• +49 (0) 52 52-93 60 372
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The alpine adventure between France and Spain

Phone +59 (0) 52 52-93 60 372

Mobile +49 (0) 151-15 58 29 11

info@sudamerikatours.de

Gladiolenweg 23
33175 Bad Lippspringe

Imposant Hiking Mountains in the Pyrenees of Aragon and Andorra

A Week of Tours to Panoramic Mountain Summits – Vast Views Without Technical Climbing Requirements

We visit some of the most beautiful mountain regions in northern Catalonia and around Andorra.
Experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Pyrenees without demanding technical climbing – from the rugged ridges of the Sierra de Cadí to the picturesque lakes around Pic de Tristaina.

With the highlights Comapedrosa, Pic de Tristaina, Puigmal, Sierra de Cadí and Pic du Canigou

We begin in the wild Sierra de Cadí, a long mountain range with seemingly endless ridges and steep drop-offs to the north. Besides several herds of chamois, this area is also home to large numbers of bearded vultures. The highest point of this range is Volturo at 2,638 meters above sea level.
Our second mountain objective, Comabona, is easier. It can be ascended from the south via steep but well-maintained paths. Even higher and extremely panoramic is Puigmal, one of the favorite mountains of the Catalans.

We then continue to Andorra. With Pic de Tristaina, rising above the lakes of the same name, one of the absolute scenic highlights of this tour awaits us. But we go even higher: Comapedrosa, at 2,942 meters, is the highest mountain in Andorra.
From the French side of Catalonia, we then tackle the rarely climbed high peaks Pic Peric and Pic Carlit – wonderful hiking mountains in a true no-man’s-land.
The finale is formed by the holiest mountain of the Catalans, the wild rocky summit of Pic du Canigou.

Optionally, Pic de l’Estats, a true 3,000-meter peak, can be added. It is the highest mountain in Catalonia at 3,143 meters.

Highlights

Upcoming Dates

We are also happy to organize this tour on your individual preferred dates.

Prices (per person)

Included Services

Not Included

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Barcelona and Drive to Queralbs

After airport pickup, we undertake the roughly 3-hour drive to Queralbs. The route leads along the coast, then into the highlands, and finally through the High Pyrenees.
Overnight in Queralbs
(F/-/-)

Day 2: Ascent of Puigmal (2,910 m)

In terms of altitude, the highlight of our journey is the ascent of Puigmal (2,913 m). A vehicle track leads up to about 2,000 m, keeping today’s elevation gain manageable. With a bit of luck, we may encounter wild boar during the drive; higher up, chamois and ibex are not uncommon.

The trail initially ascends gradually through green alpine pastures, with views across to the high plateau of Núria. Soon we reach rocky terrain and the views become increasingly expansive. The broad summit plateau is adorned with a colorfully decorated cross and offers a full 360-degree panorama, with no higher peaks in the immediate vicinity. Many 3,000-meter peaks of the main Pyrenees ridge can be seen from here.

Approx. 900 m ascent, 5–6 hours hiking time
(F/-/-)

Day 3: Sierra de Cadí – Comabona (2,547 m)

Steep slopes on one side, gentle ascents on the other – one of the key qualities of the Sierra de Cadí allows us to climb its high peaks, such as Volturo or Comabona, with reasonable effort. All the while, we enjoy breathtaking views down the dramatic northern faces of this diverse mountain range.

Bearded vultures are particularly common in this part of the Pyrenees, and chamois are also frequently spotted.

At around 2,000 m lies the Refugio Prat d’Aguiló, which we can reach by vehicle. From there, we continue on foot. The ascent initially leads through grassy slopes and is not overly steep.

Approx. 600 m ascent, 3.5 hours hiking time
(F/-/-)

Day 4: Pic de Tristaina (2,868 m)

Today we start in Andorra, more precisely from the Coma de Forat parking area, entering one of the untouched side valleys. These valleys offer a remarkable contrast to the bustle of Andorra la Vella thanks to their tranquility and natural beauty.

We ascend on narrow mountain paths, initially relatively flat, to the first lakes. Estany Primer and Estany del Mig lie just below 2,300 m, while the highest lake, Estany de Més Amunt, is already at 2,500 m. We almost completely circumnavigate this beautifully situated mountain lake, always keeping the nearly 2,900 m high Pic de Tristaina in view.

