Anyone familiar with the Aran Valley has likely heard of Montardo Peak. And if you haven’t, you should! This is one of the most famous peaks in the region—an impressive mountain that attracts hikers from all over the world. It is not particularly difficult to reach, and most of its hiking routes are suitable for everyone. Moreover, the ascent can be done at any time of the year, except during periods of severe weather.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Montardo Peak in the Aran Valley. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be picturing yourself on your next adventure, enjoying breathtaking landscapes and pure nature.
How to get to the Montardo Peak
There are several options for ascending Montardo Peak, and further down, we will explain two of them in detail. For now, we’ll guide you on how to reach the starting point of each route.
Route 1: From Arties to Montardo
To start this route, you’ll need to reach the Pont deth Ressec car park. The drive from Arties to Montardo takes around 10 minutes, as Arties is the nearest village. If you’re coming from Baqueira-Beret, the journey takes less than half an hour.
Route 2: From Cavallers to Montardo
If you choose the route connecting Cavallers to Montardo Peak, you’ll want to head to the Cavallers Reservoir car park, which is just over an hour from Arties and around an hour and a half from Baqueira. This reservoir is part of the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, a stunning location well worth a visit—which is why we’ve dedicated an entire article to it!
Routes and trails for the ascent to Montardo
Now, let’s dive into the two main routes that will take you to the summit of this almost mystical mountain.
Route from Arties to Montardo
A circular route covering 23 kilometres, with an elevation gain of over 1,500 metres, takes approximately 9 hours for the round trip. While the distance requires good physical fitness, the route itself is not technically difficult.
As mentioned earlier, it starts at Pont deth Ressec, then ascends to Restanca Lake, continues to Cap deth Port Lake, reaches the Coll de Crestada, and finally climbs to 2,700 metres above sea level—needless to say, the views are absolutely breathtaking.
Route from Cavallers to Montardo
Our second suggestion is a shorter route, covering 19 kilometres with an estimated time of 5 hours. It is suitable for hikers of all levels, provided they have good physical fitness.
The route starts at the Cavallers Reservoir car park and begins with an ascent to the dam, which must be circled to reach the Planell de Riumalo. From there, you cross the bridge and continue towards Llastres de la Morta and Petit Lake. The path then leads to Travessani and Clot Lakes, which you will walk around before reaching Corte de Oelhascretada. Finally, you pass by Monjes Lake before making the final ascent to Montardo. Are you up for the challenge?
Montardo Peak is a mountain that is as accessible as it is spectacular, and it’s well worth a visit at any time of the year. You’ll encounter hikers of all ages and experience levels, all sharing the joy of breathing fresh mountain air, far from the cities and everyday stress.
What to see at Montardo and its surroundings
We know you’re eager to see Montardo, but there’s so much more to explore in this region. Here are some highlights to help you make the most of your trip, adding even more to your adventure beyond this impressive mountain.
Arties
This charming village in the Aran Valley offers all the essential services to ensure you have everything you need for a perfect holiday. You’ll find electric car chargers, restaurants, shops, and a variety of activities available year-round. Since Arties is close to Montardo, it can be a great option for your accommodation.
The lakes and views
On Montardo Peak, you’ll come across many lakes, such as El Cap deth Port and Estanh de Rius, which add to the stunning scenery along your route. Crystal-clear (and cold) waters surrounded by mountains and forests create unforgettable landscapes that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Baqueira-Beret
The world-famous Baqueira-Beret ski resort is relatively close to Montardo Peak and offers perfect conditions for skiers, snowboarders, hikers, 4×4 enthusiasts, and snowmobile riders, among others.
For something special, we recommend a panoramic flight over the Aran Valley or a dog sledging excursion. In summer, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy, with the opportunity to explore areas that are inaccessible during the snowy season.
National park d'Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici
This is one of the most impressive national parks in the region and the country, which is why we highly recommend it. Here, you’ll find a variety of hiking trails for all levels, stunning lakes, and unique flora and fauna. Visiting this park is an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting, positive impression on all who explore it.
Experience the adventure of climbing Montardo Peak
Hiking Montardo Peak and immersing yourself in pure nature is an experience we highly recommend. Exploring the villages of the Aran Valley and enjoying snow sports in Baqueira-Beret is just as exciting. You can do all of this on your next trip to the Pyrenees! Come and discover high-altitude lakes, stroll through lush forests, and take in some of the most breathtaking views imaginable.
But first, take a look at the accommodation options available at Toti Aran: luxury apartments, houses, and chalets with all the comforts you need to enjoy the mountains and the snow, including fireplaces, saunas, terraces, and many located close to the ski slopes. The Aran Valley is a paradise—come and experience it for yourself!
