Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park 2
JEREMY TAYLOR: WRITER - TEACHER - JUGGLER
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Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park 2 |
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At the end of the Valle de Ordesa is the Circo de Soaso and behind the Cirque, Monte Perdido, a massive 3353 metres, though not a particularly striking mountain. The views of the Spanish Pyrenees from the top are amazing, apparently. | ||
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On my second day in the Ordesa National Park, I headed up to the Circo de Carriata and then along the Faja Racun. This trail is about 700 metres above the valley floor. A tiring climb but well worth it for the views. Notice that the Spanish Pyrenees are very different from the French Pyrenees, much drier with completely different vegetation. | ||
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Well-maintained hiking paths, despite the fact that they are often partially destroyed by avalanches in Spring. The Ordesa National Park is an excellent holiday destination - and not overrun by tourists. The numbers are limited - and you can't bring a car into the national park. | ||
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This little creature lives in the Circo de Carriata. Does anyone know what it is? Click on the image to enlarge it. | ||
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The lush vegetation is testimony to the special climate that the Ordesa Valley enjoys. This photo was taken at the end of August when much of Spain is a dustbowl. | ||
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This is La Fraucata - a very large, and very beautiful, lump of limestone. | ||
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This is the Circo de Cotatuero with the Cascada de Cotatuero in the middle. A path from this cirque leads up to the Brecha de Rolanda - and France. | ||
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This is the view of Torla taken from the path between the Ordesa Valley and Torla, a beautiful - and quiet - hiking trail. It takes about two hours to walk from Torla to the Ordesa National Park. | ||
Practical Information Despite its popularity, Torla is not easy to get to without a car. There are just two buses a day to and from Sabananigo. Check out the Spanish bus service here. The National Park has an excellent website here I stayed at the Camping Ordesa for 8 euros a night. Click here for their website in Spanish. I ate at El Taillon restaurant - no current website, but serving a filling 3 course meal with a bottle of wine for 13 euros. The tourist office in Torla offers free internet - although it is a dial up connection. More about Spain? Cycling in the Spanish Pyrenees Spanish food |
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