09/09/2025

Aiguestortes, information of interest

a lake surrounded by mountains and trees on a sunny day

INFORMATION ABOUT THE AIGUESTORTES PARK


The conservation of the ecosystems of the Aiguestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park largely depends on the attitude and behavior of visitors, so everyone's collaboration is essential in strictly complying with the protection regulations. Many of these are simply the result of applying principles of visitor education and safety. Only in this way will sustainable public use and pbooking of this natural area of Aiguestortes be possible. Therefore, we remind you that:
  • Vehicle traffic within the Aiguestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park is strictly prohibited, except in the cases specified in the Order of December 17, 1993 (DOGC, No. 1,845, of January 12, 1994). Access is only permitted on foot, by bicycle (to the information points in Aiguestortes and Sant Maurici), or by duly authorized 4x4 public transport services within the National Park's area of influence. The Park is designed to be enjoyed by walking through the valleys and discovering the sounds of nature.


  • Landscapes should reflect the natural processes that occur without human intervention. For this reason, tree trunks from the 1996 avalanches have not been removed, except in those places where it has been essential to do so due to the accumulation of visitors, potential fire hazards, or to make way and keep the trail network open and accessible. Hunting, fishing, capturing animals, and damaging any of the natural elements present within the landscape are also prohibited. Stones, trees, and bushes; flowers, fruits, mushrooms, and seeds; and all kinds of animals, including invertebrates, are all part of nature.


  • The municipalities have been declared high-risk fire zones. Lighting a fire in the forest is a reckless act that can have irreparable consequences. It's not unusual to see columns of smoke after a dry storm. In these cases, we must immediately notify the rangers or checkpoints.

  • Let no one notice where we've been. Let's not litter the mountain with our trash. We must take it with us and deposit it in the containers located in the various surrounding towns.

  • Uncontrolled and free camping increases the proliferation of trash, soil compaction, and smothering of grass, which leads to widespread erosion. Mountain shelters provide necessary services and shelter.

  • We will not lean over cliffs or leave the marked trails. They guarantee our safety, and at the same time, we will contribute to the pbooking of this natural area.


  • Wildlife is difficult to observe and hear. Air and water create music. We will try not to disturb the tranquility of the area. We must avoid using machines or instruments that produce unusual noises or taking actions that disturb or frighten the animals.

  • Please avoid bringing pets. If necessary, they must be kept on a leash by the person handling them, for the safety of other visitors. This is intended to avoid negatively interfering with the wildlife and domestic livestock present within the Park.


  • The waters of the lakes and streams are very cold. In winter, they are frozen, but it is very dangerous to walk on them. Little life can survive in such harsh conditions. Despite this, the lakes are often surrounded by highly sensitive specialized vegetation. Swimming and any water activities in the rivers, waterfalls, and lakes are prohibited.


Let's remember some tips

  • It is highly recommended to contact the Park Houses. Before your visit, we will inform you thoroughly before starting any tour or hike.


  • We must bring the appropriate equipment (boots, warm clothing, a raincoat). The weather can change very abruptly in the high mountains. If you want to observe wildlife, it's advisable to bring binoculars and a camera or video recorder. It's also important to bring some sunscreen for both winter and summer. The water that runs through streams and springs isn't treated like water at home. It's best to drink bottled water.


  • You should leave early if you plan to go on a longer hike. We'll carefully assess our strength and that of the group. Let's think about the return trip. You should bring a detailed map of the area.

  • High mountains aren't always accessible. Don't hesitate to postpone your outing for another day when conditions are more favorable.

  • In winter, extreme caution is essential. We will keep you informed about weather conditions and the risk of avalanches.


  • In case of emergency or accident, all mountain shelters have radio equipment connected to the Fire Brigade of the Generalitat de Catalunya

  • In case of a thunder and lightning storm, do not stay in high places or seek shelter under isolated trees or in damp or rain-soaked plains.


ACTIVITIES AND SHELTERS


The Aiguestortes and Sant Maurici Lake National Park is a place that should be explored leisurely on foot. Following the network of trails reveals the extraordinary beauty of the landscape. There are paths for all tastes: some can be done in a single morning, or you can even plan multi-day treks, sleeping in the refuges. Mountaineers and climbers will also find the ideal place to exercise their athletic abilities here.

During the winter, when the park is covered in snow, some precautions should be taken, but this doesn't mean giving up on enjoying completely different natural sensations. Snowshoe or ski mountaineering tours allow you to discover another side of the Pyrenees .



In any case, the best way to explore the park is with an interpretive guide, who will reveal the park's hidden secrets and help you get the most out of your visit. More information is available at the park's facilities.



Within the park's perimeter, there are a large number of shelters. Most are manned for part of the year. Within their facilities, you'll find food and bunk beds with blankets. In the absence of a guard, a free area is always open, where you'll find equipment with a distress radio. It's very important to reserve a spot in advance by calling any of the shelters.

Shelters in the Aiguestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park



Ernest Mallafré Shelter


(1,885 m, FEEC) 28 places Access: 15 min walk from Estany de Sant Maurici Tels.: 973.25.01.05 (part.), 973.25.01.t8 (ref.)





Reflugi d'Estany Llong


(2,000 m, DMA-parc) 50 spaces. Access: 1h 15 min walk from Aigüestortes. Tels. 629.37.46.52 (mobile) 9 7 3.69.61.89 (Boí Park House).



