# Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park

Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park is in Lleida (province) of Catalonia. A wild mountain region in the Pyrenees, with peaks rising to 3017 m (Besiberri Sud) and with nearly 200 lakes, many of them of glacial origin, the park comprises a core area of 141 km2 and a buffer zone of 267 km2 surrounding the park.

## Understand

The national park comprises 40,852 hectares (100,950 acres), divided into two different levels of protection: the core area and the buffer zone surrounding the park. This buffer zone creates a gradation from the inner side, more strictly protected than the external parts of the park.
The core area is located in the comarques of Pallars Sobirà and Alta Ribagorça, and includes the main entrances of the park:
* On the west side, from the village of Boí, is the Aigüestortes plain. Aigüestortes means "winding waters" and is largely flat which allows the river to meander and flow slowly. This area indicates the existence of an old lake, today covered by sediment.
* To the east, near the village of Espot, is Sant Maurici lake, one of the most famous of the region, from where one can see the spectacular twin peaks of the Encantats.
* To the south, Estany Gento, and a cable railway runs in the higher valley of Torre de Cabdella.
This area also includes part of the municipalities of Vielha e Mijaran and Naut Aran in the Val d'Aran; Vilaller and Vall de Boí in the Alta Ribagorça; La Torre de Cabdella in the Pallars Jussà; and Espot, Alt Àneu, Esterri d'Àneu, La Guingueta d'Àneu and Sort in the Pallars Sobirà.
The buffer zone also contains the forest of la Mata de Valencia, Gerber and Cabanes valleys, Colomers and Saboredo valleys, the Besiberri valley, the lakes of Cabdella and Montardo peak.
* 42.522010.833791 Park Information Center, Carrer Graieres 2, Boí, ☏ +34 973 69 61 89, pnaiguestortes@gencat.cat. 09:30-14:00 15:30-17:45. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.5096060.9967612 Centre d'informació d'Estany Gento, Estació superior del telefèric , 25515 Torre de Cabdella, ☏ +34 973696189, info.aiguestortes@oapn.mma.es. Jul to Sep 09:30-14:00 15:30-17:45. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.5758791.0908763 Casa del Parc Espot, CR Sant Maurici 5, 25597 Espot, ☏ +34 973624036. 09:30-14:00 15:30-17:45. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.451621.074034 Centre d’informació de Llessui (Ecomuseu dels Pastors de la Vall d’Àssua), Antigues escoles, s/n · 25567 Llessui, ☏ +34 973 62 17 98. 09:30-14:00 15:30-17:45. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.6571190.9275955 Banhs de Tredòs tourist office. (updated Feb 2024)

### History

Human settlement of the Pyrenees dates back at least to the period of glacial melting. Inside the borders of the national park, there is no record of stable human habitation during this time, but recent archeological studies have found evidence of temporary settlements from 8,500 years ago in the Neolithic Age.
During the 19th century, the high Pyrenees became more populated, fueled by strong demand for natural resources with intense forestry, farming, and fishing. At the beginning of the 20th century, hydroelectric electrical power plants were built, resulting in a great transformation of the landscape.
On 21 October 1955 the national park was created, becoming the fifth Spanish national park. On 30 March 1988, the Catalan government took ownership of the park, together with an additional buffer zone, according to the Catalan laws. From that date, management of the wild protected areas has been managed by the autonomous government, which has introduced increases to the budget and staffing, along with stricter rules.
Since then, forestry exploitation, fishing, camping and any exploitation of natural resources has been forbidden. However, an allowance is made for cattle breeding and the operative hydroelectric generation. Traditional uses of natural resources which are compatible with the protection of the wilderness are only allowed in the buffer zone.
In 1996 the national park was enlarged, to a total area of 14,119 hectares.

### Landscape

Aigüestortes National Park is an important item in the Pyrenean geology. The predominant rocks are granite and slate, both very old Paleozoic rocks. These emerged from the sea in the Paleogene, during the Alpine orogeny, giving rise to the Pyrenees.
Successive quaternary glaciations covered these mountains with huge glaciers. The lakes, the waterfalls, the sharpened peaks, the vertiginous ridges and the U-shaped valleys are the footprints of the erosive action of those ancient glaciers. Today, they have virtually disappeared, except for small glaciers in the central Pyrenees.
Today, lakes are the most important contribution of these glaciers, which are fed by rivers and waterfalls.

