During the hike we stay in mountain refuges (huts) which are quite basic/dormitory-style with shared bathrooms. Electricity, warm showers, snacks are available. There is no phone signal in the National Park, but most accommodations do generally have wifi. Bedding will be provided for you in each hut - you just need to bring a sleeping bag liner.

Night 1: Amitges Refuge - Moutain views, 4wd accessible, showers, dorm room.
Night 2: Estany Llong Refuge - Moutain views, 4wd accessible, showers, dorm room.
Night 3: Colomina Refuge -Remote (they helicopter in supplies) Moutain views, next to a lake shore, showers, dorm room.
Night 4: J.M. Blanc Refuge - Moutain views, almost inside of a lake, 4wd accessible, showers, dorm room.
Night 5: Hotel in Espot town, depending on availability, but generally a 3-star hotel.

The trek involves a fair bit of ascent and descent on a mix of trails. This includes rocky terrain, forest trails, and sometimes gravel tracks. It is important that you are steady on your feet and have experience walking on mountain paths. Do try and get some practice in before you come. We go at a slow, steady pace that everyone can keep up with.

Even if sometimes the height between the point you might be and the valley bottom can be great, there is no "next to the cliff" walking, so no worries if you have vertigo, this hike is still for you.

You can leave a small bag behind, either in the van that will be parked at the starting/finishing point, or at the guide office (there are no lockers but is safe). Alternatively, depending on the hotel you stay the night before, they can keep it there.

Water:
During the summer, it can be quite warm in the Pyrenees. So it is important to carry enough water. We strongly recommend taking two litres of water per day.

The tap water at the accommodations you stay in is usually drinkable. But, there are limited resources along the way to fill up your bottle. Your guide can give you advice on this for each day. If this is a concern for you, please pack iodine tablets or other water purification methods.

Food:
While trekking, you will have the chance to taste a great variety of local specialities. The breakfast is continental, often with a variety of
juices, tea and coffee. The three-course dinner in the evening is hearty, and the plates are quite big. During the day, you will be given a packed lunch from the hut. Your guide will arrange that, and the cost is included.

If you have any food requirements or allergies (vegetarian, vegan, gluten intolerance, etc), please make us aware of this when completing your registration form, found on your Skyhook dashboard.

Day 1: Sant Maurici lake (1912m) to Amitges hut (2365m)

Distance: 4.1 km
Elevation gain: 500m
Elevation loss: 50m
Estimated hiking time: 3h
Max height: 2365

Day 2: Amitges hut (2365m) to Llong hut (1994m)

Distance: 8.4km
Elevation gain: 487m
Elevation loss: 842m
Estimated hiking time: 4-6h
Max height: 2423m

Day 3: Llong hut (1994m) to Colomina hut (2400m)

Distance: 11.2 km
Elevation gain: 930m
Elevation loss: 540m
Estimated hiking time: 7h
Max height: 2560m

Day 4: Colomina hut (2400m) to J.M. Blanc hut (2315m)

Distance: 6.7 km
Elevation gain: 453m
Elevation loss: 545m
Estimated hiking time: 4.5h
Max height: 2648m

Day 5: J.M. Blanc hut(2315m) to St Maurici lake(1938m)

Distance: 9.3 km
Elevation gain: 490m
Elevation loss: 858m
Estimated hiking time: 6h
Max height: 2678m

It is not mandatory to tip in the Pyrenees/Spain, but always appreciated by the hard-working guides.

All "Riskø Guides" have certified first AID training. The guide will as well carrie an inReach device for contact during emergency situations. Most of the trails are a long way from roads and emergency evacuation, in case of injuries, rescues are normally carried out by helicopter.

Estany Hut (Night 3) is reachable by 4x4 vehicle.

Yes, the huts do have plug points in the common areas, often they are in use, but the option is there.
Other FAQs

It depends on what you want.

From May to early June, there will be more snow - which often means we may need to adapt the route slightly or occasionally use snowshoes
for part of the trek (which are provided free of charge).

From late June to August it's peak season in the area. It's when the mountain passes are clear of snow, and more people come to the area to hike. It's also warmest during these months.

In September it's cooler again, and the trail is quieter - this can be a very peaceful time to come.

Despite being in Spain, never underestimate mountain weather where we can experience sudden temperature changes and drops at night.

In general, in summer the days are quite hot and the nights nice and cool. Some seasons have afternoon storms.

Unfortunately, there is no single bedroom option in these mountain huts.

Due to the distances and ascents covered on this trip, it is geared towards adults. Therefore, the minimum age for this trek is 18 years. However, those aged 16-18 years are welcome to attend in the company of a responsible adult.

Yes, you can. The cost of the airport transfer is included in the price you pay, even if you don't use this service. The meeting point will be in Espot parking lot.
Your head guide is Ian

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip you'll be led by Ian and the guiding team based in Esterri D Neu.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Ian

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