Hut to Hut Hiking Pyrenees: Andorra, Spain, France; Three Nations

Andorra, Spain, France: Hut to Hut Hiking Pyrenees, Three Nations (5-day, 4-night)

Andorra, Spain, France: Hut to Hut Hiking Pyrenees, Three Nations. This hut to hut hiking trip covers all three countries that make up the Pyrenees. It is a difficult route and should only be attempted by experienced hikers. We start in Andorra, then make our way into Spain, then into France and return to Andorra during five intense and amazing days of hiking in the high Pyrenees.

Visiting three different countries in five days allows you to experience the differences and similarities between these countries, their cultures, and gastronomy. We will also summit the highest peak in Andorra and the highest peak in the Cataluña region of Spain. This is a challenging hike but you will be rewarded with incredible scenery in this region of the high Pyrenees. The entire time in Spain and France we will be in protected natural parks. About half the time in Andorra we will also be in protected natural parks. Thus, the scenery, the wildlife, and the beauty of the areas that we visit are all of high importance biologically, culturally, and historically.

Andorra, Spain, France: Hut to Hut Hiking Pyrenees, Three Nations: The Trip

This 5-day 4-night excursion takes in some of the most impressive areas of all the natural parks in this region. Our route leads us through Andorra, then into Spain, then to France, and finally back to Andorra. The first day we start in Andorra but sleep in Spain. Before crossing the border we can attempt to summit Andorra's highest peak! The second day we can attempt to summit the highest peak in Spain's Cataluña region. It makes up the border between Spain and France. Afterwards, we head into France and sleep at a lovely French hut with exquisite French mountain cuisine. The third day we stay in France all day enjoying this side of the Pyrenees. We will sleep in another French hut. The fourth day we cross the border back into Andorra and stay at an Andorran hut which is located in yet another protected natural park. Finally, the fifth day we hike back to our starting point, spending the whole day in Andorra and completing an incredible loop encompassing three countries during five days!

Duration: 5 days, 4 nights

Next Dates: July 1 - September 30, 2022 (dates may vary depending on conditions and availability)

• Certified mountain guide: Spanish Mountain Guides Association (AEGM) and Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA). Native English, fluent Spanish
• Planning and logistics
• 4 nights accommodation in mountain huts (Day 1-4). We will stay at a different hut each night. Day 1 in Spain, Days 2-3 in France, Day 4 in Andorra.
• Food is provided at the huts. This includes: 4 dinners (Day 1-4), 4 breakfasts (Day 2-5), and 4 picnic lunches (Day 2-5).
• Liability Insurance during the activity
• Accident Insurance during the activity
• Basic First Aid Kit

• Transportation to and from the start/finish point
• Breakfast and lunch on Day 1 and dinner and lodging on Day 5
• Drinks in the huts (beer, wine, soda)
• International Travel Insurance (highly recommended).  See links below for more information.
  • Global Rescue
  • Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance

Parking (Andorra, 09:00) - Hut 1 (Spain)

Distance: 15km

Elevation gain: 1400m

Elevation loss: 1100m

Time: 10-11hr

Hut 1 (Spain) -  Hut 2 (France)

Distance: 11km

Elevation gain: 1200m

Elevation loss: 900m

Time: 10-11hr

Hut 2 (France) - Hut 3 (France)

Distance: 18km

Elevation gain: 1700m

Elevation loss: 1600m

Time: 12-14hr

Hut 3 (France) -  Hut 4 (Andorra)

Distance: 13km

Elevation gain: 1200m

Elevation loss: 1700m

Time: 10-11hr

• A positive attitude and desire to hike in the mountains! This is an active vacation so be ready to move your body, feel the excitement, and visit some extraordinary places!
• Each person must be capable of hiking for extended periods (10-12hr per day) and be accustomed to spending extended time (5 days) in mountainous alpine terrain. This means that we will be hiking over varied terrain during 5 consecutive days in the mountains and possibly in varying weather conditions. One day may be sunny and hot but the next day could be cold and wet. It is possible that this type of scenario could occur on the same day.
• Each participant must be prepared for changing weather conditions and variations in terrain.
• A high level of physical and mental fitness is necessary for this trip. Previous high mountain hiking experience is necessary.

The following is a list of personal material that each participant should bring. A complete list of material specific to this trip will be provided before the start of your trip.

• Waterproof/Goretex hiking/trekking boots with rubber soles (i.e. Vibram). High top or medium top boots are recommended. Please break in your boots before this hike! Nothing can put a damper on a multi-day hike like a blister on Day 1!
• Appropriate clothing for outdoor adventures in the mountains. Dress in layers, like an onion. The 3-layer system is important and should definitely be utilized on our multi-day hike. Base layer: synthetic thermal clothing to wick away perspiration and keep you dry. Middle layer: fleece jacket to maintain body heat. Outer layer: waterproof/windproof shell to protect against the elements.
• Long pants (recommended that they are water resistant)
• Long sleeve shirt (recommended that it is water resistant)
• Comfortable socks
• Backpack to carry all your personal gear. Ideally 30-40L capacity. Pack light and do not bring more than is absolutely necessary! Aim for < 10kg.
• Water bottle(s)/Camelback, etc. Minimum 1L.
• Personal medication
• Sun glasses, sun screen SPF 30+, sun hat, lip balm
• Light sleeping bag or sleeping sheet (the huts have blankets but you can bring your own if you want)
• Headlamp
• Hiking poles (recommended)
• Binoculars (optional)

• This Hut to Hut Trip is customizable to fit your schedule, energy, fitness, or desire. That means that we can lengthen or shorten it depending on what you want.
• Lengthen your trip! Can't get enough of the beautiful Pyrenees and want more days of hiking? Add them on! Tell us how many days you'd like to hike and we can design a trip to your desires.
• Shorten your trip! Not up for five days of hiking? No problem, we can design your trip for 4 days and 3 nights, or 3 days and 2 nights, or even 2 days and 1 night. Let us know what you want and we will make it happen.
• Hut to Hut Hiking Tour of Andorra. Do you want to spend time only in Andorra? We can set up a multi-day hut to hut hiking tour just in Andorra. Ask us about this option and we can put together a 7-day hut trip in Andorra. Of course we can add days on to visit Spain and France if you'd like!
• Backcountry hiking with bivouacs! Would you rather rough it in the mountains? Find your own secluded place to sleep in the mountains, prepare your own meals with basic utensils, and make a bivouac? We also do these types of backcountry hiking trips in the Pyrenees. Contact us for more information and we will design a trip for you!
• Non-serviced hut trip. There are several non-serviced huts in and around Andorra that can be used on a first come first serve basis. Contact us to plan a non-serviced hut trip in the Pyrenees. This type of trip is in between the luxury of huts and the roughness of tent camping or setting up a bivouac. On this type of trip, the shelter is there but you still need to prepare your own food and bring a sleeping pad and sleeping bag.
• Do you want more adventure in or around Andorra? Combine this trip with several other activities such as rock climbing, via ferrata, or canyoning. There are several places to enjoy these activities in Andorra or in other parts of the Pyrenees. Take a look at our Adventures Pyrenees section for more ideas.