### Flora and fauna

The Park exhibits a rich alpine vegetation tapestry across varying altitudes. In lower valleys at 1500m, European deciduous forests thrive, hosting oak, ash, beech, and hazel. Human-exploited meadows transition to grasslands, shrubs, and secondary forests dominated by common box and Scots pine. Beyond 1500m, mountain pine forests dominate up to 2000m, adapting to the High Pyrenees' harsh winters. Alpine meadows above 2300m showcase diverse flora, including alpenrose and blueberry. A significant portion aligns with the Eurosiberian group, representing central European flora.
The park shelters a discreet yet diverse array of wildlife, particularly with approximately 200 species, dominated by two-thirds being birds. Notable avian residents include the capercaillie, rock ptarmigan, golden eagle, griffon vulture, and bearded vulture. Other sightings may include the black woodpecker, red-billed chough, wallcreeper, white-throated dipper, and citril finch. Mammalian representatives encompass the Pyrenean chamois, brown bear, stoat, alpine marmot, fallow deer, and roe deer, introduced in the latter half of the 20th century. Amphibians feature the elusive Pyrenean brook salamander and the common frog. Caution is advised for the venomous vipera aspis, while lakes and rivers host the local brown trout alongside introduced species.

### Climate

The climate in the park is predominantly cold. The mean temperature is around 0 to 5 °C. In the upper parts, temperatures hardly reach above 0 °C during winter. Mean annual precipitation ranges from 900 to 1300 mm – Mostly as snow in the mountains.

## Get in
### By plane

The park is far from airports, beeing the closer ones Barcelona in Spain (300km) and Toulouse in France (220km)

### By bus

* Bus around the park (Circumval·lacio del parc nacional), ☏ 902 42 22 42 (domestic). Bus that goes around Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park (updated Mar 2025)

### By car

N-230 runs along the west side of the park from El Pont de Suert coming from Lleida until Vielha. Then it continues until the French border
L-500 starts in N-230 north of El Pont de Suert and runs the Boi Valley
N-260 runs along the South of the park from El Pont de Suert to C-13
L-503 enter south of the park to Vall Fosca valley.
C-13 runs along the East side of the Park passing Sort and Esterri d'Aneu
C-28 runs Val d'Aran along the north side from Esterri d'Aneu until Vielha.

### By walking or cycling
## Fees and permits

I'ts free to enter, however the 4x4 taxis aproaching you to the park entrances from parking areas are not free.

### Park rules

* The circulation of vehicles and bicycles inside the Park is restricted. Access to the interior is only permitted on foot, by bicycle (up to the information points in Sant Maurici and Aigüestortes) or with duly authorised public transport vehicles from the area of influence of the national park.
* No hunting, fishing or trapping of any animals is allowed. Do not damage the natural elements. Stones and trees, flowers, fruits, mushrooms and all kinds of animals are part of nature. Respect them and enjoy their observation.
* Don't let anyone know you've been to the park. Don't litter the mountain with your rubbish. Take them out of the national park and deposit them in the appropriate containers for this purpose.
* It is forbidden to light a fire. If necessary, packaged gas can be used.
* Free and uncontrolled camping favours the proliferation of waste and the degradation of natural ecosystems. That is why it is prohibited within the scope of the national park. There are mountain shelters with guards and hospitality and camping services in the villages of the area of influence.
* Do not leave the marked paths. They are a guarantee for your safety, while you will collaborate in the preservation of this natural space.
* Do not disturb the tranquility of the place. It is not allowed to use machines or instruments that produce strange noises in nature or perform actions that disturb or frighten animals.
* Try not to bring pets inside the park. If necessary, they must be held by the person carrying them.
* Respect rivers, ravines and ponds. Bathing, water activities or any other activity that could represent an alteration or pollution of the waters are not allowed.

## Get around
### By car

Cars are restricted in the national park. They must be left in one of the car parks near the entrances to the Park and visitors must then proceed on foot. If you would like to start your walk from higher up, you can take a 4x4 taxi. In Boí and Espot, the 4x4 taxis run a shuttle service all year round up to Aiguestortes and Lake Sant Maurici. Once up there, you can hike further up if you want, check the times of return journeys. Espot taxis also take you along tracks in the eastern sector of the Park (see taxi website for more information). In the Val d'Aran, in the summer, a discretional transport service in Ribera d’Aiguamòg and Ribera de Valarties makes it easier to walk to the shelters at Colomèrs and Era Restanca, respectively. In the Fosca Valley, a cable car operates from July to September from the Sallente reservoir to Lake Gento, the starting point for a number of interesting hikes.

