1 ONE-DAY HIKING EXPERIENCES IN CATALONIA WALK IN THE MOUNTAINS OR ALONG THE COAST! RUTES PIRINEUS TURISME ACTIU DE MUNTANYA SL
ONE-DAY HIKING EXPERIENCES IN CATALONIA 12 11 13 14 2 1 5 6 4 8 9 7 10 3 Barcelona 1 The Volcanoes of La Garrotxa Full Day #Geology #Flora&Fauna 2 Sant Aniol Valley Full Day # Waterfall #Flora&Fauna 3 Footpaths of Costa Brava Full Day #Sea #CostaBrava 4 Montgrí Castle and the town of Pals Full Day #Sea #CostaBrava 5 Bird Watching in Empordà Full Day #BirdWatching #Sea #Flora&Fauna 6 Around Sant Pere de Rodes Full Day #Geology #Sea 7 Barcelona Landscapes - L Obac Half Day #Geology #Adventure 8 Montserrat Panoramic Views Half Day #Geology 9 Montserrat Adventure Full Day #Adventure #Summit #Geology 10 Montseny, the natural heart of Catalonia Full Day #Flora&Fauna #Summit 11 Rural Catalonia: La Quar del Berguedà Full Day #Rural #Geology #Flora&Fauna 12 Pedraforca Summit (2.506m) Full Day #Adventure #Summit #Geology 13 Costa Pubilla Summit (2.056m) Full Day #Summit #Flora&Fauna 14 Snowshoeing Experience in Pyrenees Full Day #Snow #Adventure #Summit 2
1. THE VOLCANOES OF LA GARROTXA This wonderful circular route runs entirely within the boundaries of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. We will first walk through Fageda d'en Jordà, an exceptional beech forest that sits on a lava flow. Then we will climb to the top of the Santa Margarida Volcano and visit the Romanesque chapel built inside the crater. Finally, we will finish the route by visiting the Croscat Volcano, the largest in the Iberian Peninsula and the youngest of all. A special route in one of the most beautiful and admired areas of Catalonia! Activity starting time and place: 11:00 a.m. in the park area of Can Serra in Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park (125 km away from Barcelona). Activity duration: 5h approx. Arriving time in Barcelona: 6:00 p.m. Physical demands: Easy. Total distance: 10 km Total ascent: 300m Personal gear: You must wear outdoor clothing for the route: windbreaker jacket, warm and comfortable breathable clothes, mountain boots and gloves. For the rain: waterproof poncho/raincoat. For the sun: sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection and a cap. A proper mountain backpack. Recommended: telescopic walking sticks. Food: Picnic bag. #Geology #Flora&Fauna Activity price: 275 (fixed price, from 1 to 8 people). This price includes: VAT, guided tour in English (by a 1 to 3 people: 170 4 to 6 people: 210 7 or 8 people: 230 3
2. SANT ANIOL VALLEY Located in the wild territory of Alta Garrotxa (Girona, Pyrenees), this hike will bring us to Sant Aniol d'aguja romanesque church, a 11th century architectural jewel built in the depths of the valley. It is surrounded by holm oaks and ash trees. On this trip we will go upstream until we arrive at the hermitage. A little bit later we will arrive to a couple of impressive waterfalls. If you're wearing swimsuits, you will be able to swim in the river (but the water is quite cold!). After the bath we will eat our picnic under the shade of the pleasant trees. One last effort and we will be at Salt de la Nuvia mountain pass, a wonderful scenic point which will give us a complete view of the whole valley. A quiet walk following the river shore will take us to the end of the hike. Totally recommendable and easy going! Activity starting time and place: 11:00 a.m. in the town of Sadernes (131 km away from Barcelona). Activity duration: 6h approx. Arriving time in Barcelona: 7:00 p.m. Physical demands: Medium. This route is suitable for people used to hike. Total distance: 15 km Total ascent: 250m Personal gear: You must wear mountain clothing for the route: windbreaker jacket, warm and comfortable breathable clothes, mountain boots and gloves. Optional: swimsuit and towel. For the rain: waterproof poncho/raincoat. For the sun: sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection and a cap. A proper mountain backpack. Recommended: telescopic walking sticks. Food: Picnic bag. #Waterfall #Flora&Fauna Activity price: 275 (fixed price, from 1 to 8 people). This price includes: VAT, guided tour in English (by a 1 to 3 people: 170 4 to 6 people: 210 7 or 8 people: 230 4
