What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking mountain guidesHotel & Mountain hut
6 nights in mountain refuges, 1 night in a 4-star hotelMeals
All breakfasts and dinnersTransfers
To and from the airport and everything in betweenPermits
All National Park permitsSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Tackle the Alta Ruta de Los Perdidos, an epic circular hike through two of the great massifs of the Pyrenees: Monte Perdido and Vignemale
This lesser-known gem is one of Europe's most outstanding mountain treks, right up there with anything you'll find in the Alps or the Dolomites
Bunk down in classic, cosy mountain refuges along the way, before ending your journey in style at a beautiful spa hotel in the Ordesa Valley
Key Information
Day 1
To the Pyrenees!
Your host will meet you on arrival at Zaragoza Airport and drive you to the picturesque town of Torla, then on to the Bujaruelo mountain hut. Settle in for dinner beneath the peaks with your fellow adventurers and trekking guides, ahead of the action starting in the morning.
Day 2
Bujaruelo to Refugio Góriz
Hiking
Hit the trail straight from the refuge at Bujaruelo, nestled in a beautiful spot, as you make your first steps of the 100km challenge. Cross the Roman bridge and ascend deeper into the mountains, following the red and white markings of the GR11 trail as far as the Puerto de Bujaruelo pass. Carry on eating into a chunk of elevation gain, making it to the Refugio de la Brecha de Rolando for a rest stop before descending along a path marked by cairns to the Planas de Narciso, an alpine plateau of wildflowers beneath the high peaks. Push on, completing a challenging first day when you reach the Góriz mountain hut, where you'll enjoy a well-earned dinner and bunk down.
Day 3
Collado de Añisclo and the Pineta Valley
Hiking
Fuel up on breakfast at the refuge and then set off back on the GR11. One of France's most epic long-distance trails, it runs all the way from the Bay of Biscay in the Atlantic Ocean, across the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean Sea. Gradually climb to the Collado Superior de Góriz, where you'll bid farewell to the GR11 as you turn off and head north-east through the Faja de las Olas to the Collado de Añisclo – a pass with magnificent views over the Añisclo canyon. In some parts of this section there are chains to help secure your footing along challenging parts of the route. There is the option to avoid this more technical part, so your guide can help here if needed. From the pass you'll tackle a long and demanding descent to your next refuge at Pineta.
Day 4
Cross the border into France
Hiking
The Pineta Valley is a stunning area – so soak up the last of the Spain section, culminating at the Balcón de Pineta and the Marboré Lake (2590m). Skirt the lake on the right side towards the Tucarroya Gap and the refuge there as you cross the border into France. Climb up to the gap and from here, descend along a steeply sloping channel with a lot of loose rocks that requires slow and steady progress. If there is snow at this stage, your guide will divert to an alternative route via Puerto Nuevo de Pineta that avoids the pass, which would need crampons and ice axes. Descend from the Brecha de Tucarroya before the final uphill stretch to the Espuguettes Refuge where you will enjoy unbeatable views of the Cirque de Gavarnie – a stunning natural amphitheatre formed by glacial erosion, boasting France's highest waterfall. This is possibly the most spectacular spot of the whole trek, and a stunning location for tonight's stay in the Espuguettes Refugio.
Day 5
The Cirque de Gavarnie
Hiking
At Espuguettes refuge, grab a coffee with an epic view first thing before hiking on in the direction of Gavarnie. After a steep descent, you will see a signpost indicating the trail to the Cirque de Gavarnie along a beautiful forest path. This will take you to the base of the imposing amphitheatre, where you can get right up to the waterfall. Trek on to small the village of Gavarnie – your first meeting with civilisation since Bujaruelo three days ago. To get to Grange de Holle mountain hut, you'll follow a somewhat hidden path, arriving at the refugio where you'll have dinner and spend the night.
Day 6
The great Vignemale
Hiking
Having already traversed Spain's great massif of Monte Perdido, it's now France's turn as you trek in the shadow of Vignemale: the highest point in the French Pyrenees at 3298m. Trek along a forest path to the Ossoue Valley, passing in front of the Lourdes Hut to cross the Barrage d'Ossoue before an ascent that will take you to the Bayssellance shelter. If the group is feeling up for it, you can tackle a summit of Le Petit Vignemale, reaching 3032m for the highest point of the trip. Continue along the Horquette d'Ossoue, a saddle connecting with the Petit Vignemale, before the final descent to the Oulèttes hut as the rhythm of long days on the trail rewarded with a beer and dinner at a refuge continues.
