Hidden deep in the Pyrenees, Andorra is one of the smallest countries in Europe and it offers superb summer walking. We base ourselves in the village of Soldeu and enjoy some of the area’s most beautiful walks. We trek in the UNESCO-protected valley of Madriu-Perafita-Claror and the Sorteny Valley, home to more than 700 species of flowers and plants.
What we say
Staff Member Prue Payne travelled on this tour in 2012.
"Very simply the walks on this tour take you from the heart of Andorra, from your welcoming hotel in Soldeu, out to the furthest reaches of this tiny country. You are surrounded by alpine scenery, rivers, waterfalls and glacial lakes and whilst the walks can be challenging, they are certainly worth the effort."
Explore Staff on Tour - Explore's Prue Payne travelled on Walking in the Andorran Pyrenees. Read about how she tried out her Explore Staff on Tour.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Join tour Barcelona. Drive to Soldeu
Joining the tour at Barcelona’s international airport today we then depart the city by bus, heading towards the small alpine village of Soldeu, deep in the heart of the Andorran Pyrenees. The three hour journey should hopefully get us into Soldeu in time to enjoy a short orientation walk around the village before dinner. A popular ski resort, lying some 1,710 metres above sea level, Soldeu is an engaging mix of traditional rural inns, converted farmhouses and lively bars, providing us with an ideal base for our Pyrenean adventure.
Overnight Standard Hotel
2
Walking in the Vall de Riu
After a short taxi ride to the neighbouring village of Ransol this morning, we begin our walk into the Vall de Riu, another of Andorra’s scenic gems. Encircled by a ring of glacial-formed mountains, the valley provides us with a beautiful backdrop to today’s walk up to the small mountain village of Canillo. Home to Andorra’s tallest church tower, and one of its finest Romanesque chapels, Canillo will be our final destination today, before returning to Soldeu by public bus.
Walking time: Five hours. Ascent/descent +/- 450 metres.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
3
Hiking in the Andorra valleys; visit Sorteny Valley and Estanyó Lake
This morning we drive a short distance to the Sorteny Nature Reserve, set amongst the fertile valleys of north-eastern Andorra. Renowned for its abundance of plant species, the valley is a botanical haven for over 700 species of flora, some of it unique to the Pyrenees region. The trail that we take today leads us up to Estanyó Lake (2,350 metres) and passes through an alpine landscape that is home to wild boar, martens, chamois and ptarmigan. Driving back to Soldeu later we may also have time to stop for a drink in the pretty mountain village of Ordino.
Walking time: Five hours. Ascent/descent +/- 600 metres.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
4
Free day
Some free time today affords us a chance to pay a visit to Andorra’s bustling capital. Home to the smallest parliament in Europe and the oldest Romanesque church in the principality, the city is also a great place for shopping. Alternatively you may wish to remain in Soldeu and enjoy some more walks around the area.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
5
Walk in the Incles Valley
Our first walk takes us into the beautiful glacial landscapes of the Incles Valley, home to Scots pine, Pyrenean chamois and one of the largest alpine lakes in Andorra. We begin the day gently, before following the course of the river up to the Siscaro Lakes. Nestling within a glacial cirque at some 2,350 metres, the lake provides us with a beautiful spot to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch. There may even be an opportunity for us to walk a little further, towards the Incles Pass, before we head back down to the hotel.
Walking time: Five hours. Ascent/descent +/- 700 metres.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
6
Walking in the Madriu and Perafita Valleys
Today we explore the untouched wilderness of Andorra’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beautiful and remote Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley. Covering nearly 50 square kilometres this pristine setting is the country’s spiritual and cultural heart, as well as being a haven for wildlife that includes marmot, bearded vulture and ptarmigan. Driving to the small hamlet of Saint Miquel d’Engolasers, we then hike up to the refuge at Fontverd, where we stop to enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to Soldeu by bus.
Walking time: Four and a half hours. Ascent/descent +800/- 500 metres.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
7
Free day: optional white water rafting or 4WD excursions
There is an option today to take a drive across the Spanish border, travelling by 4WD vehicles through the medieval hamlet of Tor and on to the village of Llavorsi. From here we then have a chance to raft down the Noguera River, along 14 kilometres of exhilarating white water rapids, before making the journey back across the border to Soldeu. Alternatively you can just relax around the village, or take a trip back into the capital for a spa and maybe some last minute shopping.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
8
Tour ends Barcelona Airport
Driving back to Barcelona this morning our journey ends back at the city’s international airport.
Included meals: Breakfast
