Ordesa y Monte Perdido

September 9, 2025

Exploring Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park

Located in the province of Huesca, within the Aragonese Pyrenees, Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is one of Spain’s oldest and most remarkable protected areas. Established in 1918, it covers over 15,000 hectares of diverse mountain terrain and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with the French side of the Pyrenees.

The park is dominated by Monte Perdido (3,355 m), the third-highest peak in the Pyrenees, surrounded by deep glacial valleys such as Ordesa, Añisclo, Escuaín, and Pineta. Its varied ecosystems range from Mediterranean oak forests to alpine meadows, hosting species like the bearded vulture (quebrantahuesos), Pyrenean chamois, and rare endemic plants.

Easily accessible from the town of Torla-Ordesa, the park offers a network of well-marked trails for all levels, from gentle valley walks to challenging high-mountain routes. It’s a destination that combines natural beauty, geological significance, and cultural heritage - a cornerstone of conservation and mountain tourism in the Spanish Pyrenees.

Must See / Must Do

1. Hike the Ordesa Valley Trail – from Torla to the Cola de Caballo waterfall, one of Spain’s most iconic hikes.

2. Summit Monte Perdido (3,355 m) – the “Lost Mountain” offers surreal views across France and Aragón.

3. Explore Añisclo Canyon – a deep gorge carved by the Bellós River, with hanging forests and narrow footbridges.

4. Watch for lammergeiers and golden eagles gliding over the cliffs.

5. Stay after dark – the Pyrenees sky here is one of the clearest in Europe.

Park Essentials

📍 Region: Aragón, Huesca Province

📏 Area: 156 km²

🗻 Highest peak: Monte Perdido, 3,355 m

🌳 Landscape: Glacial valleys, waterfalls, alpine meadows, and dramatic karst cliffs

🌿🦌 Flora and Fauna: Pyrenean pine and beech forests, gentians, chamois, marmots, and the rare bearded vulture

📅 Best time to visit: June to October

🚪 Main gateways: Torla-Ordesa, Escalona, Bielsa

Where Pirineo gives back

At Pirineo, we believe that adventure goes hand in hand with responsibility. Through our YourParks program, we proudly support the stewardship of Spain’s national parks, promoting sustainable exploration and the protection of our most treasured landscapes. Every journey with Pirineo is an opportunity to connect with nature—and to help preserve it for generations to come.

Your purchase. Your park.

Recommended Hiking Trails

1. Ordesa Valley Trail – To the Cola de Caballo Waterfall

Duration: 6–7 hours round trip
Distance: ~17 km
Difficulty: Moderate

Overview: The park’s classic route. Starting from Torla-Ordesa, this trail winds through beech and pine forests, follows the Arazas River, and ends at the majestic Cola de Caballo (“Horse’s Tail”) waterfall beneath Monte Perdido. Perfect for a full-day immersion in the park’s most iconic scenery.

2. Faja de las Flores Trail

Duration: 6–8 hours
Distance: ~13 km loop
Difficulty: Challenging / exposed sections

Overview: One of the most spectacular balcony hikes in the Pyrenees. The path cuts along a narrow limestone ledge high above the Ordesa Valley, offering breathtaking panoramic views — but it requires sure footing and a head for heights. For experienced hikers only.

3. Añisclo Canyon Route (Circuito del Cañón de Añisclo)

Duration: 4–5 hours
Distance: ~12 km loop
Difficulty: Moderate

Overview: A lush and dramatic gorge carved by the Bellós River. The route passes waterfalls, natural pools, and shaded forest paths, showing a wilder, more intimate side of the park. Ideal for those seeking solitude and green canyons instead of peaks.