Activities in the Val d'Aran

For general information on activities in the Val d'Aran please look up
http://torisme.aran.org/

HIKING
Route: Porcingles, Canejan, Pontaut
Approx. time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Low
Off-level: 100
Description: This excursion constitutes a step back in time and follows the roads used as the main route by smugglers and the workers on the Liat mines. The magnificent viewpoint located on the old road from Porcingles to Canejan with Era Lana de Les and the Maladeta Massif in the background, contrasts with the shady woods of the Toran Valley, with impressive beech groves below forests of black pine trees, sheltered by the Montlude (2.518 m). The route follows the GR-211. The red and white markers indicate the route to be followed by visitors.

Route: Vielha, Santa Gemma, Vilac, Betlan, Vila ,Aubèrt, Gausac, Vielha
Approx. time: 3,30 hours
Difficulty: Low
Off-level: 200
Description: Heading off along the Vilac road from Vielha, some of the small villages scattered throughout the county of Marcatosa can be visited. A walk through the surrounding woods allows visitors to relive the legend of Mandrònius, the good-natured giant. The locals say that the giant used to live in Betlan and that he was killed in one of the battles against the Romans who had invaded the valley. There are even people who affirm that the 3-meter-skeleton found in Garòs are the bones of Mandrònius. Paths weave their way through fields and forests of deciduous trees and meander their way through fertile land and villages rich in culture and tradition. The Bèusa road leads back to Vielha, skirting the lower edge of the forest.

Route: Beret, Montgarri, Beret
Approx. time: 3 to 4 hours
Difficulty: Average
Off-level: 200
Description: The route proposed starts at the Pla de Beret, follows the course of the river Noguera Pallaresa, and crosses the high mountain pasture area. As it looses elevation, it penetrates the forest of black pines. As you pass by the thatched house in ruins Es de Cabau, you will be reminded of the last inhabitants of this area who where forced to abandon it due to the ensuing hardship, during the sixties. The arrival at the Santuari de Montgarri is spectacularly beautiful. Situated between meadows and forests, on the bank of the peaceful river Noguera Pallaresa, it engulfs you with absolute tranquillity. You will find two huts where you can dine and even spend the night.

ROMANESQUE ROUTE
This is a cultural activity that allows you to visit the most prestigious Romanesque churches of the Val d'Aran. Stroll with us through the medieval villages and towns of Les and Bossóst of the Lower Aran valley (Baix Aran), the capital Vielha in the Mig Aran and Salardú, Tredós and Arties in the Upper Aran valley. On the way back you have a chance to look at two gorgeous Brown bears that live in a small zoological garden in Arties.

Approx. time: 5 hours

VISIT TO THE NATIONAL PARK OF SAN MAURICI-AIGUESTORTES BY JEEP
AND TO THE ROMANESQUE CHURCHES OF THE VALLEY OF BOI
This daytrip starts in the village of Boi where you will receive an introduction to the fauna and flora of the national park. We will continue our trip in Landrovers to Planell de Sant Esperit from where we will hike to the most interesting sites like the meanders of the Pla de la Molina and the famous Estany Long (Long lake). Next to the lake we will have a small picknick. On our way back we have the opportunity to visit one of the most famous Romanesque churches of the Pyrenees, Sant Climent in the village of Taull. The church dating back from the 11th century has been declared Human Heritage by UNESCO in the year 2000.

Approx. time: 3 hours in the park. Total activity: all day long

+ information http://www.gencat.net/mediamb/pn/aparcs.htm
                   http://oliba.uoc.edu/boi/portal/index_en.html

HORSEBACK RIDING
Horseback outings are a spectacular way of enjoying nature, travelling through scenery of great beauty in total peace and quiet. The Aran Valley offers magnificent possibilities for discovering the mountains on horseback in the company of a monitor who will guide you along the tracks and paths. You may rent horses from the Escuela de Equitación in Vielha or consult us on other possible excursions.

Approx. time: 1 or 2 hours

MOUNTAIN BIKING (BTT)
The Aran Valley is a privileged place for BTT. No matter how fit you may or not be, you will find the right outing for your needs. The network of forest tracks, roads and paths opens up a very wide range of possibilities, both for those that wish to enjoy nature without having to overcome major difficulties, or for the most demanding riders interested in difficult routes, long climbs and sloping terrain.
There are about seven different guided routes of more than a 100 km. Please find below 2 examples:

Ruta del Camino Real
Along the river Garona you will bike through medieval villages and lush forests. Following an ancient comercial route, this track goes most of the time downhill which makes it ideal for families and anyone who wants to take it easy. Since you get to know some of the typical villages the "Camino Real" is also great for newcomers to the valley.

