The Catalan Pyrenees
Spain Hiking + Walking Tours
Mountains & villages of the Catalan Pyrenees
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length7 days
- Prices from€755 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
On this self-guided walking tour in Spain, you will trek and discover a stunning corner of the Pyrenees. Mountain vistas and dramatic valleys will find you celebrating.
Your tour features two of the most beautiful spots in the Oriental Catalan Pyrenees, the Ter and Núria River Valleys. Both valleys are surrounded by peaks of almost 3000 meters, from which flow a multitude of water sources and torrents.
The small mountain villages and accommodations along the route will enchant. Medieval and Romanesque architecture testifies to the region's rich cultural and historical heritage.
From Setcases, you can see the Bay of Roses and the Cap de Creus peninsula, on the Mediterranean Costa Brava. In Núria, you’ll discover an unparalleled environment where the waters of the river can only run their course thanks to the deep narrow gorges that have been cut through this hard rock.
Highlights
- Spectacular scenery
- Small authentic mountain villages - Camprodon, Setcases & Ribes de Freser
- Charming accommodations
- Ter & Freser Rivers and valleys the most important rivers in Catalonia
- Flora, fauna, and wildlife of the region
- Typical Catalan mountain cuisine
We have many other tours & trips in Spain! Check out our complete program including hiking, biking, boating, and villa rentals!
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival day
Day 2: Camprodon – Molló, 11 mi. (17 km)
Day 3: Molló – Setcases, 7.5 mi. (12 km)
Day 4: Setcases Vallter 2000 / Bastiments 2.881
Day 5: Setcases – Albella (transfer) - Ribes de Freser, 11 mi. (18 km)
Day 6: Ribes de Freser / Puigmal 2.913m
Day 7: DepartureDay 1: Arrival day
The charming mountain village of Camprodon lies at the confluence of the Ter and Ritort Rivers situated in the center of Girona’s Pyrenees in the Ripolles region. Its 12th century stone bridge and Roman-style monastery of Sant Pere from the 10th century characterize the village. You will want to take your time to explore the alleys and squares, sample delicious sausages and cured cheese from the local shops.Accommodation: Hotel Camprodon
Day 2: Camprodon – Molló, 11 mi. (17 km)
You will have a welcome and tour information meeting at 9 am. Your route then leads into the high Garrotxa, initially taking you up through lush pastureland. A descent through woodland and valleys, passing abandoned and sometimes renovated farmhouses brings you to the village of Molló centered by its Romanesque church from the 12th century.Elevation: +825 m
Accommodation: Hotel Calitxó
Day 3: Molló – Setcases, 7.5 mi. (12 km)
Today you have a spectacular walk over two mountain passes with impressive panoramic views. To the west, the dramatic Pyrenean peaks, and to the east, the warm, wooded hills of the Garrotxa. You start with a long, moderate climb to the Fembra Morte Pass (1.728m) and remain high up as you continue to Lliens pass (1.864m), a great picnic spot. You continue across the northern flank of the Puig de les Agudes before descending through the lovely landscape to Setcases. Setcases literally means "seven houses" and is located near the French border. Dinner and accommodation in Setcases. (B, D)Elevation: +743 m
Accommodation: Hotel Calitxó
Day 4: Vallter 2000 in Setcases / Bastiments Mountain peak
In the morning, you can take the included taxi transfer (11 km) to the ski resort Vallter 2000.
Option 1: 9 mi. (15 km)
You can climb the Bastiments peak (2.881m) with unrivaled mountain views. On clear days you can see the blue waters of the Mediterranean.Elevation: +910/-1580 m
Accommodation: Hotel La Coma
Option 2: 4 mi. (7 km)
If you don’t want to climb the peak you can walk downhill (steep) through the valley of the Ter River to Setcases.Elevation: -770m
Option 3: (0 km)
The last option is to take a rest in Setcases, visiting the village and the surrounding area.Accommodation: Hotel La Coma
Day 5: Setcases – Abella (by transfer) - Ribes de Freser, 11 mi. (18 km)
You will start with a short transfer from Setcases to Abella where you will start the itinerary. A short but thoroughly enjoyable route leads high above the valley. The gradual ascent crosses a mix of pastureland and
forest along a wild valley up the Collada Verda Pass (1.606m) from where you descend along undulating paths and tracks to Ribes de Freser.Elevation:+550m
Accommodation: Hotel Els Caçadors
Day 6: Ribes de Freser / Puigmal
Early in the morning, you take a dramatic journey by scenic rack train (fare not included, approximately €36 per person, round trip) up to Sanctuary de Núria, one of Catalonia’s holiest sites, high in the mountains, 1,960 meters above sea level.Option 1: 10 mi. (16 km)
From the Sanctuary de Núria, you will climb the Puigmal peak (2.913m), the highest peak of the area. You descend on the opposite way to the sanctuary, downhill on a nice single trail along the valley to Queralps and then again by rack train down to Ribes de Freser.Elevation: +1200m/-1930m
Option 2: 4 mi. (7 km)
If you don’t want to climb the peak, you can also admire the breathtaking views from the sanctuary and then come back to Queralps downhill on the nice single trail along the valley and take the rack train to Ribes de Freser.Elevation: +260m/-1010m
With either option, at the end of your hike, you will again take the rack train from Queralbs to Ribes de Freser.
Option 3: 0 mi.