### Parking

In many of the car parks located at the entrances to the Park, visitors will find an information panel where, at the very least, they can consult a map of the Park with the possible itineraries and the protection regulations: Specifically, the car parks that have this type signs are located in the towns and valleys:

#### Esterri zone

* 42.621051.097041 Son, C/Sant Pere s/n ,Son. itineraries (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.60191.076492 Parking Refugi pla de la Font. acces through an unpaved road. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.598841.114933 Parking in Jou, Carretera de Jou a Son. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.6355651.0417624 Parking el Callau (Vall de Cabanes), road C-142z. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.584471.048235 Prat de Pierró, Carretera d'Espot a Sant Maurici. Main acces to Sant Maurici lake (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.574591.090936 Espot parking. access to 4x4 taxis to Sant Maurici lake (updated Feb 2024)

#### Bonaigua zone (NE of park))

* 42.653690.999997 Peülla parking. Ski resort parking, Gerber valley access (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.647741.007148 Mare de Déu de les Ares Parking, Carretera del Port de la Bonaigua. Gerber valley access (updated Feb 2024)

#### Val d'Aran zone(N and NW of park)

* 42.655240.928229 Banhs de Tredos. hotel, restaurant, 4x4 taxis, itineraries, snow activities (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.6582630.87080310 Valarties. 4x4 taxis to pontet de rius (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.641910.9719711 Locampo-Saboredo (Val de Ruda). (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.626990.7632312 Boca Sud del tunnel de Vielha (Espitau de Vielha). (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.615220.7661113 Conangles (La vall de Barravés), N230 (1km before Vielha Tunnel). (updated Feb 2024)

#### Vall de Boí zone (W of Park)

* 42.542680.8385414 La Farga, L-500 road. Main access to Aigüestortes area. in L-500 road (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.58340.854315 Cavallers part baixa, Carretera de Caldes al Pantà de Cavallers. access Cavallers Dam & itineraries (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.562640.8432716 Llubriqueto (Just after Caldes de Boí going north). acces to Caldes de Boí, itineraries (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.509380.8727317 la ribera de Sant Martí, Cami de les pistes (Past pla de l'ermita). (updated Feb 2024)

#### Vall fosca zone (S of park)

* 42.507130.9904118 the Sallente reservoir. restaurant, itineraries, Cable car (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.4742080.99266119 Capdella. viewpoint, picnic area , itineraries, WC. (updated Feb 2024)

#### Sort area (E of park)

* 42.481131.0591820 Parking Bordes de Llessuí. See picnic areas (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.506151.0528921 pas de la Mainera. (updated Feb 2024)
It should be borne in mind that in winter (but also in late autumn and all spring), access to these points can be tricky because of snow and ice. Ask for information in advance at the Park Houses.

### By bus

The Bus of the Park is a public transport service that works during the summer, from June to September. This service connects, twice every day, the two main entries of the national park: Boí (Alta Ribagorça), and Espot (Pallars Sobirà) passing through the Val d'Aran.
The bus runs outside the park, passing through many of the villages that surround it. It is especially useful for those people that like to walk long trails and need to come back to the starting point. Good walkers have very interesting tours that can be planned consulting the timetables of the Bus and the taxis, the cartography of the Park and the available vacancies in the mountain huts. It also allows those people who don't have a car to move around the area
The price of the tickets varies depending on the starting and stop points. There are discounts for roundtrip tickets. Pets and bicycles are not allowed. Large groups are strongly recommended to call previously the Bus company.

## See

In the parc the main visits are sightseeing places and itineraries.
* Visit AIgüestortes plain. Go to parking La farga. see #Vall de Boí zone (W of Park)
* Visit Sant Maurici Lake. Go to parkin Prat de Pierró. See parking #Esterri zone
* Visit the Villages in Vall de Boi
* Visit the Vall Fosca and Estany Gento. Go to parkings in #Vall fosca zone (S of park)

### Viewpoints
#### Bonaigua zone (NE of park))

* 42.6433341.0091016 Mirador de la Cascada de Gerber.
* 42.6265170.9217697 Mirador Colomers.
* 42.6707260.9671138 Guardar dera Val de Ruda.

