> Combine the Andorra Lakes Loop, the GR11, and other iconic Pyrenean trails
> Sleep in iconic mountain refuges in the Pyrenees
> Start and finish in Andorra la Vella for a true cross-border adventure
The Expert Andorra-Spain Traverse is a demanding 4-day hut-to-hut trek that combines some of the finest trails in the Pyrenees, including sections of the Andorra Lakes Loop and the legendary GR11. Starting and ending in Andorra la Vella, the route crosses the border into Spain while linking three iconic mountain refuges: Refugi de l'Illa in Andorra, and Refugi Malniu and Refugi Cap del Rec in Spain.
Expect long days, challenging climbs, and spectacular mountain scenery as you traverse high passes, glacial valleys, and remote alpine landscapes. With relatively few hikers on the trail, this trek offers a true wilderness experience for experienced mountain walkers looking to discover the best of both Andorra and the Spanish Pyrenees in one unforgettable journey.
The route starts in Les Escaldes, an urban area located right next to Andorra la Vella, the capital of the principality. The trek climbs steadily into the high valley, with almost no flat ground once you leave town. With 1,440 m of ascent, this is a demanding climb from the start, so settle into a steady pace and save energy for the upper section. The profile shows a continuous rise all the way to the finish, moving from the urban edge into forested slopes, river terrain and open mountain surroundings.
After leaving Andorra la Vella, the trail heads uphill towards Engolasters before entering quieter mountain terrain. The route passes Ràmio Guard House and continues along the valley past Fontverd Refuge, with rock pools visible in the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley. Higher up, you follow the Madriu River Meadows and pass Riu dels Orris Refuge. From there, the climb continues through more open ground, with small lakes appearing near the final approach.
The finish is high in the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, near the lakes below Pic dels Pessons and Pic dels Llops. After a long, steady ascent, the arrival gives you a clear point to rest, recover and settle in at the accommodation before the next mountain section.
This high mountain stretch connects two remote mountain refuges via the GR11 trail, which spans the border between Andorra and Spain. The route winds through wide, pastoral valleys and rocky passes, passing chains of small glacial lakes along the way. After an exposed traverse around the cirque below Bony del Manyer (2,809 m), a long descent leads through waterfalls and a pine forest to the granite plateau of Malniu. The refuge there stands close to a tranquil lake surrounded by scattered boulders.
From the refuge, the path skirts high tarns before dropping gently into the grassy basin of Pla de Vallcivera. This leads to Cabana dels Esparvers, which is nestled amongst meadows and streams. The main ascent then begins, following cairns over rougher terrain to Portella de Calm Colomer (2,740 m), the highest point on the route, where you can enjoy views of the Engorgs peaks and the border ridges.
Beyond the pass, the trail descends past the Portella and Minyons lakes and the Refugi d'Engorgs, continuing down a rocky valley. Gradually, the gradient eases and the path enters an open pine forest with flower-filled clearings. A final gentle traverse brings you to the Refugi de Malniu, set on a knoll above the Estany Sec mountain lake, offering views of the surrounding granite summits.
This varied stage links the plateau of Malniu with the extensive forests above the Cerdanya Valley. After descending into Meranges, the route crosses the Duran River, passing cascades and meadows, before climbing again through pine woods. Further up, there are views of ridges such as La Carbassa (2,740 m), before the path eases onto the gentle plateau where the next refuge is located.
The path then winds through a pine forest and boulder fields above the Estany de Malniu lake before dropping steadily into the valley. After crossing the river, a long climb begins using the Territori Cerdanya 360 trails, passing by Pla de Matons (1,190 m). The trail then leads through the pine forest of Bosc de Talltendre, located within a hollow, and on towards Tossal Gross (2,256 m). This is a great place to stop and enjoy the views before the long descent. The final kilometres follow easier forest tracks and undulating paths through woods and across the open plateau, offering glimpses of the surrounding peaks.
As you descend towards Vall de la Llosa, you will cross the Riu de la Llosa and the Moli del Salt waterfall near Viliella. A final ascent among Nordic ski trails and scattered clearings signals your arrival at the Refugi del Cap del Rec, which appears among the pines beside a broad meadow. It's time to relax and prepare for the next stage.
This stage links the pine-covered plateau above Cap del Rec with the bustling city of Andorra la Vella. The route passes beneath the rounded peak of Pic de Perafita (2,752 m) before crossing into the secluded Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley. After a long descent through forests and meadows, you reach the main Andorran valley and its capital.
From the refuge, you walk along a beautiful forest path which joins wider tracks traversing open pine slopes towards Collet de Sant Vicenç (2,640 m), leaving Spain behind. En route, you will encounter huts such as the Refugi del Pradell and the Estanys de la Pera Refuge, as well as the Salt d'aigua del Planell waterfall next to the Riu del Molí. As you contour your way down past Estany de la Nou and walk alongside Perafita Refuge, the views open up to reveal the Cerdanya plain.
On the Andorran side, the route then descends via old herders' paths passing the Perafita Trail Waterfalls and entering denser forests with pebble trails. Please, be careful when crossing the Madriu River next to the stone buildings of Bordas de Entremesaigües. Finally, the trail joins quiet lanes and pavements on the edge of the town, leading you between houses to your accommodation. You made it!
