Andorra: Hike, Bike & Raft

Benvingut! Welcome to Andorra. Situated on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees, Andorra sits between France and Spain. Although small, this country is blessed with some of the finest scenery in the Pyrenees and is a great base for an active week in the mountains. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in this gorgeous ski resort town – if you arrive early, there’s plenty to do to explore! Then, after an included dinner, the night is yours to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.

Today, you’ll head to the Cortals Valley. After a short drive you’ll arrive at the top of the valley to enjoy some easy riding on the only flat off-road track in Andorra, which leads to Engolasters Lake. Around the lake there are plenty of fun tracks and you’ll have the choice between an easy, flat track and a more exciting path through the woods. At the other end of the lake is the zip wiring and tree top centre. After a short briefing, climb up into the trees and cross the area by zip lines and rope obstacles. After a picnic lunch in the trees by the lake, get back on your bike and take a single-track route through a short tunnel to a look-out point over the capital city Andorra La Vella. Then cycle back to the vehicles to return to Soldeu. At this point there is an option where the more experienced riders can do an exhilarating 5km road descent with switch backs and views. After a great day outdoors return to your hotel for an included dinner.

This morning you’ll head into Andorra's mountains. When you arrive, walk to the base of Ransol Valley Ridge. It's a steady climb up to the Salamandres Lake, passing by the Roca del Home Dret (the rock of the straight man). While at the lake, you may get a chance to see the small yellow dotted salamander that this lake is named after. Relax by the lake or opt to hike up to two more lakes including Cabana Sorda, one of the deepest and coldest lakes of Andorra that sits in a cirque, a bowl-shaped amphitheatre. The rest of the day is a gradual descent back down to the tranquil Incles Valley with lush meadows and a crystal clear river running through towering mountains . Keep your eyes open for the griffon vulture soaring above! Cross the river and take the gentle path back to the hotel. This afternoon you can relax in the sun, explore the village or visit a nearby spa centre, before your included dinner in the evening.

Today you’ll hop on a mountain bike and ride through the Pyrenees. Your guides will brief you on the route, then you’ll take the short shuttle ride to Port d’Envalira, which sits at 2408 m and is the highest road pass in the Pyrenees. This is a climb that has featured several times in the Tour de France! Take a road descent, then an off-road track to the Abelletes Lake – the official border between Andorra and France. Transfer back to 2400 m then descend to Grau Roig Valley where you’ll stop for a packed lunch, surrounded by mountains, pine trees and the source of the Valira River. After lunch, cycle off road back to Soldeu. Finish up at the local Caves Manacor market, where you can taste a variety of local products such as hams, cheeses and spirits.

Crossing the Andorran border into Spain, you’ll drive along a mountain pass of the Port de Canto. When you arrive, grab your paddles, helmets, buoyancy aids and wetsuits and then your local guides will lead you on an exhilarating white water rafting experience. The rivers around Sort have different grades of rapids (up to Class 3) and are rated in the top five in the world for safety and enjoyment! Paddle through the rapids past rolling hills and then after drying off, enjoy some time to relax in the bar or by the pool at the centre, before driving back to Soldeu for the night.

Take a short walk into the Incles Valley, where today’s hike begins. Walk along a single track through forested mountain slopes, keeping an eye out for pine forest plants, flowers and rhododendrons in June. You can also spot some wild fruit growing in mid-summer and mushrooms in September. The climbing path zig zags up to the stunning Siscaró reserve, a protected area safeguarding the local flora and fauna, where two mountain lakes sit. Stop for lunch by the lake and if the weather allows, take a dip in the cold mountain water. After lunch, you’ll descend through meadows and woodlands to the valley floor.

Today, you’re free to choose from the many optional activities available in Andorra. You might like to visit the thermal baths of La Caldea, or if you like heights, you can try your hand at Via Ferrata climbing. There are plenty more opportunities for walking and mountain biking here too, just ask your local leader! If you prefer, you can just take the chance to relax, enjoy the sunshine or go duty free shopping. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.