Pyrenees activity vacations

Escape into Andorra’s eastern Pyrenean peaks, valleys and mountain foothills and learn to hike, bike and raft in some truly exceptional settings. This is a wonderful environment for a center based activity vacation with some of the finest scenery in the Pyrenees providing plenty of challenges for travelers looking to experience the great outdoors in a new way, or simply enjoy time outdoors in the crisp alpine air.

Joining a weeklong, small group activity vacation allows everyone to learn, have fun and get active in the safest and friendliest environment possible. Local instructors and guides are trained to assist all levels of ability and can help mixed ability groups get the most out of each activity, without pushing them too far beyond their comfort zones. You don’t need to be extra fit or have much previous experience – although you will need to be able to swim for rafting. Solo travelers are welcome, as are friends, couples and families with older children; there is a minimum age of 15. All instruction, equipment, breakfasts and evening meals, and support vehicles – good for catching a rest – are included, so all you have to do is put in some fitness training before you go and be prepared to go with the flow.

The beauty of being based on the slopes of the Pyrenees is that it’s just a 10-minute drive to reach high altitude trail heads. Your hiking adventure begins at an altitude of 2,000m, at Grau Roig, at foot of the Circ de Pessons. Here, the gorgeous glacial lakes and Pyrenean peaks add to the exhilaration of walking at altitude, with steep downhill tracks ensuring you can catch your breath and enjoy the epic views. Another great walking trail takes you through the pine forests of the Incles Valley via Cabana Sorda Lake, which sits at the foot of an impressive natural rock amphitheatre. Optional ascents allow for panoramas at 2,600m before heading back down into the valley for a well deserved soak at the local spa.

Our small group activity vacation here run from mid-May to late September. Summertime is the season to get outdoors and active in the Pyrenees. Snow has melted, orchids are adorning alpine meadows, and weather conditions are much more consistent than what you’ll find either side of May and September. June brings a bounty of flowering rhododendrons and sun-striped pine groves, before the woodland berries of midsummer and September’s wild mushrooms appear before eagle-eyed foragers. Rivers will be colder and quicker in May, but nothing that a wetsuit can’t handle. Sun block, shades and sun hat are recommended at any time of year though, thanks to the altitude and lower latitude.