Canyons of Guara to Monte Perdido, Ordesa National Park I 8 days I

Circular walk along the pasarela walkways in beautiful walkways of Alquazar 13.8km +680m. We will spend a second night in Alquazar.

It has a Moroccan romantic Moorish feel to it on arrival with the landscape adorned with dramatic cliffs and canyons. You could easily be in North Africa. You can take pleasure in a beer or a coffee whilst watching vultures circulating around the cliffs. The walk ways navigate above clear blue waters with an open feel. We will walk to a Roman bridge en route.

Transfer Alquazar to Riglos which takes approximately 1.5hrs. Once surrounded by the spectacular towers of Riglos we will walk amongst Los Mallos de Riglos. There are many options in this area.

Los Mallos de Riglos are impressive rock formations which stand 300 metres high.

These unique terracotta rocks with their flat sides are a paradise for climbers in the summer months with many of the climbers known internationally. There are plenty of hiking opportunities available for those that want the challenge with easier routes on offer too. Access to Los Mallos de Riglos is just a few minutes walk from the Las Peñas de Riglos car park. long the way we saw a church dwarfed by the immense rock behind it, houses adorned with flowers and of course the most magnificent landscape. Tonight we stay in an original boutique style casa or small hotel close to Riglos.

Riglos – lake Vadiello 

Today we will make an early start on this big and wild day. Starting by the side of an azure deep reservoir Vadiello with it’s prong formation and spectacular conglomerate towers and the limestone formations and vertical strata of the fragineto.  We head northwards on the west side of the reservoir along a rocky but well defined path to nocito. We then transfer to Barceló Monasterio de Boltaña Spa hotel or the unique and stylish casa Cruz depending on availability. (+788m, 12km)

Mirador de Revilla and Escuin

We take a day trip to the balcon of the vultures where we will find a eye catching lunch spot and take a short walk. You will then have a chance to look around. A fairly gentle day, with a 4 hour walk exploring the unique Upper Vero Canyon, spotting vultures and eagles. Mirador de Revilla. 480m+ 5.27km. 3-4 hours. Vultures plus canyon Escuain.
This area has one of Europe’s greatest concentrations of Griffon vultures, and we have the chance of seeing Lammergeier and Egyptian vultures too. Flora (tulips, daffodils and orchids) and fossils are on the agenda also.

Then we will visit Ainsa and spend a second night at Boltaña either at the Monastery or a casa.

Drive to Torla (40 minutes) and then catch the free park bus into Pradera de Ordesa and a further 20- minute drive into the park. Walk to Refugio Goriz following the Hunter’s Route. We will have a steep climb of about 700m height gain initially. At the top of this climb there is a magnificent viewpoint looking into the valley and towards our goal, the Refugio Goriz. We then traverse the valley side for some 9km, stopping to observe vultures and the ever-changing flora.  The landscape is some of the most spectacular in Europe and the geological glacial “cirque” features are world renowned.  At the head of the valley Circo de Soasa we will pause by the waterfall before making our final ascent of the day to the Refugio Goriz (2200m).  Here we have time to enjoy spectacular views and explore the immediate surrounds, including the high-altitude species of birds, plants and butterflies that exist in this unique landscape. Indeed Monte Perdido (3,355m) is the highest limestone massif in Europe.

Accommodation & dinner refugio Goriz (the only hut in the park) gives us access to a string peaks including Monte Perdido. The refuge has 80 beds and is set in a stunning location with the GR11 close by.

12 km 980m+ 5+ hours. 

Refugio Goriz (2200m) to Breche ”viewpoint” via ’easy’ route down Ordesa valley main path back to Pradera.

After an early breakfast, at 07h30 we will depart the Refugio (2200m) and ascend via the rim towards the Breche de Roland leaving our sleeping kit in the refuge. We may camp outside the refuge depending on availability. After 2 hours of ascent across an incredible, barren limestone landscape we will have superb views towards the Breche, a glacier and the surrounding peaks.  After a pause for photographs and drinks, we will then return to the Refugio for lunch.  Afterwards we will descend into the Ordesa valley and return along the main valley (4hrs) route to the Pradera which offers magnificent views, ever-changing habitat and is a reasonably easy, steady descent. We will transfer for 1.5 hrs to our hotel in Zaragoza old town.

700m + climb then descend, 9 hr day (16km)

Distance: 24km

We will transfer to Zaragoza airport in mid morning or according to the flight schedule.