- Enjoy a thrilling bike ride down some of the best mountains trails in Andorra, including the historic Iron Route. Wild evergreen slopes and white peaks offer a spectacular backdrop
- Hold on tight for some exhilarating white-water rafting through the Pyrenees, under the supervision of highly experienced guides
- Explore the quaint town of Soldeu, based at an impressive elevation of 1,710 metres above sea level
- Cycle along the scenic trails of Port de Cabus, the mountain pass on the Pyrenees Andorran-Spanish border
- Get the blood pumping, as you zip-line between the trees and over some rope obstacles in the beautiful set up of Cortals Valley.
- Trek through the stunning Siscaro reserve, keeping an eye out for native flora and fauna along the way
- Practice you language skills. Most people in Andorra speak Catalan, Spanish and French, but if you can't remember your fromage from your queso or your chapeaux from your sombreros, don’t worry, English is widely spoken om Andorra
Prepare for some thrilling adventures during this action-packed week in the Pyrenees. Nestled between France and Spain, Andorra’s beautiful surrounding landscape provides thrillseekers with a setting for some serious adrenalin-fuelled fun. Hike up mountains, cycle through valleys, whitewater raft, zip-line and more in this small yet stunning European adventure land.
3,121 Intrepid Travel Travel Reviews & Ratings
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
98% Recommend
C
Carl
The trip was excellent. September 2015
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Operator Intrepid Travel
K
Kate
Great fellow travellers and brilliant guides! September 2015
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Operator Intrepid Travel
S
Sarag
I am not a typical package tour September 2015
- Value 4.0
- Guide 4.0
- Activities 4.0
- Lodging 4.0
- Transportation 4.0
- Meals 4.0
Operator Intrepid Travel
R
Russell
The trip was well organized and ran September 2015
- Value 4.0
- Guide 4.0
- Activities 4.0
- Lodging 4.0
- Transportation 4.0
- Meals 4.0
Operator Intrepid Travel
UP
Uncle Porkchop
Outstanding experience! A few tips and thoughts on Barcelona to Rome. April 2017
- Value 3.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 3.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Just a couple thoughts on this particular trip:
- Bring a suitcase! Don't buy the hype and strap a big old backpack to yourself. You'll regret it (trust me). A suitcase is easier and quicker to pack than a backpack. True, many streets in older areas of European cities have cobblestones. If your suitcase has wheels, you're probably ok on these streets and sidewalks. The trek between train station and hotel can be quite a haul in some instances. As long as you can safely carry your luggage up and down a flight of about 30 stairs and lift it above your head on occasion to store it in the train, you're fine. If you can't lift and/or carry your suitcase for these short distances, you have either packed too much stuff or you just might not be in shape to make this trip. We had a group of 10 travelers and 8 brought suitcases. Hauling a loaded backpack up and down train station stairs and from station to hotel and back was way more effort than it was worth.
- Don't be afraid to sample the local cuisine (sometimes). Following local customs and eating local dishes is part of why you travel. That being said, there is a reason some of these traditional dishes haven't become worldwide sensations. Some of them just aren't that great. It's hard to know what you'll enjoy ahead of time, but trust your gut and try things you wouldn't normally try at home. Just don't be shocked if, every once in awhile, you don't ask for seconds.
- Wear comfortable shoes! We're not talking about shoes that are soft and comfy while walking around the house. We're talking shoes that can keep your feet intact while walking uneven surfaces and pounding those previously mentioned cobblestone streets and sidewalks for extended distances and periods of time every single day. Imagine a strenuous 7-8km hike in the mountains over rocks of all shapes and sizes. Now imagine walking your ever-loving backside off through town the very next day, and every day after that. You absolutely need shoes that will hold up to a lot of walking. I would advise bringing two pair of shoes for this trip. Better yet, get yourself used to walking long distances in your shoes of choice prior to the trip. You'll be glad you did.
