Trekking in Carros de Foc, Spain

We meet the guide at the starting point for introductions and a briefing on gear and the day’s route, then take a taxi to the Planell d’Aigüestortes to begin the trek. The path takes us past Refugi d’Estany Llong as we climb toward the Agulles de Delluí, crossing the Delluí pass at 2,557 m (≈ 8,300 ft). From the pass the trail descends toward the old carrilet — the remnants of an early 20th-century wagonway used for hydroelectric construction — and continues into the Colomina Refuge, where we spend the first night.

Distance 16 km / 10 mi, elevation +950 m / -380 m (≈ 3,100 ft+ / 1,250 ft-), effective time 6–7 h.

This stage begins with the spectacular Pas de l’Ós (Bear Pass) and climbs to the Saburó pass at 2,667 m (≈ 8,750 ft). From there we summit Pic de Saburó at 2,906 m (≈ 9,500 ft), enjoying expansive views, then descend into a landscape shaped by the park’s historic hydroelectric systems before arriving at Refugi Josep Maria Blanc, where we overnight amid beautiful lakes.

Distance 10.0 km / 6 mi, elevation +600 m / -600 m (≈ 1,950 ft+ / 1,950 ft-), effective time 3–5 h.

We gain the Monestero pass early in the day with the option to push for the Monestero peak (2,877 m / 9,400 ft) or Peguera (2,982 m / 9,800 ft). The route then descends through the broad Monestero valley toward Refugi Ernest Mallafré and skirts the iconic Sant Maurici Lake, finishing with a climb to Refugi d’Amitges where we spend the night beneath the dramatic Agulles d’Amitges.

Distance 13 km / 8 mi, elevation +950 m / -920 m (≈ 3,100 ft+ / 3,000 ft-), effective time ≈ 6 h.

Today starts with the ascent to the Port de Ratera pass and offers the possibility of summiting Tuc de Ratera (2,862 m / 9,400 ft). From the high point we look down into the Ruda Valley then descend to Refugi de Saboredo, climb toward the spectacular Coll de Sendrosa and finish the day in the Colomers Cirque at Refugi de Colomers.

Distance 12 km / 7.5 mi, elevation +600 m / -850 m (≈ 2,000 ft+ / 2,800 ft-), effective time ≈ 6 h.

We explore the heart of the Colomers Cirque, starting with the ascent to the Port de Caldes and crossing the Port de Rius before dropping to Refugi de la Restanca. From there we regain elevation, crossing the Coll de Tumeneia en route to Refugi de Ventosa i Calvell.

Distance 15 km / 9.3 mi, elevation +1,000 m / -960 m (≈ 3,280 ft+ / 3,150 ft-), effective time 6–8 h.

On the final day we tackle the famous Coll de Contraix at 2,747 m (≈ 9,000 ft), the highest pass of the circuit, then descend back to Refugi d’Estany Llong. The trail leads on to the Planell d’Aigüestortes, where we board a 4×4 taxi for the transfer back to Boí.

Distance 12 km / 7.4 mi, elevation +770 m / -1,100 m (≈ 2,500 ft+ / 3,600 ft-), effective time ≈ 8 h.