Description
The route Estels del Sud makes a circular itinerary joining five refuges of the Parc Natural dels Ports. It is a walking route that runs between 280 and 1,250 metres in altitude, suitable for people in good physical shape who are used to walking in the mountains, as we are talking about 5 stages with a total of 98km and 4,200m of accumulated positive height gain.
The geology of the park is an enormous mass of calcareous materials that determine an abrupt relief. The massif is broken by various faults with notable overhangs and forms a spectacular karst system, with abundant caves, gorges, cliffs and holes. Among various animal species, the wild goat is almost exclusively found here. It is also home to one of Europe’s southernmost beech forests.
Accommodation for overnight stays between stages are mountain and urban refuges with catering and accommodation services, dining rooms and communal bedrooms.
Itinerary
Day 1:Meeting in Paüls with the guide. Presentation and review of material.Paüls (387m) – Arnes (506m)Distance: 20,3 km | Slope: +1.000m/-800m | Approximate time: 7 – 9hDay 2:Arnes (506m) – Beceite (579m)Distance: 21 km | Slope: +1.000m/-900m | Approximate time: 7 – 9hDay 3:Beceite (579m) – Refuge Font Ferrera (1.346m)Distance: 18,3 km | Slope: +800m/-200m | Approximate time: 6 – 8hDay 4:Refugio Font Ferrera (1.346m) – Refuge Caro (1.110m)Distance: 18 km | Slope: +700m/-700m | Approximate time: 6 – 8hDay 5:Caro Refuge (1.100m) – Paüls (387m)Distance: 21,5 km | Slope: +700m/-1.500m | Approximate time: 7 – 9h
SUMMARY SHEET
Time and meeting point: At 08:00h in Paüls (opposite “Ca les Barberes”).Time and point of completion: 17:00h in Paüls.Duration of the activity: 5 days – 4 nightsTotal Distance: 98 kmTotal accumulated unevenness: +4.200mRecommended season: All year round.Physical difficulty: High. This route is suitable for people with a good physical preparation who practice sports frequently or are used to walking for several days with important differences in level. It is recommended to have done some route of several days previously.Individual material essential:
- Clothes: It is essential to take mountain clothes to do the route. Windproof mackintosh, warm clothing for the winter season, breathable and comfortable clothing, long trousers and mountain socks, high top 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. 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.
