Hiking route: Collada de la Maiana

Ruta de Senderisme: Collada de la Maiana

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Distance

15,73 km

Level

Difficult

Height difference

+1.190 m / -1.190 m

The Maiana route is one of the most spectacular circular excursions in the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley. It passes through Entremesaigües, the Perafita refuge and the Collada de la Maiana mountain pass, with the option of taking a slight detour to visit Lake Nou and enjoying some unique views of the valley landscapes. On the descent you’ll pass the Fontverd refuge and Ràmio, a group of perfectly preserved typical Andorran bordes (refuges).

The start of the route is at the 1 km mark along the Carretera de la Plana road, in the parish of Escaldes-Engordany (42° 30' 15",01° 33' 3"). The route begins by going along a cobblestone path that goes up along the lower part of the Madriu Valley and takes you to the group of refuges known as the Bordes d’Englosaters. From there, take the path to the right and cross the Madriu River. Continue along the GR 11 until you reach the Perafita plain and in the refuge of the same name.

If you’re feeling energetic, at this point you can take a small detour to visit Lake Nou, located 1 km south, taking the same path there and back. If not, continue on the GRP to the Collada de la Maiana pass where one of the most impressive panoramic views of the route can be enjoyed. Having passed the Pas de les Vaques, you’ll start to descend through the forests, alpine meadows and rivers to the stone hut known as the Cabana de l'Estall Serrer, and continuing eastbound you’ll go along the GR routes until you get to the Fontverd refuge. From there, follow the GR route along a pleasant path which runs parallel to the Madriu River towards the Ràmio and Entremesaigües bordes. Here, continue the descent along the Camí de la Muntanya path, which takes you directly the Plana Bridge and back to the starting point.

For your safety, we recommend you do the routes at altitudes of over 1,700 metres between the end of June and the end of September. However, if the weather and terrain conditions allow it, the season may extend from May to October.

You will find further details of this and other routes in the Hiking guide Trails of Andorra.

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