Hard Carros de Foc

This first section climbs from Espot into the wild core of Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. After leaving the village, the route follows the Riu Escrita through shady forest and open meadows before reaching the first high lakes. Waterfalls, granite towers and hanging valleys appear one after another, while distant peaks form an impressive skyline. The day ends at a beautifully located mountain refuge above a cluster of sparkling tarns.

From Espot the trail climbs gently on tracks toward les Carrelas, soon entering pine forest above the valley. It continues through Prat de Pierro and the pastures of Pleta de Xaulet, where clearings offer first views of Els Encantats. The gradient steepens along the Pujada de Suiespe, following the Riu Escrita to the shore of Estany de Sant Maurici. A balcony path then rises beside the Ratera waterfall, passing Estany de Ratera and Estany de la Bassa on the way to the upper cirque.

In the final stretch the path winds among polished slabs and small tarns as the valley broadens into a high basin. A last short ascent leads to the stone refuge of Amitges, perched on a rocky knoll above Estany d’Amitges. From the terrace you can enjoy wide views toward Els Encantats and neighbouring peaks while the surrounding lakes reflect the evening light, before settling into the cosy common room and shared dormitories.

This high mountain section links two classic refuges on a spectacular traverse of the central Pyrenees. From the rocky basin of Amitges the route threads between countless glacial lakes, crosses wild cols and skirts the foot of sharp granite peaks. Long stretches on narrow paths, sections of boulder and occasional snow patches in early season give the day a challenging and adventurous feel, rewarded throughout by wide views and crystal clear water.

From the refuge the path contours above the lakes of the Coma d’Amitges, then climbs gently across rocky slopes and grass patches toward the Cometes de Ratera. It continues on a wilder trail, undulating between slabs and small tarns to reach Estanh Obago, set in a shaded hollow beneath Pic de Ratera. A steeper ascent leads into the Coma deth Port de Caldes, where the col offers superb views over the surrounding summits and the Colomers lake basin.

The descent from the pass follows cairned paths and occasional stone steps past Lac Redon and Estanh Long de Colomers, gradually easing as the valley widens. Near the lower lakes the trail turns across rough pasture and granite outcrops toward Estany Clot. A final short climb brings you to the Ventosa i Calvell hut, perched above a large dark lake and facing Montardo, an inviting place to rest on the terrace before settling into the cosy dormitories.