Hiking in Andorra
24/07/2023
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It is not for nothing that Andorra's hiking routes are known far beyond our borders. The mountainous terrain and dazzling, captivating nature make the country a perfect place for hikers, whether they are professionals or amateurs, and even for the youngest ones. You'll find approved trails that guarantee you'll be able to enjoy beautiful landscapes in comfort and safety. So, now you know, get your boots on!
INDEX
1. The GR of Andorra
2. Andorran footpaths
3. Mountain lakes
4. Ecotourism routes
5. Wellness trails
6. Hiking with children
7. Your operations centre
1. The GR of Andorra
Those who want to get to know Andorra in depth will have to explore it on foot. With every step you take, you will discover its spectacular landscapes that will offer you unforgettable images. In this sense, the GR or long-distance footpaths are your best reference point. The mountains of Andorra are crossed by up to five trails that will take you to the most hidden corners: the GR11, the GR7, the GRP and two cross-border GR.
The first of these corresponds to the Great Pyrenees Route, which crosses the mountain system from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean, and the Andorran section starts at an altitude of 2,545 metres, near the Vallcivera pass. The GR7, on the other hand, belongs to the European route that runs from Greece to Gibraltar, and crosses the Principality from east to south, with a length of some 40 kilometres starting at Portella Blanca, at an altitude of 2,521 metres, and descending towards Catalonia via the Farga de Moles. Both are difficult trails, but the one that will really test you will be the GRP, the Gran Recorrido de PaÃs trail.
With a length of about 120 km, it converges in some sections with the other four GR, and is divided into seven stages covering the whole country with routes of varying difficulty and duration. It has four points from which to access the route and at the end you can request a Diploma from the Ministry of Tourism for the effort made.
The other two GRs, the cross-border ones, are of more moderate difficulty, and are perfect for enjoying. The name of the first of these, "The route of the 3 nations", says it all: you will pass through the French Ariège, the Catalan region of Pallars and Andorra, crossing the Natural Communal Park of the Comapedrosa Valleys, the Natural Park of the Alt Pirineu and the Natural Park of the Ariège Pyrenees. The other GR, called "La Vuelta a los Lagos", is a 14-hour trail that starts in Soldeu or Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre and goes to the Cabaña de Siscaró.
2. Andorran footpaths
But not everything is difficult or for more expert profiles in the world of hiking.    As I said, Andorra offers routes for all levels, even for hiking with children, trails that require less planning and effort.
The Camà de l'Obac d'Incles or the Tomb del Turer will allow you to enjoy the mountains and see some of the small villages in the country. You can also discover the Pessons lakes. Or, if you prefer, you can follow the Camà Ral and the Rec del Solà , with mountain sections and end up in the metropolitan area of Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany: perfect for your return to the city establishments of Daguisa Hotels.
3. Mountain lakes
Did you know that there are more than 70 lakes in Andorra? Getting to know them will help you understand much better how the lands of the Principality have evolved. Of course, I am aware that it won't be easy to see them all on your next trip, so I suggest you leave some of them for your next visits to the country. However, there are some that stand out above the others for their natural wealth and for being part of a privileged environment, becoming lakes of glacial origin that are well worth a visit.
The Llac d'Engolasters is ideal for trips with children, as it is the most accessible. The Tristaina Ponds are one of the most characteristic natural areas of the Andorran landscape, and the route around the Primer, Mig and Més Amunt lakes is also accessible. Of course, the Llac de Juclà , the largest lake in the country, is essential for discovering the Incles valley. Its intense blue will hypnotise you and will surely make you come back before returning home.
I have mentioned them before, and I repeat it now: the Pessons Cirque will offer you a slightly more demanding challenge, but at the same time the group of lakes that make up the circuit will provide you with a very clear example of the role that glaciations played in its configuration.And another route that I can't forget is the route of the Estany de la Nou, another of the great Andorran lakes that you must visit.The route is not easy, but it is well worth the effort.Located in the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unlike the other lakes its waters are not cold because it is fed by groundwater from the phreatic waters of the subsoil.
4. Ecotourism routes
Andorra's flora and fauna are incredible, and getting to know them in depth will give you a different perspective. That is why there are routes on which, with the help of professional mountain experts, you will be able to observe birds of species that are in danger of extinction, such as the bearded vulture or the wren. But you will also see chamois and marmots, as well as other species, many of which are native to this part of the Pyrenees.
Also, for the whole family, there is the Sorteny valley route and the route of the ancient trades of Sant Julià de Lòria, low-intensity mountain itineraries with more than 800 species of flowers.
