HORSEBACK RIDES

Discovering The Highest Pyrenees

Photos

Duration

6 days

Route

20-26 km/day

Time on the road

6 to 7 hours/day

Group

2 to 8 people

Riding level

Upper-intermediate

Discover the highest mountains in Spain on horseback!

The Benasque Valley is surrounded by the highest peaks of peninsular Spain. Located in the province of Huesca (Aragón) and very close to the border with France, this beautiful place invites you to a unique adventure. Come and travel on horseback along old bridle paths through dreamlike landscapes.

Landscapes of the tour

The Benasque Valley (Aragon, Spain) is the place where the largest number of peaks over 3,000 meters are concentrated in the entire Pyrenees, so this equestrian route takes place through very varied high mountain landscapes, in addition to riding alongside several waterfalls.

We will continually cross the different altitudinal levels on horseback and see the following enclaves of special interest:

Three of the highest massifs in the Pyrenees: Posets, Perdiguero and Maladeta, crowned by Aneto (3,404 m.)
Other representative mountains of calcareous origin, such as the Chain of Chía and the Turbón Massif.
High mountain waterfalls.
Several towns of medieval origin: Anciles, Cerler, Sahún, among others, unique for their history, their medieval architecture and their way of life.
Estós Valley.

Duration: 8 days and 7 nights, 6 days on horseback

This equestrian tourism activity combines history, nature and adventure in a unique experience of 8 days and 7 nights, which include 6 days of horseback riding through the Benasque Valley.

This route is circular (displays a figure 8 circuit). At the end of each stage, the horses sleep in different points and the riders or horsewomen are picked up by a taxi and returned to the hotel each day over short distances (no more than 27 km). These transfers are included in the price.

From the historic town of Anciles to walks through mixed forests and alpine meadows, you will explore spectacular landscapes such as Pico Cerler, the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park or the Aneto massif. And you will discover Romanesque hermitages, medieval bridges and waterfalls in the Collado de Sahún, while you immerse yourself in the rich cultural tradition of the area. Get ready to live the best experience of your life!

Location and weather

The Benasque Valley is located 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, September and October.

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

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 horsemanship, 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 or rider cannot exceed 95 kg./210 lbs./15 st. Good physical condition is needed, because we ride around 6 hours a day for six days. At some points, we will walk alongside the horse.

Minors aged 14 and over can participate in the routes.

Accommodation and meals

During this route lodging will be at the Hotel Turpí, a very cozy and familiar hotel. It is located in the middle of a plain in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, with no other buildings around. It is an ideal place to enjoy the high mountain landscape during the day and contemplate the starry sky at night. Single rooms can be booked with a supplement of €180.

The meals during this equestrian route are based on the high mountain Mediterranean diet, with excellent meat. It is an abundant and assorted gastronomy (adaptable to allergies and/or other needs). Breakfasts consist of an open buffet at the Hotel Turpí. In the mornings, you will receive a bag that includes: a mid-morning snack, a homemade lunch in a tupperware, fruit and water. This bag is carried in the saddlebags and eaten in places with great views. Dinner is at the Hotel Turpí and includes house wine.

Airport transfers

Taxi transportation to the airport is optional and is not included in the price, nor 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.

The schedules are: