The Tour del Aneto brings together a collection of unique self-guided routes that circle the most iconic massif in the Pyrenees. It is a proposal designed for hikers who wish to walk independently while enjoying the security of a professional organisation. Each route combines landscape, history, culture, and experience: the spirit of classic trekking paired with the comfort of a well-planned trip.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival in Vielha, the capital of Val d'Aran.
A short transfer takes you to Artiga de Lin valley, where you can explore the Uelhs deth Joeu area with its springs and beautiful landscapes. -/-/-
Day 2. 1st STAGE from Vienna to refuge Artiga de Lin
The PR-115 trail links Vielha with the Artiga de Lin refuge. This section immerses the hiker in the very essence of the Aran Valley, following a route that combines Atlantic forests, high-mountain landscapes, and the course of the Joèu river. B/-/D
Distance for the day: 17 km, up/down: 1393m/888m, 6.50 hours
Day 3. 2nd STAGE from Refuge Artiga de Lin to Hospice de France
The second stage links the Artiga de Lin refuge with the Hospice de France, passing through the Canal de Pomero, the Pas de l’Escaleta and the Còth dera Montjoia. This route follows an ancient trans-Pyrenean path that for centuries connected the Aran Valley with Luchon, used by shepherds and travellers. The Hospice de France, founded in the 17th century, was a historic place of welcome on this natural passage between the two valleys. B/-/D
Distance for the day: 10,1 km, up/down: 956m/1037m, 4.20 hours.
Day 4. 3rd STAGE from Hospice de France to Hospital de Benasque
Immerse yourself in one of the most iconic crossings in the Pyrenees, moving from France to Spain via the legendary Port de Benasque, a route taken for centuries by merchants, travellers, and pilgrims. This walking stage begins at the Hospice de France, a historic refuge located south of Luchon (France), and follows ancient paths up to the historic Port de Benasque (2,444 m), a pass of great scenic and cultural value. From there, the route descends towards the Hospital de Benasque, in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees, surrounded by impressive peaks and unspoilt nature. B/-/D
Distance for the day: 10,4 km, up/down: 1090m/665m, 4.30 hours
Day 5. 4th STAGE from Hospital de Benasque to Celer
During this gentle and unhurried stage, we begin a pleasant descent through the valley towards Benasque, its main town. The path starts with a slight ascent before leading us to the Baños de Benasque, a former thermal establishment set in an unspoilt natural environment.
We then follow the Camí de la Ball, a historic route used since the 12th century. This path, alternating between forest tracks and traditional trails, offers beautiful views over the valley and provides a varied and very enjoyable walk. Upon arriving in Benasque, we will pause to explore its historic centre, the town hall, its ancestral houses, and the Posets–Maladeta Natural Park Centre, an ideal information point on the wildlife, flora, and landscapes along the route. We then resume our itinerary towards Cerler, a typical mountain village located on the valley slope, where we will end this stage. B/-/D
Distance for the day: 17.6 km, up/down: 524m/750m, 6 hours.
Day 6. 5th STAGE from Celer to Castanesa
A traverse between valleys, summits, and Pyrenean contrasts. We begin our hike in the charming village of Cerler, heading into the Ampriu Valley along a path that follows the river as it descends from the pass. In this first part of the route, we will enjoy spectacular views of Posets, the second-highest peak in the Pyrenees. Upon reaching the pass, the landscape changes completely: we leave the northern slope and enter the southern side of the massif, sunnier and more open, where the path crosses wide alpine meadows that are pleasant and easy to walk through. This new valley is closed to the north by the imposing Sierra Negra, whose dark and reddish tones — created by shale and clay — form a landscape of strong contrasts and remarkable geological beauty. Descending along the Baliera river, we finally reach the picturesque villages of Fonchanina and Castanesa, which welcome us with the tranquillity and charm of the Aragonese mountains. B/-/D
Distance for the day: 16,7 km, up/down: 558m/1.011m, 6 hours.
Day 7. 6th STAGE from Castanesa to Aneto
The sixth stage sets off from the village of Castanesa towards the Queso Pass, where the gentle hills begin, leading northwards to El Comadelo. The route offers a real sense of space and freedom, progressing along a grassy ridge with spectacular views: to the left, the Castanesa Valley; to the right, the Barravés Valley; and ahead, the imposing massif of the three-thousand-metre peaks, dominated by Ballibierna and Aneto. From El Comadelo, the path descends to the Salinas Pass and continues its descent to the picturesque village of Aneto. B/-/D
Distance for the day: 17,5 km up/down: 1126 m/1262 m, 6.30 hours.
Day 8. 7th STAGE from Aneto to Vielha
The seventh and final stage begins with a short transfer to the old Hôpital de Vielha, located at the southern entrance of the tunnel, the starting point of the ascent along the former historic path to the Port de Vielha. Throughout the climb, you can see bunkers from the Civil War as well as remains of the old paved route once used by horses to cross the pass. Before reaching the top, the path offers wide panoramas to the west, dominated by the Aneto massif and its glaciers. From the Port de Vielha, the route descends through a mountain cirque and continues through a dense fir forest until reaching Vielha. B/-/D
Distance for the day: 12,3 km up/down: 829 m/1427m, 5 hours.
Day 9. Departure after breakfast.
8 nights of accommodation on a half board basis (accommodation,breakfast and dinner)
the tourist tax at the Hotel Vielha Val d’Aran by Melià of aprox. 2 EUR per person per day
Verified