3. FOOTPATHS OF THE COSTA BRAVA: FROM LLAFRANC TO TAMARIU Llafranc and Tamariu are two charming fishing villages located in the heart of the Costa Brava. This beautiful circular route passes through the old road that used to communicate the coast with the inland area and the coastal footpaths that run along the rugged coastline (called camins de ronda ). An exciting itinerary full of surprises: wonderful views of the sea and the coast, coves, pristine beaches where we will have the option of swimming, and charming paths that constantly surprise us! And once we finish, we will be able to try the wonderful cuisine of the Costa Brava in the restaurants of Llafranc! Activity starting time and place: 10:30 a.m. in the town of Llafranc (127 km away from Barcelona). Activity duration: 4h approx. Arriving time in Barcelona: 6:00 p.m. Physical demands: Easy. Total distance: 11 km Total ascent: 315m Personal gear: You must wear outdoor clothing for the route. Optional: swimsuit and towel. For the rain: waterproof poncho/raincoat. For the sun: sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection and a cap. A proper backpack. Recommended: telescopic walking sticks. Food: Once we finish the route, we will have 2h free time to have lunch in one of the many restaurants in Llafranc. #Sea #CostaBrava Activity price: 275 (fixed price, from 1 to 8 people). This price includes: VAT, guided tour in English (by a 1 to 3 people: 185 4 to 6 people: 225 7 or 8 people: 245 5
4. MONTGRÍ CASTLE AND THE TOWN OF PALS A fascinating itinerary that takes us to one of the best viewpoints of the Empordà: the Montgrí Castle, located on the highest point of the massif of Montgrí. After visiting the castle we will walk to the unique protected area of the Dunes, with a large accumulation of sand. Once we finish the walking tour, we will go to Pals, which is considered one of the most beautiful and charming villages of Catalonia. In Pals will have free time for lunch and walk along the beautiful cobbled streets. A must-see! Activity starting time and place: 11:00 a.m. in the town of Torroella de Montgrí (140 km away from Barcelona). Activity duration: 3h approx. Arriving time in Barcelona: 6:00 p.m. Physical demands: Easy. Total distance: 9 km Total ascent: 350m Personal gear: You must wear outdoor clothing for the route. For the rain: waterproof poncho/raincoat. For the sun: sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection and a cap. A proper backpack. Recommended: telescopic walking sticks. Food: Once we finish the route, we will have 2h free time to have lunch in one of the many restaurants in Pals and visit this small and charming town. #Sea #CostaBrava Activity price: 275 (fixed price, from 1 to 8 people). This price includes: VAT, guided tour in English (by a 1 to 3 people: 190 4 to 6 people: 230 7 or 8 people: 250 6
5. BIRD WATCHING IN EMPORDÀ This circular route provides a complete overview of the different ecosystems and the most emblematic species of the Natural Park of the Aiguamolls de l'empordà (north of Catalonia). We will get to know the habitats such as freshwater lakes, enclosures, canals, old rice fields, salt marshes and the beach. This route is ideal for those nature lovers who want to discover one of the most important and relevant natural bird reserves of Europe! Activity starting time and place: 11:00 a.m. in the park area of El Cortalet in the Natural Park of the Aiguamolls de l'empordà (150 km away from Barcelona). Activity duration: 4h approx. Arriving time in Barcelona: 5:00 p.m. Physical demands: Easy. Total distance: 8,5 km Total ascent: 10m Personal gear: You must wear outdoor clothing for the route. For the rain: waterproof poncho/raincoat. For the sun: sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection and a cap. A proper backpack. Recommended: telescopic walking sticks. Food: Picnic. #BirdWatching #Sea #Flora&Fauna Activity price: 275 (fixed price, from 1 to 8 people). This price includes: VAT, guided tour in English (by a 1 to 3 people: 200 4 to 6 people: 240 7 or 8 people: 260 7