The last option is to take a rest in Ribes de Freser visiting the village and the surrounding area.Accommodation: Hotel Els Caçadors
Day 7: Departure
Your tour officially ends after breakfast. You can take a train to Barcelona or by bus via Ripoll to Girona.Optional: Transfer to Camprodon
Be sure to check out all of our tours & trips or view our featured tours, specials, & news.
Map
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in farmhouses, 2 star and 4 star hotels. On each day’s details you will find the name of the preferred hotel. If the preferred accommodation is not available, you will be offered an establishment of equal standard and quality.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 6 nights in farmhouses & 2 & 3* hotels
- Breakfast
- GPX tracks, roadbook, & maps
- Pre-loaded GPS device (6 days) on request
- General tourist information about the area
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
- Taxi from Set Cases to Valter 2000 (Day 4)
- 24-hour assistance during the trip
What’s Not Included
- Ticket for the rack train from Ribes to Sanctuari de Nuria
- Lunches & dinners
- Tourist tax
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily departures
Low season
March 1 - April 13 & October 3 - October 31, 2023
Midseason
April 14 - June 22 & August 29 - October 2, 2023
High season
June 23 - August 28, 2023
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2023
Low season Midseason High season Twin/double $ 1246 £ 663 $ 1,108 € 755 ₪ 3094 ¥ 115470 NZ$ 1361 NOK 9095 kr 8912 $ 825 $ 1304 £ 693 $ 1,159 € 790 ₪ 3238 ¥ 120822 NZ$ 1424 NOK 9517 kr 9325 $ 863 $ 1403 £ 746 $ 1,247 € 850 ₪ 3484 ¥ 129999 NZ$ 1532 NOK 10240 kr 10033 $ 929 Single supplement $ 137 £ 73 $ 122 € 83 ₪ 340 ¥ 12694 NZ$ 150 NOK 1000 kr 980 $ 91 $ 213 £ 113 $ 189 € 129 ₪ 529 ¥ 19729 NZ$ 232 NOK 1554 kr 1523 $ 141 $ 261 £ 139 $ 232 € 158 ₪ 648 ¥ 24164 NZ$ 285 NOK 1903 kr 1865 $ 173 Solo traveler (in addition to single suppl.) $ 116 £ 61 $ 103 € 70 ₪ 287 ¥ 10706 NZ$ 126 NOK 843 kr 826 $ 76 $ 116 £ 61 $ 103 € 70 ₪ 287 ¥ 10706 NZ$ 126 NOK 843 kr 826 $ 76 $ 116 £ 61 $ 103 € 70 ₪ 287 ¥ 10706 NZ$ 126 NOK 843 kr 826 $ 76 Tourist tax $ 7 £ 4 $ 7 € 5 ₪ 18 ¥ 688 NZ$ 8 NOK 54 kr 53 $ 5 Extra Options
Extra night (s):
Camprodon:
Low season Midseason High season Twin/double $ 99 £ 53 $ 88 € 60 ₪ 246 ¥ 9176 NZ$ 108 NOK 723 kr 708 $ 66 $ 107 £ 57 $ 95 € 65 ₪ 266 ¥ 9941 NZ$ 117 NOK 783 kr 767 $ 71 $ 116 £ 61 $ 103 € 70 ₪ 287 ¥ 10706 NZ$ 126 NOK 843 kr 826 $ 76 Single supplement On request Ribes:
Low season Midseason High season Twin/double $ 91 £ 48 $ 81 € 55 ₪ 225 ¥ 8412 NZ$ 99 NOK 663 kr 649 $ 60 $ 99 £ 53 $ 88 € 60 ₪ 246 ¥ 9176 NZ$ 108 NOK 723 kr 708 $ 66 $ 107 £ 57 $ 95 € 65 ₪ 266 ¥ 9941 NZ$ 117 NOK 783 kr 767 $ 71 Single supplement On request Dinners included:
Five dinners: $ 163 £ 87 $ 145 € 99 ₪ 406 ¥ 15141 NZ$ 178 NOK 1193 kr 1169 $ 108
Transfers:
1 - 2 people Each extra person up to 9 people Ripoll - Camprodon $ 116 £ 61 $ 103 € 70 ₪ 287 ¥ 10706 NZ$ 126 NOK 843 kr 826 $ 76 $ 25 £ 13 $ 22 € 15 ₪ 61 ¥ 2294 NZ$ 27 NOK 181 kr 177 $ 16 Ribes de Freser - Ripoll $ 116 £ 61 $ 103 € 70 ₪ 287 ¥ 10706 NZ$ 126 NOK 843 kr 826 $ 76 $ 25 £ 13 $ 22 € 15 ₪ 61 ¥ 2294 NZ$ 27 NOK 181 kr 177 $ 16 Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
This walk is rated moderate overall but depending on the options you choose, certain days, could classify as difficult. Average daily distances are 15 km on good paths and will take about 4 - 8 hours of walking. There are some steeper sections and ascents of up to 750m. On your free day in Setcases, the optional walk up the Bastiments Peak would be graded as difficult, suitable for only experienced walkers. For your efforts, you will be rewarded with dramatic mountain scenery!
Airport Info
Fly to Barcelona International Airport (BCN).
Local Travel
Option 1: Train from Barcelona to Ripoll, then bus or taxi to Campodon
Option 2: Direct transfer from the airport to Camprodon. See pricing.Climate
Please check local conditions prior to arrival. The Catalan Pyrenees enjoys the warmest climate of the Pyrenean range. The spring months of April and May boast cool temperatures and blooming flowers and September through October are very pleasant for walking as well. July and August can be quite warm.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by CycleCatalonia.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
Photos
Have you been on this tour?
Please leave your feedback