Tackle the Alta Ruta de Los Perdidos, an epic circular hike through two of the great massifs of the Pyrenees: Monte Perdido and Vignemale
This lesser-known gem is one of Europe's most outstanding mountain treks, right up there with anything you'll find in the Alps or the Dolomites
Bunk down in classic, cosy mountain refuges along the way, before ending your journey in style at a beautiful spa hotel in the Ordesa Valley
Day 1
Your host will meet you on arrival at either Zaragoza Train Station or Airport and drive you to the picturesque town of Torla, then on to the Bujaruelo mountain hut. Settle in for dinner beneath the peaks with your fellow adventurers and trekking guides, ahead of the action starting in the morning.
Day 2
Hit the trail straight from the refuge at Bujaruelo, nestled in a beautiful spot, as you make your first steps of the 100km challenge. Cross the Roman bridge and ascend deeper into the mountains, following the red and white markings of the GR11 trail as far as the Puerto de Bujaruelo pass. Carry on eating into a chunk of elevation gain, making it to the Refugio de la Brecha de Rolando for a rest stop before descending along a path marked by cairns to the Planas de Narciso, an alpine plateau of wildflowers beneath the high peaks. Push on, completing a challenging first day when you reach the Góriz mountain hut, where you'll enjoy a well-earned dinner and bunk down.
Day 3
Fuel up on breakfast at the refuge and then set off back on the GR11. One of France's most epic long-distance trails, it runs all the way from the Bay of Biscay in the Atlantic Ocean, across the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean Sea. Gradually climb to the Collado Superior de Góriz, where you'll bid farewell to the GR11 as you turn off and head north-east through the Faja de las Olas to the Collado de Añisclo – a pass with magnificent views over the Añisclo canyon. In some parts of this section there are chains to help secure your footing along challenging parts of the route. There is the option to avoid this more technical part, so your guide can help here if needed. From the pass you'll tackle a long and demanding descent to your next refuge at Pineta.
Day 4
The Pineta Valley is a stunning area – so soak up the last of the Spain section, culminating at the Balcón de Pineta and the Marboré Lake (2590m). Skirt the lake on the right side towards the Tucarroya Gap and the refuge there as you cross the border into France. Climb up to the gap and from here, descend along a steeply sloping channel with a lot of loose rocks that requires slow and steady progress. If there is snow at this stage, your guide will divert to an alternative route via Puerto Nuevo de Pineta that avoids the pass, which would need crampons and ice axes. Descend from the Brecha de Tucarroya before the final uphill stretch to the Espuguettes Refuge where you will enjoy unbeatable views of the Cirque de Gavarnie – a stunning natural amphitheatre formed by glacial erosion, boasting France's highest waterfall. This is possibly the most spectacular spot of the whole trek, and a stunning location for tonight's stay in the Espuguettes Refugio.
Day 5
At Espuguettes refuge, grab a coffee with an epic view first thing before hiking on in the direction of Gavarnie. After a steep descent, you will see a signpost indicating the trail to the Cirque de Gavarnie along a beautiful forest path. This will take you to the base of the imposing amphitheatre, where you can get right up to the waterfall. Trek on to small the village of Gavarnie – your first meeting with civilisation since Bujaruelo three days ago. To get to Grange de Holle mountain hut, you'll follow a somewhat hidden path, arriving at the refugio where you'll have dinner and spend the night.
Day 6
Having already traversed Spain's great massif of Monte Perdido, it's now France's turn as you trek in the shadow of Vignemale: the highest point in the French Pyrenees at 3298m. Trek along a forest path to the Ossoue Valley, passing in front of the Lourdes Hut to cross the Barrage d'Ossoue before an ascent that will take you to the Bayssellance shelter. If the group is feeling up for it, you can tackle a summit of Le Petit Vignemale, reaching 3032m for the highest point of the trip. Continue along the Horquette d'Ossoue, a saddle connecting with the Petit Vignemale, before the final descent to the Oulèttes hut as the rhythm of long days on the trail rewarded with a beer and dinner at a refuge continues.
Day 7
It's time to close the circle and earn an epic reward at the end of a week of wild trekking. Hit the trail heading back in the direction of Spain towards the Ara Valley, which is the scene for a long and gentle descent back to where it all began. Cross the familiar the Roman bridge of Bujaruelo, from which you set off a week ago. High fives all round – you've officially completed the circular route known as the Alta Ruta de Los Perdidos (the 'High Route of the Lost'). After a week in mountain refuges, albeit very nice ones, you'll be rewarded with a taste of luxury: spend your final night at a beautiful hotel and spa nestled in the Ordesa region of the Pyrenees. Soak your tired legs in the hot tub, sauna, Turkish baths and outdoor swimming pool, before a celebratory dinner and drinks to toast the final night of an amazing adventure.
