D2 : JACA/CANYON D'ORDESA/AINSA

A World Heritage site

This is a place to explore on foot, over and over again...

One can walk along the canyon floor, following the rio, in the shade of the luxuriant vegetation. One can also take the high ground and follow one of the famous balcony routes like the Faja de Pelay, the Racun, or Las Flores. Enjoy the panoramas with breathtaking views over the whole canyon and the magnificent flora. These are very special routes and unique in Europe.

To get to Torla. In the height of the season the road to the canyons is closed at Torla, a frequent shuttle bus service connects Torla with the parking at La Pradera, the starting point for most walks.

The Ordesa valley

From the parking at La Pradera folow the wide trail that leads towards the World Heritage site monument. Follow the GR11 alongside the river Arazas. You will soon reach the Mirador de Aripas waterfalls. Water is ever present along this route on the canyon floor. You will pass close to the Cueva and Estrecho waterfalls. The footpath then leaves the forest. Above you are the gigantic canyon walls of the Sierra de Cutas. You will soon reach the famous Gradas de Soaso, a natural staircase shaped by the waters, a series of small waterfalls as if created for giants en-route for Monte Perdido. Progressively you will reach the head of the canyon and the Cirque de Soasa. Take the time to make a small detour to admire the beautiful Soaso waterfall (the 'Horse's Tail').  •  Allow 5 hours return  •  Height gain : 450 m.

A shorter option

Those who do not wish to go as far as the Cirque de Soasa can stop at the Estrecho waterfall then descend towards the Aripas bridge beneath the balcony. Cross the bridge to return to your starting point by the opposite bank of the river. •  Allow 2 hours return.

The Faja de Pelay

Follow the itinerary of the Ordesa valley to the Soasa waterfall. At the end of the canyon you will start your return by the Faja de Pelay on the other side of the river after crossing the Soasa bridge. As you have climbed to 1900m there is a superb view over Monte Perdido (3335m) and the Soum de Ramond. The footpath runs horizontally along this natural balcony for nearly 8k. You will pass through pines and cross grasslands covered in many alpine flowers including Edelweiss. At the end of the walk you will come across the small hunters' refuge (Calcilarruego). A platform construction makes this a fabulous viewpoint, opposite are the Cirques of Carriata and Cotatuero carved into the canyon walls. As a backdrop are all the 3000m peaks of Gavarnie, a marvellous spectacle. To the west under the pyramid shaped Mondarruego is the Senda de la Cazadores (the hunters' path), the only difficult part of the route with a steep and sinuous 500m descent back to the parking, take care. • Allow 6 - 8 hours return. •  Height gain approx. 700m. •  Waymarked trails.

The Ainsa lake

When you arrive in Ainsa do not go straight to the higher town. We recommend that you see the magnificent lake with its turquoise waters, it is a great spot for a swim. A single bell tower pokes out from the lake, the last remnants of a flooded village. A surprising sight.

The Plaza Mayor in Ainsa

You can relive the times of the Reconquistadors in the Plaza Mayor in Ainsa, the capital of the kingdom of Sobrarbe! Situated between the mountains and the plains it was here that Muslims and Christians fought. The high town of Ainsa is situated on a natural promontory and is surrounded by walls, its bell towers resembles a minaret,  testimony to its past. The Plaza is monumental and entirely cobbled, the dwellings are connected by arcades. During the summer the balconies of the ochre facades are decorated with hundreds of hanging flower baskets, a lovely place for a drink on the terrace of one of the many cafes.

A large car-park is situated at the entry to the higher town.

Evening and night in Ainsa

The Hautes-Pyrenees holiday shop proposes you a small selection of very favorite accommodations in Ainsa and surroundings. For more choices, contact directly the Shop to 05 62 56 70 00.