6. AROUND SANT PERE DE RODES The Cap de Creus Natural Park is the place where the Pyrenees merge with the Mediterranean Sea. This union between land and sea is an exceptional site, one of the great jewels of Catalonia for its uniqueness and beauty. We start the trip at the Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, one of the most beautiful Romanesque buildings in the world. We will walk along charming paths towards the village of la Vall de Santa Creu and come back via the GR 11, the legendary Transpyrenees trail! A fabulous hike in a unique environment! Activity starting time and place: 11:00 a.m. in Sant Pere de Rodes (165 km away from Barcelona). Activity duration: 5h approx. Arriving time in Barcelona: 6:00 p.m. Physical demands: Medium. This route is suitable for people used to hike. Total distance: 10 km Total ascent: 500m Personal gear: You must wear mountain clothing for the route: windbreaker jacket, warm and comfortable breathable clothes, mountain boots and gloves. For the rain: waterproof poncho/raincoat. For the sun: sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection and a cap. A proper mountain backpack. Recommended: telescopic walking sticks. Food: Picnic. #Geology #Sea Activity price: 275 (fixed price, from 1 to 8 people). This price includes: VAT, guided tour in English (by a 1 to 3 people: 200 4 to 6 people: 240 7 or 8 people: 260 8
7. BARCELONA LANDSCAPES - HALF DAY IN SERRA DE L'OBAC The Natural Park of Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'obac is especially known for its Romanesque sanctuary and the long road on the ridge. On this route we can enjoy this wonderful Mediterranean mountains and forests. An easy ridge route leads to Collet Estret and from there we will go up to the scenic rock Castellsapera (939 m). Then we will follow the remains of the ancient road that connected Barcelona with Manresa. We will learn about the ambush spots where the legendary Capablanca bandit acted in the 17th century. Finally, we will visit the dizzying Roca Salvatge and look at the endless surrounding lowlands. A great hiking experience near the big city! Activity starting time and place: 10:00 a.m. in the park area of Casanova de l'obac (45 km away from Barcelona). Activity duration: 3h approx. Arriving time in Barcelona: 2:00 p.m. Physical demands: Easy. We will walk on rocky paths and there are some steep sections. Total distance: 6 km Total ascent: 310m Personal gear: You must wear outdoor clothing for the route: windbreaker jacket, warm and comfortable breathable clothes, mountain boots and gloves. For the rain: waterproof poncho/raincoat. For the sun: sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection and a cap. A proper mountain backpack. Recommended: telescopic walking sticks. Food: Picnic bag (optional). #Geology #Adventure Activity price: 235 (fixed price, from 1 to 8 people). This price includes: VAT, guided tour in English (by a 1 to 3 people: 165 4 to 6 people: 210 7 or 8 people: 230 9
8. MONTSERRAT PANORAMIC VIEWS - HALF DAY On this half-day route we will discover the most popular side of the sacred mountain of Montserrat, and go to the top of the scenic viewpoint of Miranda de Sant Geroni (1,237 m), which offers 360º unforgettable views of Catalonia and beyond. At all times we will see a picturesque landscape formed by vertical rocky ravines, the so-called "Montserrat needles", of magical dreamlike appearance. We will take the Sant Joan Funicular on part of our uphill section. A classic and essential hike to the most emblematic mountain of Catalonia! Activity starting time and place: 10:15 a.m. in Montserrat Monastery car park (60 km away from Barcelona). Activity duration: 3h approx. Arriving time in Barcelona: 2:00 p.m. Physical demands: Easy. Total distance: 6 km Total ascent: 250m Recommended time of the year: Anytime except July and August. Personal gear: You must wear outdoor clothing for the route. For the rain: waterproof poncho/raincoat. For the sun: sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection and a cap. A proper backpack. Recommended: telescopic walking sticks. Food: Picnic bag (optional). #Geology Activity price: 235 (fixed price, from 1 to 8 people). This price includes: VAT, guided tour in English (by a Sant Joan Funicular (mountain train): 10,60 /person. 1 to 3 people: 185 4 to 6 people: 230 7 or 8 people: 250 10