Day 7
The final push
Hiking
It's time to close the circle and earn an epic reward at the end of a week of wild trekking. Hit the trail heading back in the direction of Spain towards the Ara Valley, which is the scene for a long and gentle descent back to where it all began. Cross the familiar the Roman bridge of Bujaruelo, from which you set off a week ago. High fives all round – you've officially completed the circular route known as the Alta Ruta de Los Perdidos (the 'High Route of the Lost'). After a week in mountain refuges, albeit very nice ones, you'll be rewarded with a taste of luxury: spend your final night at a beautiful hotel and spa nestled in the Ordesa region of the Pyrenees. Soak your tired legs in the hot tub, sauna, Turkish baths and outdoor swimming pool, before a celebratory dinner and drinks to toast the final night of an amazing adventure.
Day 8
Time to head home
The adventure comes to an end today as your host drives you back to Zaragoza Airport in time for your onward flight home.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Zaragoza Airport
15:00 on Day 1
Ends
Zaragoza Airport
09:00 on Day 8
Transfers
Your host will meet you at Zaragoza Airport – please arrive before 15:00 on Day 1 in order to join the group transfer to Bujaruelo mountain hut for your first night. On Day 8, your host will provide a group transfer back to Zaragoza Airport in the morning, dropping you off at approximately 09:00 ready for any flights departing from 11:00 onwards.
Your host may be able to organise one group pick-up from Bilbao airport on the morning of Day 1. Please request this with the host after booking and every effort will be made to assist your travel plans. Bilbao to Zaragoza, and then onwards to Torla is a long journey of approx 6 hours. If departing from Bilbao Airport on Day 8 then please do not book flights before approx 3pm.
If you are arriving or departing at different times, on different days or flying to/from alternative airports (e.g. Asturias, Santander or Bilbao Airports) then your host may be able to arrange private airport transfers for an additional charge, subject to availability.
Travel options
There are direct flights to Zaragoza from London's Stansted Airport if you are travelling from the UK. Travellers from various parts of the US and Europe will be able to transit via various European hubs such as Paris, Milan and Madrid.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Similar to the classic refuges in the Alps, the mountain huts in the Pyrenees offer a half-board service, so all breakfasts and dinners on the trek will be provided at the huts. You'll need to buy a packed lunch each morning from the hut to take with you on the trail. Breakfasts are usually continental – think juices, teas, coffee, yoghurts, bread and jams. Dinners are hearty – expect soups, a main course with meat, vegetables and a side dish (rice, polenta, pasta), and dishes like vanilla pudding, crème brulée or fruit salads for dessert. There are subtle changes on each side of the menu as the tastes of France and Spain blend in this shared mountain range. You'll likely find paella and fabada (a delicious bean and chorizo soup) on the menu in the Spanish refuges. Please note, there is an extra charge for soft and alcoholic drinks.
You should budget €10-15 per day for your lunches which will generally be sandwiches plus fruit, flapjacks, chocolate bars and other snacks available as well.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form. Vegan options at the refuges can be limited, so we advise that you bring along a supply of supplementary snacks if you are a strict vegan.
What is the accommodation like?
Mountain refuges
As you traverse the Monte Perdido and Vignemale massifs you'll bunk down in mountain huts at various points along the route. On the Spanish side you'll stay at the extremely nice, modern refuges at Pineta and Bujaruelo, as well as at the more basic alpine-style refuge at Goriz. On the French side, you'll stay at Refuges Espuguettes, Grange de Holle and Oulèttes de Gaube which are all more classic Alpine-style refuges. Each refuge has showers and they all have hot water, with the exception of Espuguettes: this is the most basic and there is no shower or hot water here, though it boasts the best views of any hut on this trip.
You will stay in mixed-sex dormitories. Blankets and bedding are provided, but we advise that you bring a sleeping bag liner for extra comfort. Earplugs are also recommended!
Hotel Silken Ordesa
Enjoy a taste of luxury at the end of this trip, well-deserved after a successful 100km of proper trekking under your belt. After six nights in mountain refuges deep in the Pyrenees, you can relax and toast the end of an amazing trip in style at the Hotel Silken Ordesa near Torla. Nestled in stunning Pyrenean scenery, the hotel has an outdoor pool and a spa with a sauna, hot tub and Turkish bath to soak your weary legs. You'll stay in same-sex twin or triple rooms, depending on availability.
Upgrades
An optional private room upgrade is available for your night at Hotel Silken Ordesa for an extra cost – see Optional Extras for details. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
There are no private rooms available at the mountain refuges in the Pyrenees.