#### Esterri zone

* 42.5754310.9798729 Mirador del Portarró.
* 42.5864370.9877110 Mirador de l'Estany.
* 42.5934281.07484211 Mirador de Fogueruix.
* 42.5961491.12890912 Mirador de la Vinyeta.

#### Sort area (E of park)

* 42.4587851.0903813 Mirador de Sant Jaume.
* 42.4572261.08342314 Mirador de Canasso.

#### Vall fosca zone (S of park)

* 42.4734190.99139415 Mirador de Sant Vicenç.
* 42.4740920.99284916 Mirador de Capdella.
* 42.519391.00123917 Mirador Refugi de Colomina.
* 42.4647181.01776118 Mirador de la Vall Fosca.

#### Vall de Boí zone (W of Park)

* 42.4894940.7884319 Mirador de l'Escaleta.
* 42.5227550.84330120 Mirador de la Santeta.
* 42.5130680.84425321 Mirador de les Cuirilles.
* 42.6053330.87722122 Mirador del Ventosa i Calvell.
* 42.5512490.91144523 Mirador de Sant Esperit.

#### Val d'Aran zone(N and NW of park)

* 42.6299620.74675124 Saut de Molières.

### Historic buildings
#### Esterri zone (NE of Park)

* 42.5724051.1364431 Castell de Llort. It is believed that the castle of Llort is already mentioned in the 10th century. Its remains, few but visible, are on a rocky hill surrounded by forest. It was a large castle, occupying a space of more than 2,500 m². It was surrounded by a wall, which in some sections took advantage of the natural rock, and was reinforced with towers, of which an entire force is preserved. At the southern end there are remains of a building that could correspond to the main dwelling of the castle. Everything makes you think of a feudal castle, with all the elements found in these castles that were also the residence of their lords. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.574421.1449392 Castell de Berrós. To reach the site, take the path that crosses the Costalada or Berrós stream from the town of Berrós Jussà, then continue west until you reach the foot of a group of hills where you can see the castle. The remains make up a fortified complex sitting on two hills. In the first of them, more to the east of the town, you can see the remains of a square tower, defended to the east by a moat with a face of well-cut and small limestone. On the same hill you can also see several sections of a walled enclosure that descends in a westerly direction towards the second enclosure. On the second hill, which is much more fortified than the first, a perimeter wall from which several bastions protrude, as well as a large inner courtyard, is documented. In the highest part there is a square tower with the same invoice as the one previously described. Around it you can see a series of cuts in the rock that indicate the existence of a complex of buildings related to the activity of the castle, but of which it is not possible to establish its layout or its functionality.This castle is located on the strait called la Torrassa, and together with the castle of LLort (Espot) defended the entrance to the Àneu valleys. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.5748041.0856853 Torre dels Moros. It is above the town of Espot, to its southwest, on the obac side of the Pui de Linya, below and to the east of the Bosc de la Torre. Despite the fact that the domain of the Espot valley is widely documented since 1066, the tower it is not mentioned in any document, possibly because it was a watchtower depending on a castle, possibly that of Llort. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.6014111.11984 Sant Jaume de Jou church. It is an old Romanesque chapel in the old town of Bogarri, now gone, in the municipality of Guingueta d'Àneu, in the region of Pallars Sobirà. It belongs to the territory of the old district of Jou. It is located to the east of the town of Jou, at a distance of about 550 meters. Its scanty remains remain to the north of the road. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.6274511.1214515 Ecomuseu de les Valls d'Àneu, Carrer del Camp 22-24, Esterri d'Aneu. The Ecomuseum of the Àneu Valleys is a museum dedicated to the ethnography of the Àneu Valleys and the rest of Pallars County (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.6324371.1163226 Castell de València d'Àneu. The Castle of Valencia d'Àneu, or Castle of Pallars, is a medieval castle in the old district of Valencia d'Àneu, in the current municipal district of Alt Àneu, in the region of Pallars Sobirà. It is located between the courses of the Noguera Pallaresa and Riu de la Bonaigua rivers, at 1,085 meters above sea level, on a hill that dominates the entire Esterri d'Àneu valley. It is, and was, a strategic place of which today only the ruins as witnesses of the greatness of the County of Pallars. It was the last fortress where the flag of Pallares flew as an independent country. (updated Feb 2024)

