HORSEBACK RIDES

Kingdom of Aneto

Photos

Duration

4 days

Route

20-26 km/day

Time on the road

6 to 7 hours/day

Group

4 to 8 people

Riding level

Upper-intermediate

Explore on horseback the Aneto, a jewel of the Pyrenees!

We invite you to ride like never before through the most spectacular landscapes of the Aragonese Pyrenees: cross ancient glaciers and immerse yourself in the magic of the medieval towns of this unique region.

Landscapes of the ride

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.)
Valleys of Estós, Ardonés and Vallibierna.
Other representative mountains of calcareous origin, such as the Chain of Chía.
High mountain lakes and waterfalls.
Several towns of medieval origin: Anciles and Sahún, among others, unique for their history, their medieval architecture and their way of life.

Duration: 1, 2, 3 or 4 day on horseback

This equestrian tourism activity lasts 4 days, although there is the option of hiring it on individual days or with a shorter duration, 1, 2 or 3 days.

This ride is radial. At the end of each stage, the horses will sleep in Anima Equi. But at the beginning of each day we will be in charge of transferring them to the best starting points to be able to make routes that allow you to enjoy them to the fullest. The riders are picked up by a taxi and returned to Anciles every day over short distances (no more than 19 km). These transfers are included in the price.

From the charming town of Sahún, we will go on horseback through alpine meadows, waterfalls and mixed forests to Collado de Sahún (2,025 m). We will ride through the Estós Valley, surrounded by glacial landscapes, meadows, the mountains of Perdiguero and the mountain lakes of Batisielles. We will approach the historic Portillón of Benasque (2,444 m), the gateway to France and the heart of the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park. And we will culminate the adventure in the Ardonés valley, where we will ascend to enjoy an unknown and spectacular viewpoint that offers a unique view of the summit of Aneto, the highest in the Pyrenees.

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, 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 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 meals

Lodging for this route is not included in the price. For accommodation, we recommend Casa Mingot, a 16th century manor house with a fortified tower, which is part of the characteristic group of manor houses in the town of Anciles. It offers tourist apartments for 2 and 4 people.

Meals are not included during this equestrian route. If the accommodation is at Casa Mingot, we can offer an extra service with a pack of breakfasts, snacks and lunches.

Airport transfers

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

From €840 /pers.