Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park
Carved by glaciers into sheer limestone walls that rise over 1,000 metres, the Ordesa Valley is the kind of landscape that makes seasoned hikers go quiet. Spain's second-oldest national park protects lynx, lammergeier vultures and the highest mountain entirely within Spanish territory — Monte Perdido at 3,355 metres.
The Valley Floor Walk Everyone Should Do
The Senda de los Cazadores trail from the Pradera de Ordesa car park follows the turquoise Río Arazas upstream past a chain of waterfalls — Cascada de Arripas, Cola de Caballo — before reaching the dramatic amphitheatre at the valley head. The return loop is about 18 km and manageable for any fit walker.
Bearded vultures (lammergeiers) ride the thermals above the canyon walls most mornings; bring binoculars and scan the ledges for their distinctive diamond-shaped tails. Spanish ibex are almost embarrassingly easy to spot near the Soaso cirque.
The forest floor in October turns amber and copper under ancient beech and silver fir trees, making autumn arguably the most photogenic season of all — and the crowds are a fraction of the July peak.
Practicalities and Hidden Corners
Between late June and mid-September private vehicles are banned from the Pradera de Ordesa; a mandatory shuttle bus runs from the village of Torla-Ordesa (€4.50 return). Book accommodation in Torla or Broto well ahead — the valley has no hotels inside the park boundary.
Beyond the famous Ordesa Valley, the park contains three other equally spectacular canyons: Añisclo, Escuaín and Pineta. Añisclo in particular sees far fewer visitors and rewards with a vertiginous gorge walk through ancient mixed forest.
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