#### Vall fosca zone (S of park)

* 42.3983670.9427427 Sant Joan Baptista de Guiró church. Sant Joan Baptista de Guiró is in the municipality of Torre de Cabdella. It is apparently documented since 986. The current church, which presents transformations with respect to the original, Romanesque, is a nave with a small square bell tower in the north-eastern corner. The current temple appears upside down: the entrance is to the east, where the apse should have been, and the altar, to the west, where the feet of the nave should have been (updated Feb 2024)

#### Vall de Boí zone (W of Park)

* 42.5246090.8255658 Vall de Boí Romanic museum (Centre del Romànic de la Vall de Boí), Camí del Batalló 5,Erill la Vall. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.5247520.8256059 Santa Eulàlia d'Erill la Vall church. Like the rest of the church in Vall de Boí, that of Santa Eulàlia d'Erill la Vall was sold and exchanged in 1064 by the counts of Pallars Sobirà, Artau I and his wife Llúcia de la Marca, to the counts of Pallars Jussà, Ramon V and his wife Valença de Tost, together with the castle of Erill and other possessions. In 1266 Santa Eulàlia d'Erill la Vall was given to the monastery of Santa Maria de Lavaix, and it became a monastic parish, a characteristic that it retained until the extinction of the monastery of Lavaix, in the middle of the 19th century. However, he did not lose the special regime that the churches of the Vall de Boí had within the bishopric of Urgell. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.52240.83357110 Sant Joan de Boí church. The town of Boí was a small walled town that had grown up next to what was the most important castle in the valley, although only a few vestiges remain today. Boí Castle gave its name to the town and the entire valley. The town belonged to the jurisdiction of Mr. d'Erill, who distinguished himself in various feats of arms in the service of the counts of Pallars. This created favourable conditions to start the renovation and construction of many churches in its territory. The construction and interior paintings date from the 11th century. With the form ipsa illa de Bogin, the town of Boí is already mentioned in 1064, when, together with the rest of the churches and places in the valley, it was the subject of sale and exchange (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.5204210.84832911 Santa Maria de Taüll Sant Climent de Taüll. Santa Maria de Taüll is a Romanesque church in the town of Taüll in the municipality of Vall de Boí. It is located in the village square of Taüll, and a few meters to the south-west (right at the entrance to the village) there is the church of Sant Climent which belongs to the same period. Both were erected and consecrated at the same time: that of Santa Maria was consecrated a day later than that of Sant Climent, in 1123. From the 18th century it was the only parish in the municipality of Taüll, while that of Sant Climent served as the chapel of the modern cemetery of Taüll, but in previous centuries, the two churches had shared a parish. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.5172220.84833312 Sant Climent de Taüll Sant Climent de Taüll. Sant Climent de Taüll is a Romanesque-style church greatly influenced by the Lombard style, which can be seen through its exterior decoration. The bell tower is an example of Byzantine influence, because it stands out for its verticality. The church was intended as a place for Christian worship, unlike other churches of the time, which were intended as a pilgrimage. The artwork in Sant Climent de Taüll was important in bringing the art into the public atmosphere. The main work of art is the mural painting, located on the central apse of the church. The identity of the painter is unknown, but is referred to as Master Taüll. The altar-frontal was created by a native Catalan artist, possibly in a workshop in La Seo de Urgel (updated Feb 2024)

