Hut-to-Hut Trekking in the Pyrenees

I had an absolutely wonderful time hiking in the Pyrenees. The people were amazing and Irene and Jose were wonderful guides. Even with some slight mishaps, I wouldn't trade the experience and it was easy to keep my spirits up with all the great company, gorgeous scenery, and burpy livestock around. It was also (for someone new to hiking in Europe), fun to get exposure to the cultures and camaraderie of the huts on both the Spanish and French sides of the border.

A word of warning though - the hike is challenging, and though the description said "technical experience not required" I would guess that it's a plus, because beyond the physical challenge (long uphills and downhills) there were some very steep, scrambly sections and a few areas that required use of chains etc. , with dizzying heights at play. So confidence in those kinds of situations will make your trip more enjoyable.

It's a great trip. The guides are great, the route is interesting, is well balanced and all the organisation of huts and food etc is seamless. There are moments of great achievement and exhilaration, as well as the chance to lose yourself in the solitude of the mountains (no cell reception - what a gift!)

It is tough! Some context to this - in terms of exertion, it felt like running 10-15km every day, six days in a row. No one day feels overwhelming, but it mounts up. You will probably pick up blisters and bruises along the way, so you'll definitely feel it. As long as you're in reasonable physical shape, it really becomes a test of mental strength - you will need to walk, eat and sleep at altitude and then get up at 6am, sometimes without having showered and do it all over again. Which, of course, some of us find a fun challenge. We had a good supportive group which really helped keep going.

There are a few testing parts, but if you've been in the mountains before you won't have a problem with. You will need a head for heights, and if you have confidence in descending on loose slopes then that's a great help. You won't need crampons or any specialised climbing or mountaineering experience. Other than that it's really just a question of putting one foot in front of the other until someone puts some lentils in front of you for dinner.

I wouldn't recommend this for anyone's first trip into the mountains or multi day hiking, but if you've done a reasonably vigorous 3-4 day trip you'll enjoy this one.

Last point - there was vegan food at every stop (thanks to our guides again). I had a back up meal just in case but didn't use it (and of course snacks, which I did).

You will also meet a bunch of cows and sheep, which is always nice

I've never done a multi day trek before this. I was quizzed on my general abilities and then given a green light.

When we met up with the guides we quickly found out that they didn't have a group that completed the trip as a whole (up until us). So do consider your endurance when booking this one. Having said this - there are no via ferratas, ice climbs, it's pure walking, but a lot of it. Stamina and fitness are required.

The scenery and the terrain are diverse and always changing, so there won't be a moment when you're bored. The views are amazing. Huts really vary, from 4 to 30 people sleeping rooms, from hot showers with no time limit, to no showers at all. Most of the days we had options for packed lunch from the huts, so that saved some weight in the bags. The guides adjusted the routes and the plans well where they needed since parts were flooded due to the heavy rainfall the previous week.

My body was not loving this by the last day, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.

This experience is very challenging but so rewarding. You will work for the views and incredible sense of accomplishment as you summit remarkable peaks in the Pyrenees while hiking to remote mountain huts for this majestic and ultra-remote experience.

Physical & Technical Recommendations: Good physical health, good equipment (light bag and hiking shoes/boots, layers), and some mountaineering experience (elevation, heights, steep climbs, rocky terrain) will be helpful. You will hike 10-20 KM per day across various terrains in elevation. Good physical health and confidence are needed as the guides will help advise on pathways for walking/climbing. There are Class 3 rock scrambles and boulders in conditions that can change (wind, rain, and even snow in the early parts of the season. Respect the mountains :)

Accommodation/Food: You will stay in mountain huts, but keep in mind the services are limited in the mountains which are typical and expected in mountaineering. Dinner is typically a first-course soup or stew and a main (usually a starch and protein). Breakfast is probably the most limited, especially for those Americans or Brits who are used to larger breakfasts, instead, expect cold cereals, toast/butter, cold cuts, etc. Some lunches are provided, but be prepared to pack for lunch/snack you will carry

Guides & Admin: Simply stated, but Jose and Irene are amazing. The communication, preparation, patience, and fun made this trip a bucket list experience. They helped provide guidance and recommendations to ensure everyone was safe and comfortable, and overall the energy was good. They are also very passionate and deeply knowledgeable -- their level of passion and respect for the Pyrenees mountains and Spain made this a forever memorable experience.

Travel/Getting There: For those flying internationally or those Americans/Canadians, keep in mind the trains are a great option to get around Europe. Fly to Madrid and take the train to Zaragoza is the best option! I also spent a week after the trek in Spain (In Valencia) and the trains are the easiest option to get around. Use the Renfe app or Rail Ninja to check schedules and buy tickets.

The organization, knowledge, and experience provided by MBA and the local guides (Jose and Irene) were so impressive that I have already decided to trek the Picos next year!

