Tour of Ordesa and Monte Perdido
A dramatic multi-day circuit through Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park in the Spanish Pyrenees, a UNESCO World Heritage site of glacial canyons and…
Route overview
The Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park circuit explores one of the most spectacular parts of the Spanish Pyrenees, centred on Monte Perdido, the highest limestone summit in Europe, and its associated glacial canyons. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, jointly listed with the French Pyrénées-Mont Perdu area across the border. A multi-day circuit links the Ordesa valley with the neighbouring Añisclo and Escuain canyons via mountain refuges such as Refugio de Góriz, passing beneath sheer limestone walls and past waterfalls fed by the Cinca and Ara rivers. Some stages involve steep, exposed sections with fixed cables, and the high pass crossings near Monte Perdido can hold snow well into summer.
A dramatic multi-day circuit through Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park in the Spanish Pyrenees, a UNESCO World Heritage site of glacial canyons and limestone peaks.
Trail facts
- Country
- Spain
- Region
- Aragón (Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park)
- Distance
- c. 55 km
- Typical duration
- 5–6 days
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- c. 4,000 m cumulative
- Best season
- July–September
- Trail type
- High mountain circuit
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No general entry permit required, but access restrictions may apply during high fire-risk periods; check current park rules.
- Bookings
- Refugio de Góriz requires advance reservation in the summer season.
Safety context
High passes near Monte Perdido can retain snow into July; some stages have exposed, cable-assisted sections. Check park conditions before setting out.
Underestimating snow conditions on the higher passes in early summer is a recurring park warning.
Highlights
UNESCO World Heritage limestone canyons Monte Perdido, Europe's highest limestone peak Refugio de Góriz mountain hut Añisclo and Escuain canyon views
Why find a buddy
The exposed high-pass sections and remote canyon terrain are safer tackled with a companion.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.