Ruta Estanys Amagats

The trail starts gently in the small village of Talltendre. On flat ground, you will walk through the mountain villages of Ordèn and Èller, which consist typically of stone houses. Your first ascent leads to Merange, a slightly bigger village, and then into a forest. The first stage ends at the Refugi Malniu, which is also able to be reached by car. Therefore, multiday hikers merge with day hikers to explore the surrounding lakes of Malniu and Estany Sec right next to the hut.

The next day starts with a walk around Lake Estany Sec before the path follows the red and white marks of the GR11. After a meadow with grazing cows, the path ascends and crosses the Duran River. Past beautiful waterfalls, it leads to the non-guarded J. Folch i Girona hut, which invites you in for a rest before the next ascent. The Engorgs Cirque has breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and crystal-clear lakes and ponds. From the Engorgs Cirque, the path keeps ascending to the Portella d’Engorgs mountain pass. From here it is possible to catch your first glimpse of Andorra! The descent from here will take you into the Vall de la Llosa valley before the last ascent of the day leads up to the Port de Ballciveraa mountain pass. From here, a descent takes you down to the Refugi de l’Illa in Andorra.

The third stage leads through the Vall de Madriu Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will come past the Estany de la Bova lake, where cows and horses used to graze. The path then continues through a forest with the non-guarded Riu del Orris hut and descends into a magnificent granite valley. The path leads to the Maiana mountain pass, where it leaves the red and white marks of the GR11 behind and follows the red and yellow marks instead. From here, the path turns into green meadows and you will cross the Madriu River before you climb up the next mountain pass and down to the non-guarded Refugi de Perafita. Over the Port de Perafita mountain pass, which is also the border between Andorra and Spain, the path descends to the Refugi d’Estanys de la Pera.

Short after the Refugi, the next day awaits with the beautiful Planell waterfall in the forest. A descent leads to the Refugi de les Pollineres, an abandoned hut with a picnic area. The trail continues past the Bassa de Comabella pond, the Arsana ski resort, and the Camping El Cortal del Gral campsite until it reaches the biggest hut of the trail – the Cap del Rec hut.

The fifth and last stage leads through a forest down to the small mountain village of Viliella. It continues along a river, which has to be crossed, to the even smaller village of Coborriu de la Llosa, which consists of houses only. Next the path ascents one last time before it descents down to the village of Talltendre where it all began.

It is possible to hike the Ruta Estanys Amagats all year long. In spring, summer and autumn on foot and in winter on skis or with snow shoes. If you want to avoid the snow, the best time for you to hike is from the beginning of June to the middle of September.

If you’re unsure in the late fall about snow conditions, you can call the hut wardens to ask about the trail accessibility. They will tell you everything you need to know about the area and how to best prepare.

The Ruta Estanys Amagats is a medium challenging hike, without any technical difficulties. Preparing for the trail will depend on when you choose to hike it. If you happen to hike the Ruta Estanys Amagats before June or after September, make sure to be prepared to hike in the snow. This means either bringing micro-spikes, snow shoes, or skis, depending on when in the season you go.

You will also want to bring other helpful gear, like good clothing and shoes with a proper grip. Check out our comprehensive gear list for long-distance trails for more information on what to bring.

While you’re on the trail and in the huts, respect the principles of Leave No Trace by minimizing your impact on the environment. Stick to designated trails, take all your trash with you, and show respect for wildlife and natural habitats (keep your distance, don’t feed them).

The Ruta Estanys Amagats is graded as a moderate hiking trail. It is challenging because of the distance and elevation gain, but not very difficult from a technical point of view. The trail is five days, which is a moderate length, and doable for people who have completed an overnight trekking before.

Training for the Ruta Estanys Amagats will be helpful. You will want to take a few training hikes or walks that last a few hours with a full backpack. This is a great way to work on your endurance, as well as building strength.