9. MONTSERRAT ADVENTURE - FULL DAY Intense, varied and fun tour that allows us to discover the central massif of Montserrat and simultaneously enjoy the verticality without being expert climbers. From the Romanesque monastery of Santa Cecilia, we will advance on the shade of the mountain and climb to the Coll del Miracle. We will follow the entertaining path of Pas de l'esfinx and enter the dizzying realm of Echoes, an exciting and unforgettable journey that will make us feel like real explorers. The descent via the Canal dels Micos will give way to a mysterious world of deep forests and endless steep ravines. If you like adventure and mountains, you should not miss this tour! Activity starting time and place: 10:15 a.m. in Santa Cecilia Monastery car park (62 km away from Barcelona). Activity duration: 5:30h approx. Arriving time in Barcelona: 5:00 p.m. Physical demands: High. We will go up and down very steep ravines. Technical difficulty: Medium-High. There are some vertical passes. Some passes are equipped with chains and ropes, but there is no sensation of falling into the void. Total distance: 8 km Total ascent: 600m Recommended time of the year: Anytime except July and August. Personal gear: You must wear mountain clothing for the route: windbreaker jacket, warm and comfortable breathable clothes, long trousers, mountain boots with high cuff to protect the ankles and gloves. For the rain: waterproof poncho/raincoat. For the sun: sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection and a cap. A proper mountain backpack. Recommended: telescopic walking sticks. Food: Picnic bag. #Adventure #Summit #Geology Activity price: 275 (fixed price, from 1 to 8 people). This price includes: VAT, guided tour in English (by a 1 to 3 people: 180 4 to 6 people: 225 7 or 8 people: 245 11
10. MONTSENY, THE NATURAL HEART OF CATALONIA In this tour we will discover the Montseny Natural Park: a massif full of forests of all kinds, with hidden botanical and faunal treasures. We will go up the beautiful Passavets fountain, climb a natural beech forest and and get to know the southernmost fir forest in Europe. Once on the bare ridge, we will climb the two most mythical summits of the massif: Turó de l'home (1,706 m) and then after the scenic Serrat dels Pous, the charismatic Les Agudes peak (1,705 m). To conclude, we will come back literally swallowed by the immense bed of leaves of the beech forest. Activity starting time and place: 10:30 a.m. in the surroundings of Santa Fe del Montseny (75 km away from Barcelona). Activity duration: 4h approx. Arriving time in Barcelona: 4:00 p.m. Physical demands: Medium. Total distance: 9 km Total ascent: 500m Personal gear: You must wear outdoor clothing for the route: windbreaker jacket, warm and comfortable breathable clothes, mountain boots and gloves. For the rain: waterproof poncho/raincoat. For the sun: sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection and a cap. A proper mountain backpack. Recommended: telescopic walking sticks. Food: Picnic bag. #Flora&Fauna #Summit Activity price: 275 (fixed price, from 1 to 8 people). This price includes: VAT, guided tour in English (by a 1 to 3 people: 165 4 to 6 people: 205 7 or 8 people: 225 12