Day 8
The adventure comes to an end today as your host drives you back to Zaragoza Airport in time for your onward flight home.
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are entirely at your discretion. If you would like to tip, the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality.
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine (opens in new tab), as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.
Similar to the classic refuges in the Alps, the mountain huts in the Pyrenees offer a half-board service, so all breakfasts and dinners on the trek will be provided at the huts. You'll need to buy a packed lunch each morning from the hut to take with…
An optional private room upgrade is available for your night at Hotel Silken Ordesa for an extra cost – see Optional Extras for details. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
There are no private rooms available at the mountain refuges in the Pyrenees.
To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.
All extras must be paid before your trip starts.
Our most demanding trips, the ultimate test for seasoned adventurers
This trek is a serious challenge. You'll certainly earn your sundowner at each of the mountain refuges! You're covering 100km in six days of trekking, with 6500m of elevation ...
Your next adventure is out there
Get instant answers about this adventure
Book with confidence and peace of mind.
Sunday 5th July 2026
to Sunday 12th July 2026
Sunday 12th July 2026
to Sunday 19th July 2026
Sunday 19th July 2026
to Sunday 26th July 2026
Sunday 26th July 2026
to Sunday 2nd August 2026
Get an email alert when new dates are added.
Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.
Snow is the biggest factor which can affect this trek, particularly in the earlier part of the season (July). There are two sections of the route which will have to be bypassed if there has been any significant snowfall on the days prior. Your host has plotted out deviations away from these sections in case of snowfall. If poor weather comes in (such as storms, heavy rain and poor visibility), depending on the stage of the trek your host will consider the conditions and plot an alternative route which may involve sitting out any extreme weather in one of the huts. This is an unlikely event in the summer months, but your hosts are experienced mountain guides with a lot of successful treks in this part of the world under their belt, so you are in the best of hands.
Yes, you can leave any excess luggage at the Bujuruelo mountain refuge when you set off on the morning of Day 2. You can collect it again at the end of the trek on Day 7 before heading to Hotel Silken Ordesa for your final night.
The tap water from the refuges in the Pyrenees is safe to drink, so bring along a minimum of two litres carrying capacity in water bottles and/or bladders to fill up each morning before setting off. There will be opportunities to fill up from streams and rivers on the trip, though we advise you to exercise caution and bring some form of filtration if you wish to fill up from natural water sources. Have a read of our guide to the best water filters for adventurers.
This trip visits locations at or above 2500m, where some people may experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Previous experience at altitude doesn’t guarantee the same response again – your body can react differently on each trip. However, having been at altitude before is still valuable: it gives you a better understanding of how your body might respond, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pace and energy levels.
Your guide is trained to manage the risk of altitude sickness by controlling the rate of ascent, monitoring group wellbeing, and responding appropriately if anyone feels unwell.
Before booking, we recommend considering your personal health, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions, and consulting a medical professional if you’re unsure. Arriving early to allow your body to acclimatise can also make a big difference.
Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached on this trip and include emergency evacuation.
This trip operates in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme highs, where limited shade and high humidity can also be a factor. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of dehydration or heat-related illness. Your guide will adjust the pace and monitor the group closely, but hydration, proper clothing, and sun protection are essential.
Before travelling, consider your ability to be active in high temperatures and consult a medical professional if you have concerns – especially if you have any cardiovascular or heat-sensitive conditions. Arriving a day or two prior to the trip may help you adjust gradually to the heat.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
The weather in the Pyrenees can be very changeable, so be sure to pack for all weathers. Temperatures at the higher altitudes you will be reaching on this trip during the July to Oct hiking season can get up to 20°C (68°F) during the peak of the day, but drop significantly during the evening/night in the range of 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F).
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 133kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
First dibs. Practical advice. Fresh inspiration. Plus the odd nice surprise.
A few other trips to tickle your fancy 🇬🇧 🇺🇸
All trips are led by certified expert guides, unlocking life experiences in places most never see.
Choose from 200+ award-winning active outdoor adventures in wild places, whatever your mood.
75% join our trips as solo travellers, with most in their 30s-50s. 95% give our group dynamic 5 stars.
We've sorted the logistics, so you can just rock up and have a blast in the wild.
To protect our world's wild places, one adventure at a time.
