Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park

Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido

A spectacular Pyrenean national park with glacial valleys, towering limestone cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. Hiking trails here rival the Alps in grandeur, drawing nature lovers from across Europe.

Things to do

• Hike to Cola de Caballo — A roughly 17km round-trip trail from the Pradera de Ordesa car park leads through beech forest and cascades to this iconic horsetail waterfall at the head of the valley.
• Walk the Faja Pelay balcony trail — This high, narrow ledge path offers dramatic views down into the Ordesa valley and across to the sheer limestone walls of the Fisco face.
• Explore the Gradas de Soaso — A series of stepped travertine cascades along the Río Arazas make for one of the most photogenic stops on the classic Ordesa circuit.
• Trek the Cañón de Añisclo — This narrower, wilder canyon on the park's southern edge features plunging gorges and hanging footbridges over turquoise water.
• Drive into the Valle de Pineta — A glacially carved valley on the park's northern flank, reachable by road, with Monte Perdido's glacier visible at its head near Bielsa.
• Climb toward Monte Perdido — Experienced mountaineers can summit this 3,355m limestone giant, usually overnighting at the Refugio de Góriz.
• Spot Pyrenean chamois (sarrio) — Keep an eye on the rocky slopes above the valley trails, where herds of these agile mountain goats are commonly seen grazing.
• Visit the Bujaruelo valley and medieval bridge — A quieter approach to the high Pyrenees, this valley features an old stone pilgrim bridge and access routes toward the French border.

Food to try

• Ternasco de Aragón — Tender roast lamb from a protected Aragonese breed, often slow-cooked with rosemary and served in village restaurants near the park.
• Migas aragonesas — A hearty shepherd's dish of fried breadcrumbs mixed with garlic, chorizo, and grapes, popular in the mountain villages around Torla and Broto.
• Trucha a la Navarra — River trout from the Ara or Cinca rivers, pan-fried with cured ham, a classic Pyrenean mountain meal.
• Queso de Tronchón or Radiquero — Firm, tangy Aragonese sheep's or mixed-milk cheeses often served as a starter with local honey or membrillo.
• Longaniza de Graus — A cured, slightly smoky pork sausage from the nearby Ribagorza region, sliced thin as tapas.
• Vino de Somontano — A nearby wine region producing robust reds and aromatic whites that pair well with hearty mountain fare.

Local customs & good to know

• Book the summer shuttle bus early — In peak season access to the Pradera de Ordesa is restricted to a bus from Torla, so arrive early or reserve tickets in advance.
• Pack for sudden weather shifts — Pyrenean weather can change fast even in summer, so bring layers, waterproofs, and sturdy boots regardless of season.
• Reserve mountain refuges ahead of time — Huts like Refugio de Góriz fill up quickly in summer, so book bunks and meals well before your trek.
• Stay on marked trails and respect wildlife — The park protects fragile alpine flora and species like the bearded vulture, so drones and off-trail hiking are prohibited.