Ordesa Valley (Valle de Ordesa)

Discover the beauty of Ordesa Valley, the heart of the Pyrenees

The Ordesa Valley, located in the heart of the Pyrenees in Spain, is one of the most emblematic and visited areas of the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, and one of the first protected areas in Europe. Recognized as a World Heritage Site, this stunning landscape treasures an invaluable biodiversity.

History and Expansion of the National Park

The valley was declared a National Park on August 16, 1918, thus protecting 2,066 hectares of a vibrant landscape in the legendary Aragonese Sobrarbe. In 1982, the Park was expanded to include the Añisclo Canyon, the Escuaín Gorge, the Pineta Cirque, and the Monte Perdido Massif, covering a total of 15,608 hectares.

Hiking Routes in Ordesa Valley

There are numerous hiking routes that traverse this exceptional natural space. Two of the most classic ones are:

Horse’s Tail (La Cola de Caballo)

The excursion to the Cola de Caballo, a spectacular waterfall located at the end of the Ordesa Valley, is a classic hike that combines green meadows, dense forests, babbling rivers, and a rugged backdrop. The route is suitable for all ages and takes approximately two hours to reach the waterfall from the Ordesa meadow.

From Torla to Pineta Meadow by Turieto Bajo

Another beautiful route is the old path that connects Torla with Ordesa, which allows you to enjoy the natural scenery of the valley even before reaching the prairie. The route is easy and shaded, and it takes about three hours to complete.

Information and Access to the Valley

At the Torla Visitor Center and the Ordesa Meadow Information Point, you can obtain information about these and other hiking routes suitable for your level of difficulty. The Ordesa Meadow has regulated parking that cannot be accessed during summer or Easter. During those dates, it is possible to leave your vehicle in Torla and take a bus to the Ordesa Meadow.

The Natural and Geological Beauty of the Valley

The Ordesa Valley is an exceptional testament to erosive activity and glacial modeling, with cirques and cliffs that reflect its limestone nature. In addition, the diversity of its flora and fauna, such as beech and wild pine forests, and the presence of the Arazas River with its waterfalls and cascades, make this place a true paradise for nature lovers.

A Mosaic of Landscapes and Biodiversity

The Ordesa Valley presents itself as a colorful mosaic of landscapes and environments, where relief, colors, materials, and vegetation stand out. Here, birds, mammals like the chamois, rocks, flowers like the rhododendron, and rivers like the Arazas coexist harmoniously. Further up the valley, nature becomes more austere, with stone deserts and silence, where the chamois reigns in open spaces.

A Dream That Invites You to Return

Visiting the Ordesa Valley is letting yourself be amazed by the imposing natural sculptures of its walls and cliffs, such as the Tozal del Mallo, which remind us of the strength and beauty of the geological world. The majesty of this landscape invites us to dream of returning and enjoying the thrill of not leaving.
The Ordesa Valley is a natural treasure that offers us an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Pyrenees. Its landscapes, hiking routes, and biodiversity make this place a must-visit destination for those who want to immerse themselves in nature and discover its wonders.

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