This trip has been rated as Tough
This trek is a serious challenge. You'll certainly earn your sundowner at each of the mountain refuges! You're covering 100km in six days of trekking, with 6500m of elevation gain and descent to cover on this full circular route. The descents can be tough going, with steep rocky sections and some exposed ridges. The terrain in the Pyrenees is tricky at times, with loose, rocky, limestone scree to navigate. There are some technical sections using fixed ropes to help make your way along, but you don't need technical mountaineering experience as your expert guide is there to help on these sections if you feel you need a hand. A strong level of fitness and resilience and the ability to keep your spirits up on long days of hiking is key for this trip! Remember you will also be carrying a 40-50 litre backpack throughout the trek, although as it is a hut-to-hut route, you won't be carrying any camping or cooking equipment – just your clothes, personal belongings and enough water for the day ahead.
What will I need to carry?
This is a hut-to-hut trek, with no roads from the morning of Day 2 until the final descent on Day 7. This deep in the mountains, no luggage transfers or porterage options are available. We strongly suggest you train for a trip of this nature by heading out in the weeks before with a good quality 40-50L trekking backpack loaded up so that you get used to the weight.
The weather in the Pyrenees can be very changeable, so be sure to pack for all weathers. Temperatures at the higher altitudes you will be reaching on this trip during the July to Oct hiking season can get up to 20°C (68°F) during the peak of the day, but drop significantly during the evening/night in the range of 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F).
Pyrenees Hut to Hut
Great experience and adventure! Highly recommend!!
It was an outstanding adventure.
It was an outstanding adventure. Highly recommend!! Fantastic treck, difficult, worth the effort. Over 6500 meters of elevation gain, with world class views and landscape.
Pushing Limits and Elevation in the Pyrenees - advised for the experienced hiker.
I just completed the hike in the end of August 2024, and while it was an unforgettable experience, it's crucial to emphasize that this trek is not for unexperienced hikers. The route is rated as tough for its reasons and requires a good level of fitness, sure-footedness, and well-broken-in hiking boots/trail running shoes. Packing light is essential, as the terrain can be demanding, and some scrambling is involved.
Engaging in some endurance sports beforehand would be highly beneficial, as the trek involves significant elevation changes, often in a single stretch – which can be tough on the knees, ankles or feet 🐾
That said, the spirits were high throughout our trip, thanks to all the incredible individuals in our group, the best possible weather, and our amazing guides 🙌
Mai and Alejandro were fun, kind, knowledgeable and passionate about the region – providing expert insights into everything from geology to local flora and fauna, which made the journey even more enriching 🌱🪨🦅
If you're an experienced hiker looking for a refreshing alternative to the Alps, the Pyrenees offer a simpler infrastructure and a less-touched, rugged beauty that is truly special. I´d been to the Pyrenees before and I will for sure be back!
Go if you're well-prepared for the challenge! 🙌
It was tough but this
It was tough but this was part of the trip & I loved it. The guides were wonderful and Irene kept everything to plan and spot on timing per the daily briefing. Glad I did it before I got may be a bit older & benefited from having a great group. I would recommend anyone to do the trip and have a stopover in Zaragoza too.
4 friends go hiking, plus 4 youngsters
This is trip was a challenge the 4 of us had prepared for. An unforgettable week of views in generally good weather conditions. The excellent group leader and her assistant ensured we were safe at all times and provided clear guidance whenever there were challenges (if required) hence, personal fears and endurance were all smoothly navigated through. To note: ensure you pack everything listed on the kit list, you WILL need it all.
Experience of a lifetime!
A challenging Trek which was so rewarding. Arrive with some hiking experience and a resilient mindset and you will have the time of your life! Our guides (Irene and Mai) were supportive throughout ensuring a safe trip for all.
A fabulous mountain adventure
What an wonderful experience this trek was. It was everything it said it was; challenging both mentally and physically in stunning terrain that changed every day- do not underestimate the terrain! The guides, Irene and Mai, were the stars of the show, always supportive, so kind and very knowledgeable. We felt very safe with them. We were a multinational group with a wide spread of ages yet we all felt one team as we trekked around this stunning National Park. We had fun and laughed so much 😃. Thank you for the memories of a perfect week.
Definitely recommended!