5. Wellness trails
Because hiking shouldn't just be about walking and marvelling at nature. We can also find ourselves and make our own personal discovery. And with this objective in mind are the 'Moments: paths of wellbeing', short, easily accessible trails, designed to disconnect from everyday life, recovering the values that nature has passed on to us since ancient times and which now seem to have been put to one side.
These are two routes, the first of a series of itineraries with different objectives, which can be done individually, in a group or as a family.After all, they are an invitation to enjoy moments of calm and reflection in and with nature, to interact with the environment in an orderly way with the help of exercises, dynamics, a guide with questions... Everything is designed to help you find yourself and be in harmony with your surroundings.
6. Hiking with children
Travelling with children should not be an impediment to hiking routes. In fact, introducing the little ones to this world will only benefit them. Of course, the routes cannot be boring (if that were possible in Andorra), the ideal is for children to develop their skills while they enjoy the route. That's why there are some easy and fun proposals for children.
For example, the magical trails of Macarulla: didactic routes divided into four paths that encourage learning for the little ones at home and which are located in La Massana ("The forest of the menairons"), Canillo ("Where are the mushrooms?"), Escaldes-Engordany ("The potion of the witch Quela") and Encamp ("Traces and footprints").
There is also the possibility of searching for the tamarins, the tiny beings that move almost imperceptibly through the Andorran mountains, protecting and caring for our nature. But to do so, they will need to activate the mechanisms that open the magic portals, hidden in the forests of the country; and this is where the children come into action.
These are two classic examples of hiking with them, but they are not the only options: the Camà de les Pardines and Engolasters Lake, the Rec de l'Obac and the Rec del Solà , the Toll Bullidor Trail, the Camà de les Abelletes or the Tristaina Lakes are other proposals for getting to know the country with the whole family together.
7. Your operations centre
And after all that hiking, you'll need a well-deserved rest. And there's no better option than those offered by Daguisa Hotels. From the two city establishments, the Golden Tulip Andorra Fènix Hotel 4* and the Tulip Inn Andorra Delfos Hotel 4*, located in the centre of the country, you can travel just a few minutes away to start the routes you have planned.
But I can't leave behind the other three mountain options that we also have at Daguisa for your next trip: in Canillo (Font d'Argent Canillo Hotel 4*), la Vall d'Incles (Euroski Mountain Resort Hotel 4*) and Pas de la Casa (Font d'Argent Pas de la Casa Hotel 4*). Whichever option you choose, in all of them you will find facilities that will meet your requirements and needs, and a staff that will offer you an exquisite treatment so that you can recharge your batteries and plan your next day's route.
(Imagen: VisitAndorra)
Maite Hernández,
Directora del Euroski Mountain Resort Hotel 4*
INDEX
1. The GR of Andorra
2. Andorran footpaths
3. Mountain lakes
4. Ecotourism routes
5. Wellness trails
6. Hiking with children
7. Your operations centre
1. The GR of Andorra
Those who want to get to know Andorra in depth will have to explore it on foot. With every step you take, you will discover its spectacular landscapes that will offer you unforgettable images. In this sense, the GR or long-distance footpaths are your best reference point. The mountains of Andorra are crossed by up to five trails that will take you to the most hidden corners: the GR11, the GR7, the GRP and two cross-border GR.
The first of these corresponds to the Great Pyrenees Route, which crosses the mountain system from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean, and the Andorran section starts at an altitude of 2,545 metres, near the Vallcivera pass. The GR7, on the other hand, belongs to the European route that runs from Greece to Gibraltar, and crosses the Principality from east to south, with a length of some 40 kilometres starting at Portella Blanca, at an altitude of 2,521 metres, and descending towards Catalonia via the Farga de Moles. Both are difficult trails, but the one that will really test you will be the GRP, the Gran Recorrido de PaÃs trail.
With a length of about 120 km, it converges in some sections with the other four GR, and is divided into seven stages covering the whole country with routes of varying difficulty and duration. It has four points from which to access the route and at the end you can request a Diploma from the Ministry of Tourism for the effort made.
The other two GRs, the cross-border ones, are of more moderate difficulty, and are perfect for enjoying. The name of the first of these, "The route of the 3 nations", says it all: you will pass through the French Ariège, the Catalan region of Pallars and Andorra, crossing the Natural Communal Park of the Comapedrosa Valleys, the Natural Park of the Alt Pirineu and the Natural Park of the Ariège Pyrenees. The other GR, called "La Vuelta a los Lagos", is a 14-hour trail that starts in Soldeu or Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre and goes to the Cabaña de Siscaró.
2. Andorran footpaths
But not everything is difficult or for more expert profiles in the world of hiking.    As I said, Andorra offers routes for all levels, even for hiking with children, trails that require less planning and effort.
