The Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, located in the heart of the Pyrenees in Huesca, was declared as National Park by the Government in 1918. It was extended to the current 15,608 hectares in 1982.
The park is formed by four valleys (Ordesa, Pineta, Añisclo and Escuaín) and the calcareous massif of Las Tres Sorores.
This one is at the same time formed by the hills Cilindro, Añisclo and the famous Monte Perdido (at 3,35 m, it is the highest point in the park).
Each of these valleys has its own characteristics, therefore it is a territory with great natural diversity. Thus, there you will find the rough Escuaín Gorges, the huge breach of Añisclo Canyon, the natural beauty of the circo de Pineta or the picturesque vignette of the Ordesa valley. This is the area with the best access and the highest visitor rate.
Vegetation and fauna
The Ordesa Park has a wide range of vegetal and animal species. The pine groves of scots pines, black pines, silver firs, beech trees or Portuguese oaks cohabit with several flower species such as the famous edelweiss.
In terms of fauna, there are several specimen of bearded vultures, golden eagles, capercaillies, Eurasian eagle-owls, barn owls, wildboars, chamoises and marmots. Marmots have a strong presence in the vicinity of the Cola de Caballo.
Hiking and how to get there
From the village of Torla there is an entrance to the meadow of Ordesa. It is usually the started point of the most popular route among the visitors. It follows the riverbed of Aranzas river, continuing by the Gradas de Soaso to the waterfall known as Cola de Caballo.
From Cola de Caballo the orography is rougher, so it is just recommended for the most prepared visitors.
Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park can be accessed from various points of interest. The most popular are Bielsa, Fanlo and Torla. A less frequented option is to go to Escalona, from where the road starts to the valleys of Añisclo and Escuaín.
Those who want to enter through the Pineta valley can consider the comfortable Bielsa as a place to eat. Those who choose the Ordesa valley should eat in the old stronghold of Torla.
During peak season (Holy Week, summer and bank holidays during Pilar festival), the access to the Ordesa Valley is only done by bus that came from Torla regularly. There is also in the village a large free car parking.
Furthermore, during this time of the year, the access road to Añisclo becomes a one-way entrance.
Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park | calafellvalo
Recommendations on where to eat and where to sleep around
La Pradera de Ordesa Coffee shop – Restaurant.
In Bielsa
Pineta restaurant
Bielsa hotel & restaurant
Valle de Pineta restaurant
La Fuen restaurant
In Broto
Pradas Ordesa restaurant
Las Endrinas restaurant
El Perdido bar & restaurant
Arazas restaurant
In Escalona
Revestido restaurant
In Laspuña
Casa Sidora restaurant
Alter&Nativa restaurant
In Sarvisé
Casa Frauca restaurant
In Torla
El Duende restaurant
La Brecha restaurant
Asador la Cocinilla restaurant
A’Borda Samper restaurant
Góriz refuge
In Bielsa
Parador de Bielsa
Bielsa hotel
Valle de Pineta hotel
Pochetas holiday cottages
Bielsa camping
Pineta camping
In Broto
Sorrosal hotel
Pradas hotel
La Posada hotel
El Mirador hotel
In Escalona
Cinca hotel
Revestido hotel
Casa Patricio hotel
In Fanlo
La Era de Satué holiday cottages
Pedro y Lourdes holiday cottages
In Laspuña
Casa Sidora hostel
Casa Cleto holiday cottages
Casa Sallán holiday cottages
In Oto
Oto camping
In Sarvisé
Hotel Casa Frauca hotel
Hotel Viña Oliván hotel
Casa Gallán holiday cottages
In Torla
Abetos hotel
Bujaruelo hotel
Ordesa hotel
Villa Russell hotel
Ordesa camping
Valle de Bujaruelo camping
San Antón camping
Baby carrier backpacks rental
Active tourism Aguas Blancas (Aínsa)
Active tourism Sports EKM (Aínsa)
Mountain guides Esquiruelo (Bielsa)
Ordiso active tourism (Biescas)
Casteret Explora active tourism (Broto)
Aventuras Pirenaicas active tourism (Broto)
Solomonte active tourism (Escalona)
Casa Blas horseback riding (Sarvisé)
Sarvisé horseback riding (Sarvisé)
Compañía de Guías de Torla mountain guides (Torla)
El Parador Visitor Center . Km 5 from Torla to the National Park. Torla. Huesca. Spain. Phone: +34 974 486 421. GPS coordinates 42º 39′ 16.66″ N – 0º 5′ 48.7″ W
El Molino o “Casa de la Bruja” Visitor Center (Tella. GPS coordinates 42º 34′ 28.4″ N – 0º 10′ 59.89″ E)
La Pradera information point (Pradera de Ordesa. GPS coordinates 42º 38′ 57.91″ N – 0º 3′ 36.33″ W)
Escalona information point (Carretera A-138, entrance of Valle de Añisclo)
Bielsa information point. Plaza España s/n. Bielsa. Huesca. Spain. Phone: +34 974 501 043. GPS coordinates 42º 38′ 0.32″ N – 0º 13′ 4.86″ E.
