8-Day Carros de Foc Trek Including Hotel Before and After

You start directly from the lake with a steady climb that gradually becomes steeper. It is worth looking back early on for the panorama behind you before the route turns rougher. With 520 m of ascent over a relatively short distance, this is a compact but active mountain stage. The path moves from greener surroundings into a higher, rockier landscape, where the walking becomes more uneven and you need to keep your rhythm.

After around 3 km, you reach the highest point of the route close to Tuc deth Cap deth Pòrt de Caldes. This is a good place to pause briefly before starting the descent. The open, stony terrain gives the stage a more lunar feel here, with less vegetation and rough ground underfoot. About a kilometre after the high point, one final climb asks for another push before the route settles into a longer descent.

From there, you continue on a T2 path as the surroundings gradually become greener again. Lakes return along the route, and you weave through this quieter landscape towards the mountain hut.

The stage starts calmly, with about 1.5 km of relatively easy walking and views towards Estany Gran de Colieto. Do not let this opening fool you. With 650 m of ascent and a T4 section ahead, this is a serious high mountain stage. The route soon changes completely, becoming steep, rocky and technical. This part asks more from your legs, balance and concentration than the previous stages, so start early and keep enough energy in reserve.

The hardest section lasts roughly 3 km and moves through broken rock, steep ground and unclear trail lines. In places you need to use your hands for balance or short scrambling moves, and the path is not always obvious. Follow the app carefully, take your time and avoid rushing. If you are not used to this kind of terrain, calculate extra time here, as every step needs attention and the rough surface can be tiring both physically and mentally.

After passing lake Estany de Contraix, the toughest part of the route is behind you. The surroundings become more familiar again, with narrow paths, greener patches and some stone fields still to cross. From here, the final 4 km are mainly downhill, which can be demanding on tired knees after the technical climb. Take it steadily all the way to the mountain hut. This is a stage to be well prepared for, and arriving at the hut will feel like a proper job well done.

After the previous, more demanding sections, this route feels more manageable physically, but it is not a rest day. With 750 m of ascent, you still need to work steadily for the height you gain. The first 6 km are mainly uphill on narrow mountain paths, climbing gradually from the hut into higher terrain. Take your time after breakfast, keep a comfortable pace and enjoy the fact that the walking is less technical than before.

Once the main climb is behind you, the watery landscape returns. Lakes, streams and open mountain views become part of the route again, especially after the short descent of less than a kilometre. From there, the trail eases into a slightly flatter section across the mountain. Along Lake Estany Tort, you follow an old railway track that guides you further in the direction of Refugi Colomina, with water and rock shaping much of the scenery.

The final stretch brings you towards Refugi Colomina, set beside another lake and high in the mountains. It is a fine place to arrive after a steady climbing day. Settle in, take in the views and enjoy your last evening of the route, with the sunset over the surrounding water and peaks.

This stage takes you from Refugi Colomina to the village of Espot. You walk through the granite landscape around the lakes and then descend for most of the day. When you reach Refugi Josep Maria Blanc, you have completed the full circuit. From there, you continue down to Espot.

This final stage brings you close to the end of the Carros de Foc, but it still asks for care and patience. The main challenge is the long descent, with 1,340 m of elevation loss before reaching Espot. The paths are generally easier to follow than on the rougher high sections, but they still cross large stone blocks in places. Watch your footing, especially when your legs are already tired from the previous days.

The first 2 km are relatively flat across the mountainside, before two short climbs bring you higher again. After the second climb, around 3 km into the route, you reach Collada de Saburó. From here the descent begins properly, with sections that vary in steepness. The route leads down through a stony mountain landscape where the line is clearer, but the terrain still requires attention and steady steps.

Stop at the Estany Negre de Peguera Dam for a break and take a look at its striking, staircase-like structure. You can also continue a little further to Refugi Josep Maria Blanc, set beside the same lake, for a break. After this, the route turns clearly towards the end of the circuit, with about 5 km left on a wider path down to Espot.

Arriving in Espot marks the end of your Carros de Foc. After the long descent and the final kilometres out of the mountains, you can properly let the route sink in. Well done, you have completed the circuit.

From Refugi Colomina, the trail follows the slope above Estany de Colomina and Estany Tort. Along the way you have views of Pic de Saburó (2,905 m). After a short, steeper climb to a rocky shoulder, the main descent begins. You pass several small lakes before reaching Estany Negre de Peguera. From here, the route joins the same trail used earlier in the trek. You reach Refugi Josep Maria Blanc in about three hours.

After a short stop at Refugi Josep Maria Blanc, you start the final descent to Espot. The trail goes down in sections over granite slabs and then continues through pine forest, following streams and small waterfalls. You lose more than 1,000 metres in height. Lower down, the path becomes wider and crosses meadows before leading directly into Espot. Well done, you've conquered the Carros de Foc!