Half Carros de Foc

Duration: 5 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 0 - 10 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day

> Explore the wild Pyrenees on a 5-day hut-to-hut trek
> Hike past lakes, high passes, and granite ridges
> Stay in authentic refuges in Aigüestortes National Park

As you leave Espot and head toward the woods above Aigüestortes, you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by whispering pine forests and crystal-clear rivers. On this 5-day beginner-friendly trek, you’ll walk from one picture-perfect refugi to another: Ernest Mallafré, Estany Llong, Colomina, and the legendary Josep Maria Blanc, sitting on its own private island in the sky. This is the Carros de Foc, but we’ve trimmed it to the finest cut

Each day of this Half Carros de Foc is tailored to be easy to moderate, with enough comfort to enjoy the ride. You’ll hike through flower-filled valleys, follow ancient shepherd paths, and cross mountain passes with names that already sound like poetry. With daily distances of around 10 kilometers, this version of the trek is a perfect entry into the world of hut-to-hut hiking. Start and finish in Espot, and let the Pyrenees do the rest.

Itinerary

Day
1

Espot - Refugi Ernest Mallafré

Duration: 02:35 h
Distance: 7.83 km
Ascent: 570 m

Your adventure begins in the charming mountain village of Espot, the gateway to Aigüestortes National Park. The trail winds through pine forests and along crystal-clear streams before opening up to the beautiful Estany de Sant Maurici, one of the park’s most iconic lakes, surrounded by the twin peaks of Els Encantats.

With around 570 meters of ascent over 7.8 kilometers, this stage is a gentle but steady climb, a perfect introduction to the Carros de Foc. The path follows a mix of forest and rocky terrain, with plenty of photo stops along the way.

At Refugi Ernest Mallafré, you’ll be welcomed by warm hospitality, the scent of mountain pines, and a hearty Catalan dinner. It’s a cozy place to rest and prepare for the days ahead.

Refugi Ernest Mallafré

Info
Refugi Ernest Mallafré
Refugi Ernest Mallafré
Day
2

Refugi Ernest Mallafré - Refugi de l'Estany Llong

Duration: 03:35 h
Distance: 8.1 km
Ascent: 540 m
Descent: 440 m

After breakfast, the trail climbs gradually through alpine forest and grassy slopes as you head toward the Aigüestortes plain, where the park gets its name “twisting waters.” Wooden bridges and bubbling streams create a peaceful rhythm as you approach the high valley of Estany Llong.

This stage covers about 8 kilometers, with 540 meters of ascent and 440 meters of descent. It’s a varied day with gentle climbs, river crossings, and wide-open mountain scenery. Marmots often appear along the trail, adding a touch of life to the wild landscape.

Refugi de l’Estany Llong sits near a serene lake, surrounded by peaks reflected in its calm surface. Enjoy a warm meal and watch the light fade over the valley pure Pyrenean serenity.

Refugi del Estany Llong

Info
Refugi del Estany Llong
Refugi del Estany Llong
Day
3

Refugi de l'Estany Llong - Refugi Colomina

Duration: 04:55 h
Distance: 11.4 km
Ascent: 750 m
Descent: 340 m

This is the longest and most adventurous stage of the trek. The trail ascends steadily through rocky alpine terrain, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. You’ll pass by glacial lakes like Dellui and Tort de Peguera, where the water mirrors the sky in deep shades of blue.

With about 11.4 kilometers, 750 meters of ascent, and 340 meters of descent, the day is demanding but immensely rewarding. The route traverses high passes that reveal endless mountain horizons, giving you a real sense of crossing the heart of Aigüestortes.

Refugi Colomina, perched beside an alpine lake, offers one of the most spectacular sunsets in the Pyrenees. The reflection of the peaks in the water is something you’ll never forget.

Refugi Colomina

Info
Refugi Colomina
Refugi Colomina
Day
4

Refugi de l'Estany Llong - Refugi Josep Maria Blanc

Duration: 02:44 h
Distance: 6.7 km
Ascent: 250 m
Descent: 340 m

The day begins with peaceful views over Estany Colomina before the trail climbs gently toward the pass that leads into the Vall Fosca area. The path winds through rocky ridges and grassy saddles, opening up to wide panoramas of shimmering lakes below.

This stage of around 6.7 kilometers combines 250 meters of ascent and 340 meters of descent. It’s a quieter day, offering time to take in the silence and beauty of the high Pyrenees. The descent toward Refugi Josep Maria Blanc is particularly scenic, with turquoise lakes guiding your way.

Refugi Josep Maria Blanc is one of the gems of the Carros de Foc. Set on a small peninsula surrounded by mountain lakes, it’s a peaceful refuge where trekkers gather to share stories as the sun dips behind the peaks.

Refugi Josep Maria Blanc

Info
Refugi Josep Maria Blanc
Refugi Josep Maria Blanc
Day
5

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 Carros de Foc adventure, with its mountain trails, shared 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?

  • 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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