## Do
### Hiking

Summertime is a good time for trekking. There are a lot of possibilities, but it's necessary to be aware of the difficulty of some of the paths and be in good physical condition.
The transpyrenean path, GR-11 marked with red and white lines, crosses the park from one side to other.
At the information points, hiking brochures available (also in English) which are recommended and shows many of the easy paths with descriptions. See #Parking for starting points of routes. Some of them are:
* At Boí valley, from Llebreta Lake to Llong Lake, following Sant Nicolau River. Along this path, a footbridge allows the handicapped people with wheelchairs to visit the Aigüestortes plain.
* From Espot and the Sant Maurici Lake, an interesting path goes up to the waterfall and Ratera Lake. From this lake, after 15 minutes additional walking, it is possible to arrive at a viewpoint looking over the Sant Maurici Lake. A second option is to walk up to Amitges shelter which provides walkers with experience of the high mountains.
* From the parking area of Clot Gran, near the Port de la Bonaigua, to Gerber valley and lakes.
* From Banhs de Tredòs, at the Val d'Aran, walk to Colomers shelter – this provides a very spectacular walk with a number of lakes.
* From Estany Gento, walk to Tort Lake and arrive to the Colomina shelter or Saburó Lake.
* Ruta de la Llúdriga: cap a Llebreta i Aigüestortes,2h, 430m, starts in parking La Farga
* El planell d'Aigüestortes, 1h, flat, starts at end of Ruta de la Lludriga. You can also take a 4x4 taxi
* Camí del Llong, Redó i Portarró, 3h, 600m, starts at end of Ruta de la Lludriga. You can also take a 4x4 taxi
* Ruta de la Marmota: cap a l'estany Negre, 2h15,350m, starts in Cavallers part baixa Parking
* La vall de Besiberri, 500m, 2h
* Ruta de l'Isard: cap a l’estany de Sant Maurici, 260m, 1h15, Starts in Prat de Pierró Parking
* Cap a les Agulles d'Amitges, 480m 1h45, starts at end of Ruta de l'Isard in Sant Maurici lake. You can also take a 4x4 taxi
* El mirador de l'estany de Sant Maurici, 300m, 2h30, starts at end of Ruta de l'Isard in Sant Maurici lake. You can also take a 4x4 taxi
* El gran circ de Colomèrs, 500m 6h30, Starts in Parking Banhs de Tredos
* Els estanys de la Mainera, 300m, 1h30, Starts in Pas de la Mainera Parking
* La vall de Gerber, 230m, 1h30, Starts in Peülla parking
* La vall de l'estany Tort, 220m, 2h15, Starts in Estany Gento, end of Vall fosca cable car. You can take de cable car at the Sallente reservoir Parking.
* Camí del port de Rius, 810m, 2h30, Starts in Boca Sud del tunnel de Vielha (Espitau de Vielha) Parking
A very interesting tour for several days:
* Camins vius (Living Paths). This route is a walk along the historic valley paths, most dating back to medieval times and some of more ancient origin, through villages surrounding the national park, passing through Alta Ribagorça, Val d'Aran, and Pallars Sobirà.
* Carros de foc (Chariots of Fire). This route completes a circular tour around some of the shelters that exist in this area. The competitive option (Sky runner) must be completed in less than 24 hours but it's better to have at least four or five days in order to appreciate the experience that this route provides.
Other mountain activities as rock climbing, alpinism, snowshoeing or backcountry skiing are also allowed (with some regulations) in the national park. The mountain shelters, the only places where visitors are permitted spend a night into the park, are available to stay for allow traversing the higher peaks in the park.

### Mountain biking

Cycling is only allowed on paved routes inside the park (just to Sant Maurici Lake or Aigüestortes plain) and is strictly regulated. Some routes are available in the peripheral area, most of them with medium or hard level.
* Pedals de Foc: is an organised route for riding around the park (not inside) for several days and possibility of backpacking transfer.

### Ski

There are several ski resorts around the Park
* Baqueira Beret
* Espot
* Llesui
* Boi-Taüll

## Eat

There are many Bar - Restaurants in the villages around the park.
* 42.5072580.9897821 Bar Restaurant Sallente, Carretera de Cabdella s/n. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.6479231.007092 Les Ares, Carretera Port de la Bonaigua, s/n, 25587, Lleida, ☏ +34 973 298 309. (updated Feb 2024)

### Picnic

* 42.4814391.0593283 Bordes de Llessuí picnic area. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.4740530.9926294 Capdella picnic area. parking, WC, viewpoint (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.5802440.8509835 Planell de Remordí picnic area. it has a small parking area (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.613340.768026 Conangles. near vielha tunnel south , grill, itineraries, refuge, parking (updated Feb 2024)

## Sleep

The eassiest lodging is in the villages around the park. However there are some options in the buffer zone, and a lot of mountain refuges for long trekking routes.
* 42.6181851.0818051 MónNatura Pirineus., Son, 25589, ☏ +34 973 626 722, info@monnaturapirineus.com. hotel, restaurant and activities (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.6550620.9276612 Banhs de Tredòs, Carretera Aiguamòg s/n, Salardù, ☏ +34 973 253 003, banhsdetredos@banhsdetredos.com. Hotel with hot spring and Spa, Restaurant, activities (updated Feb 2024)

