Hiking Adventures and Challenges in the Pyrenees

Details on our website

Challenge Overview:

• Hut to Hut Challenge
• Total elevation gain: 9200 m
• Distance: 55 km
• Average height: 2400 m
• Highest point: Coll de Contraix, 2745 m
• Refuge range height: From 1900 m a 2400 m

Day 1: Arrival in Barcelona – Transfer to the Pyrenees

• We’ll pick you up at Barcelona Airport and drive you to the stunning Pyrenees region.
• Settle into a comfortable 3 / 4-star hotel for the night, where you can rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Colomina (2395m) to Josep M. Blanc (2310m)

• Distance/Time: 4-6 hours
• Route: Start your trek from Colomina, passing through beautiful lakes like Estany de Mar and Estany Tort de Colomina as you make your way to Josep Maria Blanc.
• Lunch: Packed lunch
• Dinner & Accommodation: Stay overnight at Refugi Josep M. Blanc with dinner provided.

Day 3: Josep M. Blanc (2310m) to Ernest Mallafré (1885m)

• Distance/Time: 3-5 hours
• Route: A scenic descent from Josep M. Blanc to Ernest Mallafré. This day is a mix of moderate hiking with beautiful views of lakes and forests.
• Lunch: Packed lunch
• Dinner & Accommodation: Overnight at Refugi Ernest Mallafré, where you can relax and enjoy a warm meal.

Day 4: Ernest Mallafré (1885m) to Colomers (2100m)

• Distance/Time: 5-6 hours
• Route: Continue from Ernest Mallafré to Refugi de Colomers, passing by Refugi d’Amitges and stunning landscapes of lakes and peaks.
• Lunch: Packed lunch
• Dinner & Accommodation: Stay at Refugi de Colomers for the night.

Day 5: Colomers (2100m) to Ventosa i Calvell (2220m)

• Distance/Time: 3-4 hours
• Route: A relatively short day hiking from Colomers to Ventosa i Calvell, with time to enjoy the surrounding alpine scenery.
• Lunch: Packed lunch
• Dinner & Accommodation: Overnight stay at Refugi de Ventosa i Calvell with dinner provided.

Day 6: Ventosa i Calvell (2220m) to Colomina (2395m)

• Distance/Time: 4-6 hours
• Route: On the final day, hike from Ventosa i Calvell back to Colomina. This section involves some challenging passes, like the Coll de Contraix, but offers amazing views to conclude your journey.
• Lunch: Packed lunch
• Dinner & Accommodation: Celebrate the completion of the circuit at Refugi de Colomina.

Day 7: Return to Barcelona

• After breakfast, we’ll transfer you back to Barcelona Airport, ensuring you leave with unforgettable memories and a sense of accomplishment from your Carros de Foc adventure.

Additional Notes:
Meals: Refuges provide breakfast and dinner, and packed lunches can be ordered at the refuges.

Difficulty: Some sections, like Coll de Contraix, are challenging, so be prepared for steep climbs and descents.

Packing: We will give you a full list prior to the event

Details on our website

Details on our website

Day 1: Arrival in Barcelona – Transfer to the Pyrenees

• We’ll pick you up at Barcelona Airport and drive you to the stunning Pyrenees region.
• After the scenic journey, you can unwind and prepare for the adventure ahead in a comfortable 3 / 4-star hotel.

Day 2: Sant Maurici Lake (1,950m) – Colomers Refuge (2,130m)

• Distance: 10 km | Ascent: +550m | Descent: -370m | Duration: 5 hours
• After a scenic 4x4 ride from Espot, we arrive at Sant Maurici Lake to start our trek.
• The trail begins with a steady ascent towards Port de Ratera (2,573m), offering panoramic views of Els Encantats and the surrounding mountains.
• After crossing the pass, we descend into the Colomers Valley, where we’ll stay overnight at Colomers Refuge.

Day 3: Colomers Refuge (2,130m) – Ventosa i Calvell Refuge (2,220m)

• Distance: 9 km | Ascent: +490m | Descent: -400m | Duration: 5 hours
• Leaving Colomers Refuge, we ascend toward Coret de Oelhacrestada (2,464m), with spectacular views over the Besiberris peaks.
• We then descend to Restanca Refuge for a short break, before continuing a gradual ascent towards the beautiful Ventosa i Calvell Refuge, where we will spend the night in the stunning high-altitude valley.

Day 4: Ventosa i Calvell Refuge (2,220m) – Estany Llong Refuge (1,985m)

• Distance: 11 km | Ascent: +300m | Descent: -535m | Duration: 5-6 hours
• Starting from Ventosa i Calvell, we begin with a climb toward the highest point of the trek, Coll de Contraix (2,747m).
• After reaching the coll, we enjoy a steep descent into the peaceful Colieto Valley, where the landscapes open up into sweeping alpine meadows.
• We then arrive at Estany Llong Refuge, tucked away in a picturesque setting for the night.

