Family Petit Carros de Foc

Duration: 3 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 0 - 10 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day

>Experience the magic of the Pyrenees on a 3-day hut-to-hut adventure
>Follow scenic trails past turquoise lakes, granite peaks, and pine forests
>Stay in welcoming Catalan refuges surrounded by the beauty of Aigüestortes National Park

The Petit Carros de Foc is the perfect introduction to the legendary Carros de Foc circuit. In just three days, you’ll discover the most beautiful corners of Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, from the crystal-clear waters of Estany de Sant Maurici to the peaceful mountain setting of Refugi Josep Maria Blanc. Each stage combines accessible trails, stunning alpine views, and a true sense of wilderness.

This intermediate trek begins and ends in Espot, making it ideal for hikers with moderate fitness. Along the way, you’ll stay in cozy mountain huts such as Refugi Ernest Mallafré and Refugi Josep Maria Blanc, where warm hospitality and hearty Catalan meals await. Short, scenic, and unforgettable - the Petit Carros de Foc captures the essence of the Pyrenees in just three days.

Itinerary

Day
1

Espot – Refugi Ernest Mallafré

Duration: 02:35 h
Distance: 7.71 km
Ascent: 570 m

Your family adventure begins in the charming mountain village of Espot, gateway to Aigüestortes National Park. The trail winds through pine forests, past sparkling streams, and along the shores of the famous Sant Maurici Lake, framed by the majestic Encantats peaks.

With around 570 meters of ascent over 7.7 kilometers, this first stage is a gentle introduction to the Pyrenees. The well-marked path is perfect for families with a good level of fitness. Along the way, children can spot waterfalls, wildflowers, and maybe even marmots playing among the rocks.

At the lake, the calm water reflects the peaks above, and laughter echoes between the trees, a moment that makes you forget time itself. It’s the kind of mountain memory that stays with you long after the trek ends.

Arriving at Refugi Ernest Mallafré, you’ll be welcomed into a cozy Catalan mountain hut surrounded by forest. Enjoy a warm dinner and the quiet evening air before settling in for your first night in the Pyrenees.

Refugi Ernest Mallafré

Info
Refugi Ernest Mallafré
Refugi Ernest Mallafré
Day
2

Refugi Ernest Mallafré – Refugi Josep Maria Blanc

Duration: 04:20 h
Distance: 8.88 km
Ascent: 800 m
Descent: 380 m

After breakfast at the refuge, the trail climbs deeper into the heart of Aigüestortes. As you ascend, pine forests open into meadows and rocky slopes dotted with small alpine lakes. The view of the Encantats massif grows more impressive with every step.

This stage covers about 8.9 kilometers with 800 meters of ascent and 380 meters of descent. It’s the most rewarding day of the trek, combining adventure with breathtaking scenery. Take your time to rest by the turquoise lakes, share a picnic, and enjoy the stillness of the mountains.

As you reach Refugi Josep Maria Blanc, the sight takes your breath away, a hut surrounded by mirror-like lakes, glowing in the evening light. Families gather on the terrace to watch the colors shift over the peaks, a quiet joy shared between tired feet and happy hearts.

Refugi Josep Maria Blanc is one of the most beautiful huts in the Pyrenees. With its welcoming atmosphere and panoramic views, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the mountain evening.

Refugi Josep Maria Blanc

Info
Refugi Josep Maria Blanc
Refugi Josep Maria Blanc
Day
3

Refugi Josep Maria Blanc – Espot

Duration: 02:45 h
Distance: 7.11 km
Descent: 990 m

Wake up to the gentle reflection of the peaks shimmering on the lakes below the refuge. After breakfast, begin your descent toward Espot, following paths that wind through forests, wooden bridges, and open meadows filled with wildflowers.

With nearly 1,000 meters of descent, this final stage is peaceful and full of variety. The sounds of flowing streams and distant cowbells accompany you as you make your way back down the valley.

When Espot appears in the distance, a sense of accomplishment fills the air. A few last steps, a few last smiles and maybe an ice cream in the village to celebrate three unforgettable days together in the Pyrenees.

Back in Espot, take a moment to reflect on your Petit Carros de Foc adventure: three days of mountain trails, laughter, and the quiet wonder of Aigüestortes National Park.

Included

  • Full travel guide

    You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Carros de Foc. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.

  • Accommodation

    During your Carros de Foc, you will spend your nights in mountain huts. In the mountain huts we normally only book dormitories, but we can look into private rooms on request. If the private rooms are fully booked or not available in the hut, we automatically book a bed in dormitories for you. Please note that private rooms are more expensive and there will be an additional charge for this.

  • Half-board in Huts

    Accommodation at the huts includes dinner and breakfast. We will arrange this for you as well. This allows you to travel lighter and have one less thing to worry about. Bear in mind that lunch is not included, but it can be purchased at the huts. Here you can also buy an array of snacks and bottled water.

  • Navigation support

    Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport.

  • Transfers

    Should you need any form of (public) transport on location, this is not part of the trekking package. This includes the use of taxi, bus, cable cars, gondolas, ferries, etc.

  • Lunch

    Half-board is included in the price of this trek. Lunch, however, is not. You can get something to eat at the mountain huts along the way.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses on such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.

FAQ

  • Is The Carros de Foc For Me?

  • What Is The Best Season for The Carros de Foc?

  • Getting To and From Aigüestortes for the Carros de Foc

  • How to get to and from your trek in Espot

  • What if the dates I want are not available?

  • If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?

  • How do I know if this trek is right for me?

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy

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