Description
The Pyrenean Route dels Estanys Amagats is a high mountain crossing, circular, framed between the Alta Cerdanya ( National reserve Cerdanya – Alt Urgell ) and the Valle del Madriu in Andorra. Landscapes marked by an intense High Mountain atmosphere. The crossing can be done all year round, on foot in spring, summer and autumn and on skis or snowshoes during the snow season.
This route proposes the discovery on foot of the High mountain of La Cerdanya with the Tossa Plana de Lles 2916m, the Puigpedrós 2914m and the head of the Vall de Madriu. Using the network of refuges in the area with an itinerary that joins the peaks, huts, forests and an important number of high mountain lakes with the mid-mountain area and some of its villages, its people, fields of crops and grass, full of cultural proposals, such as its streets and the houses of its towns, chapels and other monuments.
During the crossing you will be able to see 40 lakes! Estany de Malniu, estany de Mal, estany Sec, estanyol de Tartarés, llac de l’Orri, estanys de la Muga….
Itinerary
Day 1:
Meeting in the refuge of Cal Pere Sidro with the guide. Presentation and review of material.
Refuge Cal Pere Sidro (1.580 m) – Refuge Malniu (2.130 m)
Distance: 12 km | Slope: +848m/-295m | Estimated time: 4h
Day 2:
Refuge Malniu (2.130 m) – Refuge de L’Illa (2.480m)
Distance: 18 km | Slope: +1.028m/-676 m | Estimated time: 6h
Peaks option: Puigpedrós (2.915m), Pic dels Pessons (2.864m)
Day 3:
Refuge de L’Illa (2.480m) – Refuge Estanys de la Pera (2.357 m)
Distance: 15 km | Slope: +792m/-918m | Estimated Time: 5h
Peaks option: Pic de Perafita (2.752m)
Day 4:
Refuge Estanys de la Pera (2.357 m) – Refuge Cap del Rec (1.960m)
Distance: 10 km | Slope: +260m/-654m | Estimated Time: 4h
Peak option: Tossa Plana de Lles (2.905m)
Day 5:
Refuge Cap del Rec (1.960m) – Refuge Cal Pere Sidro (1.580 m)
Distance: 18 km | Slope: +310m/-695m | Estimated Time: 5h
SUMMARY SHEET
Time and meeting point: At 10:00h in the Cal Pere Sidro Refuge
Time and point of completion: 16:00h Cal Pere Sidro
Duration of the activity: 5 days – 4 nights
Total Distance: 73 km
Total accumulated unevenness: +3.238m
Recommended season: All year round
Physical difficulty: Medium-Easy. This route is suitable for those who are used to walking for several days with significant differences in altitude. It is recommended to have done some route of several days previously.
Individual material essential:
- Clothing: It is essential to wear mountain clothing for the route (windproof mackintosh, warm clothes, breathable and comfortable clothing, long trousers and mountain socks, high mountain boots to protect the ankles, gloves, panties and hat. Spare clothes to change in the shelters.
- For the rain: Waterproof poncho/capelina and waterproof backpack cover.
- For the sun: Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection and cap.
- Backpack: Suitable mountain backpack. Frontal or torch. Canteen. Sleeping bag with sheet (there are blankets in the shelters). Shower towel. Swimwear (optional). Earplugs for the nights in the shelters (optional)
- Telescopic walking sticks
Food: For the first day bring food and drink from home. Dinners, breakfasts and lunches (picnic bags) are provided by the shelters.
Profile of the guide who will carry out the activity: Qualified mountain guide with extensive experience in the sector. Knowledge of the flora, fauna and geology of the environment.
