Guided Trek through Alta Ruta de Los Perdidos

Meet your guide in Bujaruelo for introductions, kit check and a route briefing. We’ll set off by crossing an ancient Roman bridge and climb through woodland toward the Puerto de Bujaruelo (the border pass). From there the route continues upward to the Sarradets hut and the final steep push to La Brecha de Rolando (2,804 m / 9,199 ft) — a dramatic cleft in the rock wrapped in legend. After crossing back into Spain we traverse rocky ground and descend to the wide, grassy Planas de Narciso, a carpet of daffodils in season, before finishing the day at the Góriz refuge.

Distance: 16 km / 10.0 mi · Ascent/Descent: +1,626 m / -761 m (≈ +5,335 ft / -2,497 ft) · Approx. hiking time: 7½ hrs

We leave Góriz and climb steadily to the Collado Superior de Góriz. Heading northeast following cairns, the trail weaves past springs and small waterfalls with expansive views. The Faja de las Olas leads to the Collado de Añisclo, where a short, exposed section equipped with chains helps our passage. After a careful, long descent we drop into a beech wood and arrive at the Pineta refuge for the night.

Distance: 12.6 km / 7.8 mi · Ascent/Descent: +625 m / -1,583 m (≈ +2,051 ft / -5,194 ft) · Approx. hiking time: 6 hrs

Today is the toughest yet most spectacular stage. From the Pineta valley we follow an easy approach before beginning a sustained, steep climb to the Balcón de Pineta. The ascent is demanding but the widening panoramas — including the north face and glacier of Monte Perdido — reward every step. We continue past Marboré Lake to the tiny, dramatic Tucarroya refuge tucked into a rocky gap, then cross the Brecha de Tucarroya into France. A technical descent of loose rock leads toward the Horquette d'Alans, after which we descend to the Espuguettes refuge with superb mountain views. Distance: 17.2 km / 10.6 mi · Ascent/Descent: +1,767 m / -948 m (≈ +5,797 ft / -3,110 ft) · Approx. hiking time: 8 hrs

A gentler day. After an initial steep descent we follow a pleasant path through pine forest toward the legendary Cirque de Gavarnie, one of the Pyrenees’ showpieces. A relaxed stroll brings us to the village of Gavarnie and on to the Grange de Holle refuge where you can soak in the scale of the amphitheatre-like cirque.

Distance: 11.7 km / 7.2 mi · Ascent/Descent: +365 m / -877 m (≈ +1,198 ft / -2,877 ft) · Approx. hiking time: 4 hrs

We follow a forest track toward the Ossoue valley, passing the small Lourdes Cabin and crossing the Ossoue dam. From there we climb toward the Bayssellance refuge beneath the impressive Vignemale massif. The route continues up to the Horquette d'Ossoue before descending to the Oulèttes refuge — a day of strong mountain scenery and classic high-valley walking.

Distance: 19.6 km / 12.2 mi · Ascent/Descent: +1,557 m / -897 m (≈ +5,108 ft / -2,943 ft) · Approx. hiking time: 8 hrs

On the last day we keep Vignemale’s glaciers in view as we climb toward the Mules Pass. Re-entering Spain, we descend into the Ara Valley. The route eases into a long, gentle descent bordered by riverside vegetation as you return to the Roman bridge at Bujaruelo and the starting refuge — a mellow finish after a full alpine traverse.

Distance: 16.6 km / 10.3 mi · Ascent/Descent: +592 m / -1,443 m (≈ +1,942 ft / -4,734 ft) · Approx. hiking time: 6 hrs