I absolutely loved my week in the Pyrenees for this hut to hut trek. The guides Irene and Jose were wonderful, they really enhanced the experience with all their mountain knowledge and sense of humour, as well as helping me get through some of the trickier sections that I probably wouldn’t have managed alone. The scenery is incredible and there’s a lot of variety from rocky high mountain areas to forests and rivers. This was my second MBA trip and again the group experience was brilliant, it was great to be with 10 like-minded solo travellers. Being the first group so far to complete the trek all together was a good feeling. The trek is definitely tough and I think the description is accurate about the amount of exposure and steep ascents/descents to tackle. I probably wouldn’t suggest this as a first hut to hut trip, but would definitely recommend for anyone with multi-day hiking experience and a good level of fitness. There was one steep section I found very difficult due to the exposure but both the guides and the group were extremely patient, I was very grateful for that. There are alternatives to some of the more exposed sections that are used if the conditions aren’t safe and I felt very confident in the guides’ decision making. We were lucky with the weather as it was cool and mostly dry in September, but in heat I think some of the ascents would have been more challenging. Communication from the guides before the trip was helpful as we had a weather update and some suggested alterations to the kit list due to cooler temperatures. I found it useful having waterproof trousers that could be put on and off easily for extra wind protection when it got chilly. The huts are fairly basic but warm and friendly with plenty of food provided, all except two had warm showers. Room sizes range from 4 to 30 people so chances are there will be snoring, ear plugs can be a sleep-saver! Highly recommended trip and absolutely worth 5 stars.

This was my favorite adventure trip ever. Six days on the trail with a great group of people, all solo travelers, and our amazing guides, Irene and Jose. This trail demands a lot but also rewards you with incredible beauty. Strongly recommend this trip to anyone who loves a challenge. Be prepared to hike long distances and with a lot of ascent and descent for six days.

Great experience and adventure! Highly recommend!!

It was an outstanding adventure. Highly recommend!! Fantastic treck, difficult, worth the effort. Over 6500 meters of elevation gain, with world class views and landscape.

I just completed the hike in the end of August 2024, and while it was an unforgettable experience, it's crucial to emphasize that this trek is not for unexperienced hikers. The route is rated as tough for its reasons and requires a good level of fitness, sure-footedness, and well-broken-in hiking boots/trail running shoes. Packing light is essential, as the terrain can be demanding, and some scrambling is involved.

Engaging in some endurance sports beforehand would be highly beneficial, as the trek involves significant elevation changes, often in a single stretch – which can be tough on the knees, ankles or feet 🐾

That said, the spirits were high throughout our trip, thanks to all the incredible individuals in our group, the best possible weather, and our amazing guides 🙌

Mai and Alejandro were fun, kind, knowledgeable and passionate about the region – providing expert insights into everything from geology to local flora and fauna, which made the journey even more enriching 🌱🪨🦅

If you're an experienced hiker looking for a refreshing alternative to the Alps, the Pyrenees offer a simpler infrastructure and a less-touched, rugged beauty that is truly special. I´d been to the Pyrenees before and I will for sure be back!

Go if you're well-prepared for the challenge! 🙌

It was tough but this was part of the trip & I loved it. The guides were wonderful and Irene kept everything to plan and spot on timing per the daily briefing. Glad I did it before I got may be a bit older & benefited from having a great group. I would recommend anyone to do the trip and have a stopover in Zaragoza too.

This is trip was a challenge the 4 of us had prepared for. An unforgettable week of views in generally good weather conditions. The excellent group leader and her assistant ensured we were safe at all times and provided clear guidance whenever there were challenges (if required) hence, personal fears and endurance were all smoothly navigated through. To note: ensure you pack everything listed on the kit list, you WILL need it all.

A challenging Trek which was so rewarding. Arrive with some hiking experience and a resilient mindset and you will have the time of your life! Our guides (Irene and Mai) were supportive throughout ensuring a safe trip for all.

What an wonderful experience this trek was. It was everything it said it was; challenging both mentally and physically in stunning terrain that changed every day- do not underestimate the terrain! The guides, Irene and Mai, were the stars of the show, always supportive, so kind and very knowledgeable. We felt very safe with them. We were a multinational group with a wide spread of ages yet we all felt one team as we trekked around this stunning National Park. We had fun and laughed so much 😃. Thank you for the memories of a perfect week.

I enjoyed this hike so much! Everyday was different, views looked like postcards and I loved the huts we stayed in. Days were long sometimes but the hard work was definitely worth it. Most of all, our guides Irene and Mai were the best; they really made this trip an unforgettable experience. I would love to come back to the Pyrenees in the future:)

A stunning route, challenging but incredibly rewarding, and really thanks to the best guides I have ever walked with- Ernesto and Txetxu absolute professionals and I am so grateful to have met them both :)

The trip was absolutely amazing! The guides were experienced and friendly! The trip was tough as advertised and as expected so it was a great sense of achievement to complete it. The views were unbelievable! I had a fantastic time. Thank you so much!

Hiking the "High Route of the Lost" was an amazing experience with phenomenal views. Each day was unique as the route takes you up mountains, through forests, and across valleys. It's very physically demanding and perfect for anyone looking to challenge themselves with long days of hiking and significant elevation gains. The guides were great and helped contribute to what was an incredible week in the mountains.

We are delighted to have chosen the 100 km Hut-to-hut route in the Pyrenees. Well organised logistics and easy communication. We were eight people and met fellow himers who are passionate about the mountains. The Pyrenees is definately our discovery! The route was difficult and unfortunately made even more difficult by the high temperature (at 2100 m about +38 degrees C). But all the difficulties were compensated by the exceptional views! We would love to come back and explore other routes!

What an amazing week!

This challenging hiking route is beautiful and rewarding. Our guides were fantastic and I learned a lot from them.

From peaceful green valleys, rocky mountain crests, waterfals and blue water streams...this route is diverse in landscape and every day there is something different.

The hike is tough so good physical condition is advised :)