Hike the Ordessa Valley Loop in the Spanish Pyrenees

About a 4-hour drive from Barcelona lies the Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido. This incredible jewel of a park is definitely off the beaten path from the more popular destinations in Spain. There are a handful of different hikes in the park, the most popular of which, el Camino de Soaso, takes you along the valley floor past several amazing waterfalls, ending at the base of snow-capped Monte Perdido.

We took a roughly 18 km route from the parking area to the end of the valley via el Camino de Soaso, and then up along the wall of the valley to complete the loop. The trail is very well-marked throughout the entire hike. Be wary of slippery paths near waterfalls, and icy trails during the winter months. We visited the park in early November, and there was a good amount of snow and ice along the valley rim trail.

The best place to stay prior to your trek is the beautiful nearby town of Torla, about 5 miles outside of the park entrance. There is a large parking area at the entrance (only open to private cars during the off season), and regular buses from Torla. More details are available at the National Park website.

If you find yourself in Spain and feel the hiking bug bite, consider taking a detour and heading towards the French border into the Spanish Pyrenees to Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. With thundering waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and the occasional mountain goat, this incredible valley is a unique side of Spain most visitors overlook.