Joan Ventosa i Calvell Shelter


(2,220 tons, CEC) Spaces Access: 2 ha on foot from the Cavallers dam. Tels; 973.64.18.09 and 93.45O.09.66 (part.),973.29.7O.90 (ref.).



Josep Maria Blanc Shelter


(2.32O m, CEC) 4O places Access: 3 h 30 min walk from Espot. Tels.: 93,423.23.45 (part.), 973.25.01.O8 (ref.).



Refugi d'Amitges


(2,380 m, CEC) 60 places Access: 1 hour 30 minutes on foot from the Estany de Sant Maurici. Tels.: 973.25,00.07 (part.), 973.25.01.09 (ref.).



Colomina Shelter


(2,395 m, FEEC) 50 places Access: 2 ha on foot from the Sallente dam. Tels . : 9 73.68 .10.42 (part.), 973.25.20.00 (ref.)



Pla de la Font Shelter


(2,016 m, DMA-parc) 20 spaces Access: 8 km of passable track from Jou . Tel.: 619.93 ,07.71.



Saborédo Shelter


(2,310 m, FEEC) 27 spaces Access: 4h 30 min walk from Salardú . Tel. 93.329.97.36 (part .), 973.25.30.15 (ref .).



Colomérs Refuge


(2,125 m, FEEC) 40 spaces Access: 45 min walk from the Aiguamog parking lot Tels.: 973 64.05.92 (part.), 973.25.30.08 (ref.)..



Refugi dera Restanca


(2,010 m, FEEC) Access spaces: 1 h 30 min walk from the Resséc bridge. Tel.: 608.03.65.59 (mobile).



Espitau de Vielha Refuge


(I.630 m, Ajuntannent de Vtelha) 50 places Access: Next to the N-260, at the south mouth of the Vielha tunnel. Tel.: 973.69.70.52 (ref.).



Gerdar Shelter


(1.5OOm, Aluntannentde l'Alt Aneu) 25 seats Access: Avets exit of the C-28, in the port of Bonaigua. Tels.: 973.25.01.70 (ref) 608.74.40.50 (mobile).



Gerber “Mataró” bivac shelter


(2,460M, UEC) 16 free spaces Access: 3 hectares on foot from the C-28, in the port of Bonaigua


HOW TO GET THERE?



ROADS


Algüestortes Sector
  • N-230. Lleida-Alfarrás-Benavarri-Vielha; After the Pont de Suert, L-500 to Caldes de Boí.

  • C-13. Balaguer-La Pobla de Segur and N-260. La Pobla de Segur-El Pont de Suert.


Sant Maurici Sector
  • C-13. Balaguer-La Pobla de Segur; N-260 from La Pobla de Segur to Sort; C-28 from Esterri d'Aneu to Vielha; before La Guingueta d'Aneu, LV-5004 to Espot.



RAILWAY


RENFE, Lleida-La Pobla de Segur

Tel.: 9O2.24.O2.02). You must continue by bus.


REGULAR BUS SERVICE

  • Alsina Graells SA (Tel.: 93.265.68.66 and 973.27.14.70). Departures from Barcelona Nord Station and Lleida Bus Station (Tel.: 973.26.85.00) to Pont de Suert or Espot.

  • Aigüestortes sector. From Pont de Suert to Caldes de Boí a bus leaves from June to September. Stop 1 km from Boí (Boí bridge) or Caldes de Boí (spa).

  • Sant Maurlci sector. The bus stops 7 km before Espot, just before Guingueta d'Aneu. From there, you can take a taxi.



Park Bus


Until now, the Park bus has covered the northern edge of Espot, Vielha, and Pla de l'Ermita, making stops in various villages. From June 21st to September 30th, it will provide service to Pobla de Segur. From June 29th to September 29th, the bus that connects to the Vall Fosca cable car will be in service. Schedules have been coordinated with train arrivals and departures. There will be two trips: one leaving in the morning to catch the 11 a.m. cable car, and a second, in the afternoon, to pick up morning passengers or those arriving from other points in the Park.


PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICE TO THE NATIONAL PARK


Private vehicles are prohibited in the park. The most famous and iconic spots in this natural area can be reached via the all-terrain taxi service that departs from the towns within the area of influence:

La VaII de Boí Taxis Association:629.20.54.89 / 97 3.69.63.1 4

Espot Taxis Association: 973.62,41.05


INFORMATION AND VISITS


More information can be obtained at the Casas del Parc de Boí (Tel. 973.69.61.89) and/or the Casa del Parc de Espot (Tel. 973.62.40.36), which are open to visitors year-round. We offer the opportunity to view our exhibitions, attend audiovisual screenings and training courses, participate in outings with interpretive guides, or obtain itinerary guides, maps, publications, and souvenirs of your visit.


Tourist information telephone numbers


For general information on the regions in the area of influence, you can go to the tourist information offices in the main towns:

Barruera (Alta Ribagorga) 973.69,40.00

EI Pont de Suert (Alta Ribagorga) 973.69.06.40 – 902.10.15.16

La Pobla de Segur (Pallars Jussd) 973.68.02.57 Esterri d'Aneu (Pallars Sobirá) gT3.62.60.05

Sort (Pallars Sobirá) 973.62.10.02

Vielha (Val d'Aran) 973.6401.10