The Camà de l'Obac d'Incles or the Tomb del Turer will allow you to enjoy the mountains and see some of the small villages in the country. You can also discover the Pessons lakes. Or, if you prefer, you can follow the Camà Ral and the Rec del Solà , with mountain sections and end up in the metropolitan area of Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany: perfect for your return to the city establishments of Daguisa Hotels.
3. Mountain lakes
Did you know that there are more than 70 lakes in Andorra? Getting to know them will help you understand much better how the lands of the Principality have evolved. Of course, I am aware that it won't be easy to see them all on your next trip, so I suggest you leave some of them for your next visits to the country. However, there are some that stand out above the others for their natural wealth and for being part of a privileged environment, becoming lakes of glacial origin that are well worth a visit.
The Llac d'Engolasters is ideal for trips with children, as it is the most accessible. The Tristaina Ponds are one of the most characteristic natural areas of the Andorran landscape, and the route around the Primer, Mig and Més Amunt lakes is also accessible. Of course, the Llac de Juclà , the largest lake in the country, is essential for discovering the Incles valley. Its intense blue will hypnotise you and will surely make you come back before returning home.
I have mentioned them before, and I repeat it now: the Pessons Cirque will offer you a slightly more demanding challenge, but at the same time the group of lakes that make up the circuit will provide you with a very clear example of the role that glaciations played in its configuration.And another route that I can't forget is the route of the Estany de la Nou, another of the great Andorran lakes that you must visit.The route is not easy, but it is well worth the effort.Located in the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unlike the other lakes its waters are not cold because it is fed by groundwater from the phreatic waters of the subsoil.
4. Ecotourism routes
Andorra's flora and fauna are incredible, and getting to know them in depth will give you a different perspective. That is why there are routes on which, with the help of professional mountain experts, you will be able to observe birds of species that are in danger of extinction, such as the bearded vulture or the wren. But you will also see chamois and marmots, as well as other species, many of which are native to this part of the Pyrenees.
Also, for the whole family, there is the Sorteny valley route and the route of the ancient trades of Sant Julià de Lòria, low-intensity mountain itineraries with more than 800 species of flowers.
5. Wellness trails
Because hiking shouldn't just be about walking and marvelling at nature. We can also find ourselves and make our own personal discovery. And with this objective in mind are the 'Moments: paths of wellbeing', short, easily accessible trails, designed to disconnect from everyday life, recovering the values that nature has passed on to us since ancient times and which now seem to have been put to one side.
These are two routes, the first of a series of itineraries with different objectives, which can be done individually, in a group or as a family.After all, they are an invitation to enjoy moments of calm and reflection in and with nature, to interact with the environment in an orderly way with the help of exercises, dynamics, a guide with questions... Everything is designed to help you find yourself and be in harmony with your surroundings.
6. Hiking with children
Travelling with children should not be an impediment to hiking routes. In fact, introducing the little ones to this world will only benefit them. Of course, the routes cannot be boring (if that were possible in Andorra), the ideal is for children to develop their skills while they enjoy the route. That's why there are some easy and fun proposals for children.
For example, the magical trails of Macarulla: didactic routes divided into four paths that encourage learning for the little ones at home and which are located in La Massana ("The forest of the menairons"), Canillo ("Where are the mushrooms?"), Escaldes-Engordany ("The potion of the witch Quela") and Encamp ("Traces and footprints").
There is also the possibility of searching for the tamarins, the tiny beings that move almost imperceptibly through the Andorran mountains, protecting and caring for our nature. But to do so, they will need to activate the mechanisms that open the magic portals, hidden in the forests of the country; and this is where the children come into action.
These are two classic examples of hiking with them, but they are not the only options: the Camà de les Pardines and Engolasters Lake, the Rec de l'Obac and the Rec del Solà , the Toll Bullidor Trail, the Camà de les Abelletes or the Tristaina Lakes are other proposals for getting to know the country with the whole family together.
7. Your operations centre
And after all that hiking, you'll need a well-deserved rest. And there's no better option than those offered by Daguisa Hotels. From the two city establishments, the Golden Tulip Andorra Fènix Hotel 4* and the Tulip Inn Andorra Delfos Hotel 4*, located in the centre of the country, you can travel just a few minutes away to start the routes you have planned.
But I can't leave behind the other three mountain options that we also have at Daguisa for your next trip: in Canillo (Font d'Argent Canillo Hotel 4*), la Vall d'Incles (Euroski Mountain Resort Hotel 4*) and Pas de la Casa (Font d'Argent Pas de la Casa Hotel 4*). Whichever option you choose, in all of them you will find facilities that will meet your requirements and needs, and a staff that will offer you an exquisite treatment so that you can recharge your batteries and plan your next day's route.
(Imagen: VisitAndorra)
Maite Hernández,
Directora del Euroski Mountain Resort Hotel 4*