Day 5: Estany Llong Refuge (1,985m) – Josep Maria Blanc Refuge (2,350m)

• Distance: 16 km | Ascent: +900m | Descent: -700m | Duration: 7 hours
• Our day starts with a gradual climb through beautiful landscapes toward Coll de Monestero (2,715m), one of the highest points on the route.
• We then descend to the Mallafré Refuge, nestled at the foot of Els Encantats. From here, we continue climbing through the Monestero Valley, reaching the tranquil Josep Maria Blanc Refuge by the evening.

Day 6: Josep Maria Blanc Refuge (2,350m) – Sant Maurici Lake (1,950m)

• Distance: 9 km | Ascent: +200m | Descent: -600m | Duration: 4-5 hours
• On the final day, we start with a gentle descent towards Sant Maurici Lake, passing through pine forests and catching more views of the magnificent Els Encantats.
• The descent is mostly easy-going, providing the perfect cool-down after several days of adventure.
• We reach the iconic lake at Sant Maurici, where the 4x4 will take us back to Espot.

Day 7: Return to Barcelona

• After breakfast, we’ll drive you back to Barcelona Airport, leaving you with incredible memories from this unforgettable Carros de Foc adventure.

Additional Notes:
Meals: Refuges provide breakfast and dinner and packed lunches

Difficulty: Some sections, like Coll de Contraix, are challenging, so be prepared for steep climbs and descents.

Packing: We will give you a full list prior to the event

Details on our website

Details: on our website

## The Challenge

• Summit: highest mountain in Cataluyna
• Duration: 4 days
• Highest point: Pica d’Estats, 3143m
• Distance: 13.3 km
• Ascent: +1,100m
• Descent: -1,400m
• Summit Day: 10 hours
• Difficulty: Hard

## Included

• Pickup / Drop off: Barcelona Airport
• Meals: All meals included
• Accommodation: 1 x Hotel, 2 x Hut
• Guide: UIMLA certified guide
• Cost: £625 per person

## Excluded

• Flights

# Day 1

### Arrival in Barcelona – Transfer to the Pyrenees

Pick-up at Barcelona Airport
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Barcelona Airport. From here, we’ll embark on a scenic drive through picturesque Catalunya, expect to see mountain villages, glorious lakes and untouched forests.

Arrival at scenic hotel
After the journey, you’ll have time to relax and take in the stunning surroundings. Settle into your accommodations in the heart of the Pyrenees, ready for a well-deserved evening of rest. The hotel is situated at a foot of a beautiful mountain lake with an equally impressive outdoor pool.

Dinner
Join us for a hearty local dinner where we’ll fuel up for the exciting days ahead. Reflect on the journey and the challenge awaiting you!

# Day 2

### Journey to the Hut

Breakfast at Hotel
After a restful night, we start the day with a nutritious breakfast to prepare for the hike ahead. The journey to the mountain hut begins with a comfortable drive to the start of the hike. For those who want to, you can take a refreshing dip in the lake before the adventure begins. We’ll take in the breathtaking landscapes as we make our way to the trailhead.

Begin the Hike to the Hut
After leaving our transport behind, we will gradually ascent by foot to the high pyrenees (2hrs). By 4 PM, we’ll arrive at the mountain hut, tucked away in the stunning natural beauty of the high pyrenean landscape.

Dinner at Hut
Enjoy a delicious, well-deserved dinner in the hut, surrounded by fellow adventurers. Relish the camaraderie and the beautiful mountain setting as you prepare for the summit ahead.

# Day 3

### Summit Day - Pica d’Estats

Distance: 13.3 km | Ascent: +1,100m | Descent: -1,400m | Duration: 10 hours

Breakfast at Hut
A hearty breakfast sets the tone for today’s challenge. The summit of Pica d’Estats, the highest peak in the Eastern Pyrenees, awaits!

Summit of Pica d’Estats
After exhilarating hiking and short srambles, we reach the summit of Pica d’Estats (3,143m), a truly remarkable achievement. Enjoy panoramic views that stretch across the Pyrenees as at this point you will be standing on the boarder of France, Andorra and Spain.

Return to Hut
We begin the descent back to the hut, where we’ll arrive around 5 PM. The day will be long and the sense of accomplishment will make it all worthwhile. After a full day of adventure, a delicious dinner will provide the perfect opportunity to relax, recount the day’s triumphs, and unwind with your fellow trekkers.

# Day 4

### Descent & return to Barcelona

Departure from Hut
An early start as we fuel up for the descent. We’ll take our time to enjoy the last moments in the mountains. We begin our hike down (2hrs), leaving the hut and retracing our steps. The journey down offers a different perspective of the landscape as we make our way to our transport. After an hour or so, we will stop at a local spot for a well deserved coffee break.

Lunch at Castell de Remei
Before we say our goodbyes, we’ll enjoy a delightful lunch at Castell de Remei, which has the most ancient winery of fine wines in Catalunya. Here you have an opportunity to taste the wine over lunch. There is a wine shop available on site.

Depart for Barcelona Airport
After lunch, we’ll continue the journey back to the airport. Expect to arrive at Barcelona Airport around 6 PM, with plenty of time to catch your flight home.