HORSEBACK RIDES

Benasque under the stars

Duration

2 days

Route

22-24 km/day

Time on the road

6 to 7 hours/day

Group

4 to 8 people (contact us for other options)

Riding level

Upper-intermediate

Ride through Benasque on horseback and camp in its alpine meadows

Live an immersive experience in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees with this two-day equestrian route. Explore the breathtaking nature of the Benasque Valley on horseback and enjoy an exciting night of camping under its vast sky full of stars.

Read more
Characteristics of the equestrian route

Landscapes of the ride

The Benasque Valley (Aragón, Spain) is home to the highest concentration of peaks over 3,000 meters in the entire Pyrenees, making this equestrian route a journey through varied high-mountain landscapes.

We will continuously ride through different altitudinal zones and encounter the following remarkable sites:

  • Three of the highest massifs in the Pyrenees: Posets, Perdiguero, and Maladeta, crowned by Aneto (3,404 meters).
  • The lateral valleys of Ardonés, Ampriu, and Vallibierna.
  • High-mountain lakes.
  • Ardonés waterfall.
  • Camping in alpine meadows.
  • Medieval villages: Anciles and Cerler, known for their history, medieval architecture, and way of life.

Duration: 2 days on horseback 

This equestrian tourism activity combines adventure, nature, and a deep connection with horses. It is a unique experience lasting 2 days with one night of camping.

This is a circular route. We will begin our journey in the medieval village of Anciles, home to Anima Equi. We will cross the mixed forest known as Selba de Ansils, ride through black pine forests, and camp with the horses in the high mountain meadows for the night. The next day, we will ascend to a viewpoint of Aneto and the Maladeta Massif. Finally, we will descend toward Cerler and finish the route in Anciles.

Ride through forests of ash, oak, and black pine, cross ancient mining sites and enjoy the Ardonés waterfall. Spend a night camping under the stars, ascend on horseback to a secret viewpoint, and be amazed by spectacular views of Aneto and the Maladeta Massif. Come to the Pyrenees and connect deeply with nature!

Location and weather

The Benasque Valley is in the northeast of Spain, in the province of Huesca, within the autonomous community of Aragon. It is located in the heart of the Pyrenees, very close to the border with France. It is part of the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, a protected area that is home to some of the highest mountains in the Pyrenees. It is located about 3.5 hours by car from Barcelona, ​​2 hours by car from Zaragoza and 2 hours from the French town of Luchon.

As for the weather, it is usually sunny, with mild and very pleasant temperatures in contrast to the center and south of Spain, since we are in a high mountain environment. In the summertime the temperature is warm during the day, but cool at night. In autumn and spring the temperature is mild, although in the morning and at night it is lower. In high mountains you must be prepared for sudden changes in weather.

Season and languages

This equestrian route can be booked in the months of June, July, August and September.

Guide available for Spanish, Catalan, English and French speakers.

Information for riders

Horses and equipment

Our horses are Pure Spanish breed (PRE) and crossbred. They are very safe in the high mountains. They always live in semi-freedom and are used to difficult terrain, so they are reliable and have a lot of resistance. They are able to cross rivers and navigate difficult trails with ease.

Our horses love being outdoors and human company, and are trained in the English style. We use English cable ties and hackamores. The saddles are English-type gait, designed to guarantee the comfort of both the rider and the horse. Each horse carries saddlebags so that the rider can transport his personal equipment.

Route pace

The terrain determines the pace of this equestrian route. Every day we will face important slopes that will allow us to cross very different landscapes and enjoy impressive views. We will do most of it at the walk, but we will also trot and gallop.

Riding level and maximum weight

The riders participating in this route need a medium-high level of horse riding, they must have control of the horse and be used to riding outdoors. The ideal is that they control the three airs in the open field.

The maximum weight of the rider cannot exceed 95 kg./210 lbs./15 st. Good physical condition is needed, because we ride around 6 hours a day. At some points, we will walk alongside the horse.

Minors aged 14 and over can participate in the routes.

Accommodation and Transport

Lodging and meals

After the first day of the route, we will sleep in a tent carried by the horses. If the load exceeds the recommended weight for the horse, we will add another mount to the expedition to help carry the rest of the equipment, as well as food for the riders and horses.

This packhorse will be led by the pack guide. Meals are not included in this route and must be coordinated with the guide to ensure a balanced distribution over the two days. Tents, sleeping bags, mats, and other camping equipment are also not included in the price.

This route requires the collaboration of riders in the daily preparation of the camp and equipment, as well as in the cleaning and loading of the horses. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, there is an option to hire —at an additional cost— a logistics service that will transport a camp, set up the tent, prepare meals, and provide a hot water shower.

Airport transfers

Taxi transport to the airport is optional and not included in the price, nor is the cost of the flight. All transfers are centralized from Barcelona Airport.

The price is €235 (round trip) with a minimum of 2 passengers. The journey takes 3.5 hours.

Route itinerary:

Day 1
Day 2

Important information for your adventure

How to book the route?
What services does the price include?
What services are not included?
What do I need to bring with me?
Tips for sustainable travel