Welcome to one of the most iconic high-mountain treks in the Pyrenees. This circular route links the mountain refuges of the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, through granite landscapes, more than 200 glacial lakes and peaks soaring above 3,000 metres. From the Needles of Amitges to the lake-strewn Colomers cirque, the deep Estany Negre and the queen-stage crossing of the Coll de Contraix (2,748 m), each day threads a labyrinth of rock and water between historic huts — closing with a gastronomic dinner back in the village of Espot.
Views from the trail.
COVER · CATALAN PYRENEESUnderstand the grade.
Well-marked paths, gentle gradients and short days. Comfortable for anyone with everyday fitness.
Longer days on good trails with some sustained climbs. Fine for regular weekend walkers.
Full walking days with real ascent and the odd steep or rocky stretch. Solid hill fitness pays off.
Long, demanding days, big climbs and exposed or uneven ground. Strong fitness and hiking experience needed.
Sustained high-mountain terrain — scrambling, exposure and very long days. For experienced mountain walkers.
Barcelona to the Needles of Amitges
After a private transfer from Barcelona to the gateway village of Espot, the circuit begins. Hike up from the village or take a 4x4 park taxi to Estany de Sant Maurici, then climb toward the Amitges refuge — a breathtaking introduction to the park, with the twin Encantats peaks mirrored in the lake and the granite Needles of Amitges overhead.
Port de Ratera & the Colomers cirque
Cross the Port de Ratera, a natural balcony over the Saboredo cirque, then descend into the Colomers cirque — the highest concentration of glacial lakes in the Pyrenees. Thread a labyrinth of granite and water past crystal-clear tarns to the Colomers refuge in its spectacular glacial basin.
Port de Caldes & Estany Negre
Into the heart of the high route. Climb to the Port de Caldes beneath the Montardo peak as the landscape turns rugged and wild, then drop past the deep Estany Negre to the Ventosa i Calvell refuge, perched on a rocky outcrop with an incredible sunset view.
The queen stage: Coll de Contraix
The queen stage. Tackle the Coll de Contraix (2,748 m), the high point of Carros de Foc, picking through massive granite boulders and steep terrain to unparalleled summit views. A long descent then leads into the lush, green Sant Nicolau valley — a beautiful contrast to the rocky heights of the morning.
The Carrilet to Colomina
Ascend toward the Coll de Dellui on a gentler gradient, following parts of the 'Carrilet' — an old railway built for early-20th-century hydroelectric works — past the Dellui lakes. Finish at the historic wooden Colomina refuge (2,420 m), with its spectacular balcony over the southern lakes.
Coll de Monestero & descent to Espot
The long final stage over the Coll de Monestero, with a last high-altitude perspective on the park's jagged skyline. Descend the beautiful Monestero valley through high pastures and meandering wetlands (fangassals) back to Sant Maurici, then down to Espot — where a well-earned gastronomic dinner and a comfortable hotel await.
Espot & transfer to Barcelona
Breakfast and a leisurely morning in Espot — explore the traditional village or relax by the river — before your private transfer back to Barcelona (or Costa Brava), closing the circuit.
- 5 nights in mountain refuges on half board (dinner and breakfast) and a final night in a hotel in Espot with breakfast
- A closing gastronomic dinner in Espot
- Detailed digital roadbook, printed maps and curated GPS tracks, plus a personal route briefing
- Comprehensive pre-departure guide with weather expectations and a gear list
- 24/7 English-speaking local phone assistance and emergency support
- A guide on the trail — these treks are self-guided (we plan your route and back you up remotely, 24/7)
- Private transport Barcelona–Espot (round trip) — bookable on request, split among the group
- Daily picnic lunch (~€15 per person/day), bookable at the refuges or in advance
- 4x4 park taxis at Espot (~€15 per trip/person)
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude hiking (mandatory)
- Local tourist taxes, where applicable
- Personal mountain equipment
The meals included each night are marked above. Where a meal isn't ticked, we point you to the best shop, bakery or refuge kitchen to stock up.
By public transport, take a train from Barcelona to Lleida-Pirineus, then the ALSA bus up the valley towards Esterri d'Àneu, alighting at the Espot junction — a connection best made the day before. It's a long haul on your own, so most walkers opt for the private transfer below; we send the timetables with your roadbook.
From Barcelona it's about 4 h northwest on the C-13 up the Pallars valley to Espot, the national-park gateway village. Leave the car at your hotel or the village car park for the week; from Espot a 4x4 park taxi can run you up to the Sant Maurici trailhead.
We can arrange a private door-to-door transfer between Barcelona and Espot (round trip) for the whole group — the simplest way in and out. Just ask and we'll add it to your trip.
Pick a start date when you book.
How booking works.
We authorize 20% on your card to lock your spot. Nothing is charged yet — the hold is only captured once your huts are confirmed.
A guide then calls every refuge and inn by hand to lock your nights, usually within 48h. Only when they're all confirmed do we capture the deposit. If one's full we propose alternative dates — and if nothing fits, the hold is released in full, never charged.
The remaining balance falls due 60 days before you set off. We send a reminder.
Card at checkout, or pay by bank transfer for a 5% discount on the total.
Once your huts are confirmed the deposit secures real logistics and is non-refundable — but in force majeure we rebook you onto alternate dates at minimal cost.
Every booking comes with a real human on call.
A morning message with the actual forecast for your col and what's ahead.
If the weather turns, we book the alternate and push a new track to your phone.
One tap sends a driver from the nearest village, billed to your card.