### Mountain Refuges

Trekkers can find several refuges in the park and its periphery. These refuges are open during the four warmest months of the year. In the winter, every refuge has its own opening schedule (usually around Christmas and Easter) and must be booked in advance. The refuges are as follows:
* 42.59751.072783 Refugi del Pla de la Font, ☏ +34 619930771. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.634730.8546354 Refugi de la Restanca, ☏ +34 608 036 559. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.62420.9205565 Refugi de Colomers, ☏ +34 973253008. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.6210530.9632646 Refugi de Saboredo, ☏ +34 661357716. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.5967890.9844447 Refugi d'Amitges, ☏ +34 973 250 109. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.5788331.0090928 Refugi Ernest Mallafré (Sant Maurici), ☏ +34 973250118. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.54561.043899 Refugi Josep Maria Blanc, ☏ +34 973 250 108. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.6054140.8771510 Refugi Joan Ventosa i Calvell. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.5725970.94236711 Refugi d'Estany Llong, ☏ +34 973299545. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.51951.0012612 Refugi de Colomina, ☏ +34 973252000. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.6046050.80920913 Refugi bivac de Besiberri, ☏ +34 93 412 07 77. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.6177080.99089714 Refugi bivac Gerber "Mataró". (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.63751.03944415 Refugi del Gerdar, ☏ +34 619044476, refugidelgerdar@gmail.com. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.657950.9867816 Refugi de la Pleta del Duc. During summer pastures, the refuge can be locked by the shepherd. Meet him. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.6152340.76822117 Refugi de Conangles, +34 696 649 871. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.4731371.02348518 Refugi bivac la Cabaneta. (updated Feb 2024)

### Camping

* 42.61541.12419 Aigüestortes Càmping Resort, Carretera C-13 Km. 159, Esterri d'Àneu. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.592861.1318920 Càmping Nou Camping, Ctra. Valls d’Àneu, s/n, ☏ +34 973 62 62 61. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.49571.2148921 Camping Llavorsí, Cami de Riberies, nº1, 25595 Llavors, ☏ +34 609 924 927, info.campingllavorsi@gmail.com. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.439181.1339222 Rialp motorhome area (Àrea d'autocaravanes de Rialb), C-13, Rialp (Behind futbol ground). (updated Feb 2024)
* Càmping Noguera Pallaresa, Carretera Sort – Rialp (KM 0,3), 25560 Sort, ☏ +34 973 620 820. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.38091.11423 Camping Borda d'en Farreró, Ctra. N-260, Km.184, 25560 Sort, ☏ +34 973620250. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.32590.9409424 Càmping Senterada, Pista de Puigcerver, Senterada, ☏ +34 973 66 18 18. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.424870.9817925 Càmping Vall Fosca, Carretera Senterada – La Torre de Capdella, Km. 14, ☏ +34 973 66 30 80. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.435780.7440426 Càmping del Remei, Crta.Vall de Boi (L-500), km. 1’5, ☏ +34 676 45 84 12, campingdelremei@gmail.com. (updated Feb 2024)
* 42.518450.8468127 Càmping Taüll, Carretera de Taüll, Km. 3, 25528 Taüll,, ☏ +34 973 69 61 74. (updated Feb 2024)

### Backcountry

Free and uncontrolled camping favours the proliferation of waste and the degradation of natural ecosystems. That is why it is prohibited within the scope of the national park.

## Stay safe

* Be well informed before doing any tour or crossing
** Wear appropriate gear (boots, warm clothes and clothes to protect yourself from the rain). In the high mountains, weather conditions can change abruptly.
** Try to go out together. You will share experiences with others and you will not be alone in case of need.
** Measure your strengths and those of your team. Think back.
** The high mountain is not always accessible. Do not hesitate to postpone your excursion until the weather conditions are more favourable.
* In winter, extreme precautions must be taken
** Be especially aware of weather conditions and the risk of avalanches.
** In the event of an emergency or accident, all mountain shelters have a radio set connected to the Fire Brigade of the Generalitat de Catalunya.

## Go next

* Taüll
* Val d'Aran
* National parks in Spain
* Nature parks in Catalonia