11. RURAL CATALONIA: LA QUAR DEL BERGUEDÀ This demanding circular route reveals the southern foothills of the Berguedà pre-pyrenees, an area of wild, lonely and very rugged mountains. The plateau of the Quar Sanctuary and the ascent to the ridge of Sant Isidre will make us enjoy the great panoramic view of central Catalonia. Along the route we will also visit several places of great historical interest. A proposal conceived and designed for those who want to escape from the crowds and experience "the authentic rural Catalonia"! Activity starting time and place: 10:30 a.m. in Sant Maurici de la Quar (110 km away from Barcelona). Activity duration: 7h approx. Arriving time in Barcelona: 7:00 p.m. Physical demands: High. This route is suitable for people with a good fitness level or used to long uphill walks. Total distance: 15 km Total ascent: 750m Personal gear: You must wear mountain clothing for the route: windbreaker jacket, warm and comfortable breathable clothes, mountain boots and gloves. For the rain: waterproof poncho/raincoat. For the sun: sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection and a cap. A proper mountain backpack. Recommended: telescopic walking sticks. Food: Picnic bag. #Rural #Geology #Flora&Fauna Activity price: 275 (fixed price, from 1 to 8 people). This price includes: VAT, guided tour in English (by a 1 to 3 people: 190 4 to 6 people: 230 7 or 8 people: 250 13
12. PEDRAFORCA MOUNTAIN SUMMIT (2.506m) Pedraforca (2.506m) is one of the great symbols of the Pyrenees. This attractive and emblematic mountain has captivated hikers and visitors for centuries by its peculiar shape (two twin peaks separated by a wide mountain pass) and the many legends and stories about it. Not surprisingly, Pedraforca is named the Magic Mountain". The reward after a demanding hike is unforgettable: the views from the summit are awe-inspiring. It's important to know that is considered the ultimate hiking experience in Catalonia by most of the Catalan alpine and hiking clubs. Just for adventurers! Pick up time in Barcelona: 8:00 a.m. Activity starting time and place: 10:00 a.m. in the town of Gósol (141 km away from Barcelona). Activity duration: 8h approx. Arriving time in Barcelona: 8:00 p.m. Physical demands: High. This route is suitable for people with a good fitness level or used to long uphill walks. Technical difficulty: Medium. The route passes through high mountain terrain. Total distance: 15 km Total ascent: 1,000m Recommended time of the year: April to November. Personal gear: You must wear mountain clothing for the route: windbreaker jacket, warm and comfortable breathable clothes, long trousers, mountain boots with high cuff to protect the ankles, gloves and buff. For the rain: waterproof poncho/raincoat. For the sun: sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection and a cap. A proper mountain backpack. Recommended: telescopic walking sticks. Food: Picnic bag. #Adventure #Summit #Geology Activity price: 295 (fixed price, from 1 to 8 people). This price includes: VAT, guided tour in English (by a 1 to 3 people: 195 4 to 6 people: 240 7 or 8 people: 260 14
13. COSTA PUBILLA MOUNTAIN SUMMIT (2,056m) A beautiful circular route of 13.6 km to the highest point of the Montgrony mountain chain: the top of Costa Pubilla (2,056 m). Thanks to its isolated location, the mountain becomes a fantastic panoramic viewpoint of Catalonia and the great mountains of the eastern Pyrenees. The route offers beautiful landscapes and reveals an area full of history and legends. We will walk through the mythical Count Arnau's mountains and discover the legend of the knight Otger Cataló and the birth of Catalonia nation! Pick up time in Barcelona: 8:00 a.m. Activity starting time and place: 10:00 a.m. in Montgrony Sanctuary (Gombrèn) (127 km away from Barcelona). Activity duration: 8h approx. Arriving time in Barcelona: 8:00 p.m. Physical demands: High. This route is suitable for people with a good fitness level or used to long uphill walks. Total distance: 14 km Total ascent: 775m Personal gear: You must wear mountain clothing for the route: windbreaker jacket, warm and comfortable breathable clothes, long trousers, mountain boots, gloves and buff. For the rain: waterproof poncho/raincoat. For the sun: sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection and a cap. A proper mountain backpack. Recommended: telescopic walking sticks. Food: Picnic bag. #Summit #Flora&Fauna Activity price: 295 (fixed price, from 1 to 8 people). This price includes: VAT, guided tour in English (by a 1 to 3 people: 170 4 to 6 people: 215 7 or 8 people: 235 15