Approx. time: 2 hours, the whole activity takes about half a day

The following route is only recomendable for BTT-experts.

Route: Bossòst, Mina Margalida, Bassa d'Arres, Arres de Sus, Arres de Jos, Benós N , Arró, Era Bòrdeta, Pònt deth Pas deth Lop, Pònt de Hèr, Bossòst
Approx. time: 5 to 6 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
Off-level: 1000
Description: The excursión will start and end in the little town of Bossóst from where you will bike out to discover some of the beautiful villages of the Lairissa county. For this tour the participants have to be in excellent physical conditions because there is a fairly high difference of level to overcome. The path downhill from Arres a Era Bordeta requires a good control of the bike. Gorgeous views over the Lower Aran Valley and to the Maladeta mountain range. The Bassa d'Arres is an idyllic place to rest.

+ information www.deportur.com

FISHING
Fishing is one of the oldest activities, and has later become a hobby and popular sport in the Aran Valley for many years. In the past this sport helped to cover part of the food requirements of the inhabitants of the area. The Aran Valley is the angler's paradise, thanks to the richness of its rivers, reservoirs and high mountain lakes, where most types of fishing are available. The angler has all the facilities in the world for practising his or her sport, and can easily secure daily fishing permits in the authorised establishments. You can even eat the day's catch of trout in the evening, as some hotels and restaurants offer their clients this service. Fishing in the Aran Valley is totally controlled and regulated to prevent overcrowding or the catching of undersized fish in order to guarantee the survival and sustainability of the river fauna.

RAFTING
The river Garona has technical qualities and a beauty that make it very appealing for water sports, such as canoeing, rafting, hydrospeed, and downstream canoeing. The stretches of the Garona where the different activities can be carried out are:

1st stretch: LES-PONT DE REI
This stretch is approximately 9 km long. The departure point is Cledes, next to the village of Les and goes, as far as Pont de Rei, on the French border. At the beginning of this stretch we will be skipping over the waves until we reach a calmer area, and then on to a rapid section in the centre of the village of Les. We will then descend through a natural chute to another choppy area. This route is easier than the first stretch, although it is no less exciting and diverse.

Approx. time: 1h 10 min downstream, the whole activity takes half a day

2nd stretch: ES BORDES-BOSSÒST
This stretch is approximately 8 km long. The descent traverses areas of smooth rapids, jumps, natural chutes and a magnificent canyon where the passengers will experience incomparable sensations until they reach the village of Bossòst, where the route ends.

Approx. time: 1h 30 min downstream, the whole activity takes half a day

+ information www.deportur.com

CANYONING
For this kind of sport swimming skills are required. This beautiful canon along the river of Bausen with its exuberant vegetation is ideal for beginners (from 12 years on). After leaving the car we take a short walk to the entrance of the canon. There you will enjoy jumping into the water, going down natural slides and climbing down along ropes.

Approx. time: 1h 30 min, the whole activity takes half a day

+ information www.altisportaventura.com

ROCK CLIMBING
Only 30 minutes from Vielha, on the borderline to France, you will find this fantastic climbing wall of Fronsac with 12 different routes from 10 to 35 meters long and difficulties of III. grade (average) to VI. grade (very difficult).
The rock of Luchon is located next to the French Spa of the same name. Here you will find 20 different routes up to 40 meters long and with difficulties of III. grade (average) to VI. grade (very difficult).

The whole activity takes half a day

QUADS AND OFF-ROAD
The Aran Valley treasures a large number of totally signposted and marked forest tracks. Some are asphalted and can be accessed by saloon cars, whereas others are for 4x4, quads or motorbikes only. The speed limit is 30 km/h and organised groups of more than 4 vehicles are not allowed. Different companies rent out vehicles and guides, although perhaps the best idea is to use the mountain taxis, as they know the paths and tracks like the back of their hand. Outings on quads (4-wheel vehicles, a sort of cross between motorbike and landrover, and easy to drive) can be arranged in a forest track or in closed circuits where the beginner can get started in this activity in the utmost safety. All excursions are monitored by a guide who knows the terrain, and who will take you to the best parts of the mountain routes. You will need a driving licence for cars (b1).

Approx. time: 1,30 to 2 hours

+ information www.deportur.com