Hidden deep in the Pyrenees, the little-known mountains of Andorra offers superb summer walking. Based in the alpine village of Soldeu, enjoy beautiful walks through protected valleys, meadows and glacial landscapes.
Sorteny Nature Reserve – A botanical haven with over 700 species of flora
The Andorran Valleys – Explore the scenic majesty of the Vall de Riu and the Incles Valley
Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley – Explore the untouched wilderness of this UNESCO World Heritage glacial valley.
Day 01: Join tour Barcelona. Drive to Soldeu
Meet-assist at Barcelona’s international airport then depart 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.
Day 02: 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.
Todays 11km walk is expected to take around 5hrs with 600m ascent and 1000m descent.
Day 03: 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.
Todays 10km walk is expected to take around 4.5hrs with an ascent and descent of 600m.
Day 04: Free day to explore Andorra la Vella
Some free time today affords us a chance to pay a visit to Andorra’s bustling capital, Andorra la Vella. 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.
Day 05: 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.
Todays 14km walk is expected to take around 4.5hrs with 900m ascent and 1350m descent.
Day 06: 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.
Todays 12km walk is expected to take around 4.5hrs with 900m ascent and 400m descent.
Day 07: 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.
Day 8 – Tour ends Barcelona Airport
Driving back to Barcelona this morning our journey ends back at the city’s international airport.
| City | Night (s) | Hotel |
| Soldeu | 07 | Hotel Piolets Soldeu Centre |
– Meeting and assistance by our representative.
– Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
– 07 Nights accommodation
– Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners.
– Local English-speaking guide
– All transfers, sightseeing, excursions as per the program by private vehicle.
– Entrance fees as per mentioned in the program.
– Transport, Parking, Gasoline & Toll ways.
– All present government taxes.
– International Airfare.
– Tips, gratuities, Portage, laundry, telephone calls, table drinks, camera/ video camera charges, or any other expenses of a personal nature.
– Visa fees, personal insurance.
– Any item not specified under cost includes.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.