14. SNOWSHOEING EXPERIENCE IN PYRENEES This snowshoe hike makes us discover a quiet and beautiful place at the headwaters of the Ter river: Portella de Mantet. This border pass has been historically used for cross-border smugglers, bandits, and shepherds between Catalonia and France. A nice walk to enjoy the snow will bring us excellent ridge viewpoints such as Puig de Coma Ermada (2,492 m), the Puig de la Llosa (2,502 m) and Roca Colom (2,506m). We will go back via Portella de Morens, which will be a fun descent back to the starting point. If you visit Catalonia in the winter, do not miss this experience! Pick up time in Barcelona: 8:00 a.m. Activity starting time and place: 10:30 a.m. in the parking area of Vallter 2000 ski-resort (143 km away from Barcelona). Activity duration: 5h approx. Arriving time in Barcelona: 6:00 p.m. Physical demands: Medium. We will walk on rocky paths and there are some steep sections. Total distance: 7 km Total ascent: 350m Recommended time of the year: From January to April. Personal gear: You must wear outdoor clothing for the route: windbreaker jacket, warm and comfortable breathable clothes, long trousers, mountain boots with high cuff to protect the ankles, gloves and buff. For the rain: waterproof poncho/raincoat. For the sun: sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection and a cap. A proper mountain backpack. Food: Picnic bag. #Snow #Adventure #Summit Activity price: 350 (fixed price, from 1 to 8 people). This price includes: VAT, guided tour in English (by a certified mountain guide), snowshoes and sticks, and accident insurance for mountain activities. 1 to 3 people: 170 4 to 6 people: 215 7 or 8 people: 235 16
WHY WITH PYRENEES TRAILS? Because we believe hiking is one of the best ways to discover and experience our country! Because we talk about flora, fauna, geography, and history and we will tell you all the secrets of the country on our itineraries! Because thanks to our guidance you will not have to worry about the route, time management, or the difficulties that may arise. Because our team of mountain guides is synonymous of professionalism and passion for nature! Because we know the most spectacular landscapes and unknown magical corners! Because we care about every detail! Because we are at your disposal to design or customize any kind of hiking or mountain activity. Because we are in love with nature and our country! Because we want you to enjoy and have an unforgettable experience! 17
OUR TEAM OF GUIDES CARLES Nature is his passion and he is a great lover of wildlife, flora, and geology. Carles enjoys walking and tracking animal signs, like boar scratches and treads from foxes or deer. He is happy to discover quiet and charming places in such a globalized world. He is a certified mountain guide and joined Pyrenees Trails in 2014. Languages: English, Spanish and Catalan. ALBA Alba joined Pyrenees Trails in 2015 and she is the latest addition to the team. She is in love with mountains and nature and has been lucky enough to turn her passion into her profession. Her natural habitat are the Pyrenees and Catalonia, but she defines herself as a lover of all and any mountain! Alba is a certified mountain guide and interpreter guide of the Volcanic Natural Park of la Garrotxa. Languages: English, Spanish and Catalan. XAVI Founder and soul of Pyrenees Trails. The mountain and Xavi have always been two inseparable elements. This guiding company exists today thanks to his passion and tenacity. Xavi is a certified mountain guide and is responsible for designing and coordinating all the activities and tours. Languages: French, Spanish and Catalan. info@pyreneestrails.com www.pyreneestrails.com 18