This impressive mountain can be ascended and is among the highest peaks in Andorra. Snow patches along the trail are not uncommon at this altitude.

After the hike, we return to our accommodation. Those interested can explore Andorra’s wide range of shopping opportunities.

Approx. 300 m ascent, just over 3 hours hiking time
Overnight in Andorra la Vella or a mountain village such as Soldeu
(F/-/-)

Pedraforca seen from the Sierra de Cadí in the Pyrenees

Day 5: Comapedrosa (2,945 m)

The highest mountain in Andorra. Although the ascent is quite long, it follows well-maintained trails. Only in the upper section is occasional use of hands required.

We start at the parking area in Arinsal. After a short ascent, the trail initially descends slightly – but don’t worry, the real climbs are yet to come. First, we reach Refuge Comapedrosa, from where we can already see the summit towering above us.

Near the hut lies Laguna Truita, a picturesque mountain lake with trout (as the name suggests). We then cross a green plateau before ascending more steeply over moraine slopes and past several mountain lakes, including the Estanys Negre. The final section consists of steep slopes and an airy ridge traverse with easy scrambling.

From the summit, we enjoy a full 360-degree panoramic view, with no higher peaks nearby. Descent follows the ascent route.

Overnight as on the previous day
Approx. 1,500 m ascent, 7–8 hours hiking time
(F/-/-)

Day 6: Drive to Ax-les-Thermes – Orlu Wolf Enclosure – Mont Louis

After yesterday’s long ascent, we take it a bit easier today. We first drive toward Ax-les-Thermes, the famous spa town in the far south of France. Those who wish can soak their feet in the hot thermal waters.

However, some walking is still on the agenda, as a visit to the Orlu Wolf Enclosure is well worth it. Spacious enclosures for various wolf species are hidden among diverse mountain forests. Here, you can learn a great deal about these shy hunters.

We do not overnight in Ax, but closer to our next mountain objectives near Mont Louis.

Day 7: Pic Peric (2,810 m)

After a short drive, we start today’s hike from the mountain village of Formiguères. The first 300 meters of elevation gain still show the impact of ski tourism, but higher up we are rewarded with lonely high peaks in pristine landscapes.

We ascend past countless lakes and along rocky ridges. The views become especially impressive in the upper sections and on the summit itself, offering sweeping vistas across large parts of the eastern Pyrenees.

Approx. 1,250 m ascent, 6 hours hiking time
(F/-/-)

Day 8: Pic Carlit (2,921 m)

Another near-3,000-meter peak: Pic Carlit towers above the Languedoc–Roussillon region and is correspondingly popular. Fortunately, its steep ascent deters excessive crowds, resulting in a highly rewarding mountain experience with outstanding views.

The starting point is the famous Lac des Bouillouses, a popular excursion destination at 2,000 m. The ascent routes are well marked but can be steep, rocky, and demanding in places. Numerous additional lakes line the way, making for a varied and scenic climb.

As the crowning reward of the day, we are treated to an exceptionally expansive summit panorama.

Approx. 930 m ascent, just under 6 hours hiking time
(F/-/-)

Mountain lake above Soldeu in the Pyrenees

Day 9: Pic du Canigou (2,784 m) and Drive to Barcelona

The “Olympus of Catalonia” was long believed to be the highest mountain in the Pyrenees and was first ascended by King Peter of Aragon. Due to historic ore mining, it was once considered a fire mountain and feared by locals.

Today, it has lost its terror, and you are rarely alone on this mighty massif. Rising some 2,400 m above the valley of Prades and located only 30 km from the coast, it is a truly imposing mountain.

Thanks to frequent ascents, the trail is well-trodden and excellently marked. Our starting point is Refuge de Mariailles, from where we first traverse an extensive fir forest. Later, we reach the Cadi River in a wild gorge. The route then becomes increasingly scenic at Portaille de Valmanya and Brèche Durier.

Shortly thereafter, we reach the broad summit plateau and enjoy unobstructed views stretching from mountains to the sea. In the afternoon, we drive to Barcelona and overnight there.

Approx. 1,130 m ascent, just under 7 hours hiking time

Day 10: Return Flight

Transfer to the airport
(F/-/-)