I enjoyed this hike so much! Everyday was different, views looked like postcards and I loved the huts we stayed in. Days were long sometimes but the hard work was definitely worth it. Most of all, our guides Irene and Mai were the best; they really made this trip an unforgettable experience. I would love to come back to the Pyrenees in the future:)
Breathtaking hike
A stunning route, challenging but incredibly rewarding, and really thanks to the best guides I have ever walked with- Ernesto and Txetxu absolute professionals and I am so grateful to have met them both :)
Tough and Fantastic!
The trip was absolutely amazing! The guides were experienced and friendly! The trip was tough as advertised and as expected so it was a great sense of achievement to complete it. The views were unbelievable! I had a fantastic time. Thank you so much!
Beautiful Hike in the Pyrenees
Hiking the "High Route of the Lost" was an amazing experience with phenomenal views. Each day was unique as the route takes you up mountains, through forests, and across valleys. It's very physically demanding and perfect for anyone looking to challenge themselves with long days of hiking and significant elevation gains. The guides were great and helped contribute to what was an incredible week in the mountains.
The Pyrenees is our discovery!
We are delighted to have chosen the 100 km Hut-to-hut route in the Pyrenees. Well organised logistics and easy communication. We were eight people and met fellow himers who are passionate about the mountains. The Pyrenees is definately our discovery! The route was difficult and unfortunately made even more difficult by the high temperature (at 2100 m about +38 degrees C). But all the difficulties were compensated by the exceptional views! We would love to come back and explore other routes!
Amazing hike in the Pyrenees
What an amazing week!
This challenging hiking route is beautiful and rewarding. Our guides were fantastic and I learned a lot from them.
From peaceful green valleys, rocky mountain crests, waterfals and blue water streams...this route is diverse in landscape and every day there is something different.
The hike is tough so good physical condition is advised :)
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
Hiking pack (40-50 litres)
Waterproof liner for hiking pack
CLOTHES
Lightweight down or synthetic jacket
Lightweight waterproof and windproof jacket
Breathable wicking layers
Fleece jacket or similar
Buff or neck scarf
Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts for hiking
T-shirts
Underwear and socks
Swimwear for hotel
Sunglasses
Sunhat
Something to sleep in
Hiking boots (worn-in)
Lightweight shoes for refuges
SLEEPING
Pillowcase
Sleeping bag liner
OTHER
Universal travel plug adapter
Power bank or solar charger
Passports (and visas)
Travel insurance documents
Suncream
Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
Quick-dry towel
Alcohol hand-gel
Face mask
Headtorch or torch
Two reusable water bottles x1 litre
OPTIONAL
Sleeping bag (2/3 season) - if you prefer to use your own rather than the blankets at the huts
Earplugs
Trekking poles
Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Post Trip accommodation in Ordesa (Double/Twin Room)
Payable Before Departure
Post Trip accommodation in Ordesa (Double/Twin Room)
… Per Night
Post Trip accommodation in Ordesa (Single Room)
Payable Before Departure
Post Trip accommodation in Ordesa (Single Room)
… Per Night
Optional Private Room Upgrade in Ordesa
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade in Ordesa
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 133kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
This trip visits locations at or above 2500m. At this altitude some people may experience symptoms associated with Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Previous experience at high altitude is not necessarily an indicator of future performance. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with altitude, by carefully managing the rate of ascent and the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided. Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover up to the maximum altitude visited on this trip as well as emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion and are non-compulsory on this trip. Of course, if you feel that your guides provided an exceptional experience then you are welcome to tip as much as you feel is appropriate.
The tap water from the refuges in the Pyrenees is safe to drink, so bring along a minimum of two litres carrying capacity in water bottles and/or bladders to fill up each morning before setting off. There will be opportunities to fill up from streams and rivers on the trip, though we advise you to exercise caution and bring some form of filtration if you wish to fill up from natural water sources. Have a read of our guide to the best water filters for adventurers.
Snow is the biggest factor which can affect this trek, particularly in the earlier part of the season (July). There are two sections of the route which will have to be bypassed if there has been any significant snowfall on the days prior. Your host has plotted out deviations away from these sections in case of snowfall. If poor weather comes in (such as storms, heavy rain and poor visibility), depending on the stage of the trek your host will consider the conditions and plot an alternative route which may involve sitting out any extreme weather in one of the huts. This is an unlikely event in the summer months, but your hosts are experienced mountain guides with a lot of successful treks in this part of the world under their belt, so you are in the best of hands.
Yes, you can leave any excess luggage at the Bujuruelo mountain refuge when you set off on the morning of Day 2. You can collect it again at the end of the trek on Day 7 before heading to Hotel Silken Ordesa for your final night.
We recommend checking out the country specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
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