- European bandaids suck. Bring your own. You will end up with a blister, or ten. If you don't bring your own adhesive bandages, you will not enjoy the outcome.
- Bring an extra t-shirt or two, a couple extra pairs of underwear, and enough socks to last until the apocalypse. There are opportunities to have your laundry washed while on this trip but you really don't want to run short of the essentials. I also found time to sneak off to a laundromat for an hour. You don't want to be the stinky one in the group. :)
- The stars of the trip for me, supply-wise: Febreze, an awesome travel adapter with 4 USB ports, a lightweight day pack, a travel wallet that attached securely to my belt, my own soap, and earplugs.
- Things I wish I had brought with me: a couple washcloths (You won't find any in these hotels), another pair of shorts, more bandaids, and a wheeled suitcase.
- Oh, I almost forgot. Get your phone/data situation figured out ahead of time. If your cellular provider offers coverage while you're in Europe for a somewhat reasonable cost, take advantage of it. If not, make certain to plan ahead and locate a reputable big-name cell service provider store as soon as your arrive. 15-20 bucks will get you a couple GB of data. Wifi is available in your hotel but you need data to use Google Maps. You need Google Maps. Trust me on this one. Download the areas you will be visiting for offline use before your trip. If you don't know how to do this, search the internet. Do not try to navigate any of these cities without some assistance. You will get lost. Guaranteed.
That's about it, I think. All in all, awesome trip! If you are lucky enough to have Adrian as your tour leader, enjoy! Your group plays a huge role in how much you enjoy this trip. Make sure you contribute positively to the group. Make friends. Go out of your way to make sure others have a good trip as well. Try new things. Enjoy the tremendous scenery. Know your limits but be willing to push them here and there. Good luck and safe travels!
Operator Intrepid Travel
Day 1 Soldeu, Andorra
Welcome to Andorra! There's a complimentary group transfer from the airport in Toulouse to your hotel. For more information about timing and meeting point details please see the 'Joining Point Instructions' in the trip notes. Situated on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees, Andorra is squashed between France and Spain. Although small, Andorra is blessed with some of the finest scenery in the Pyrenees and is a great base for an active week in the mountains. Make sure you get plenty of rest tonight, as tomorrow your adventure begins.
Day 2 Siscaro Reserve - Soldeu
This morning take your first excursion into Andorra's mountains. It's a 10-minute drive to Grau Roig at the base of the stunning Circ de Pessons in Siscaro reserve. Starting at 2000 metres above sea level, climb 200 metres to the central of the region's 13 small lakes. At this height, spectacular views can be enjoyed across the Andorran peaks. The rest of the day is a gradual descent back down. This is a great way to ease yourself into trekking and to acclimatise to the altitude. Keep your eyes open for native flora and fauna, such as the griffon vulture, which can often be seen soaring overhead. As you cross the Soldeu ski fields you'll be able to appreciate the steepness of a World Cup black run. From here the descent is more rapid, and the path brings you right into the heart of Soldeu. You'll arrive back at the hotel between 3 and 4 pm, giving you a chance to relax in the sun, explore the village or visit a neighbouring hotel’s spa centre.
Day 3 Soldeu - Cortals Valley - Zip wiring
Today’s full day of activities takes place in the stunningly beautiful Cortals Valley, about 30-minute drive away from our hotel. Up at the top of the valley you jump on the bikes for a 6 km descent of switch backs with little or no traffic enjoying incredible views. You will then enjoy easy riding on the only flat off road track in Andorra leading to the Engolasters Lake. Around the lake there are plenty of fun tracks to be taken and you normally have the choice between an easy flat track and a more exciting path through the woods. At the other end of the lake is the zip wiring and tree top centre. After a short briefing, you climb up into the trees and then cross the area by mostly zip lines and some rope obstacles. This is designed to be accessible to all and not too high but then there is an optional area with rope swings and a zip line ridden on a snowboard (these are optional and at an extra cost). After a picnic lunch by the lake you get back on the bikes and take a single track route into the forest to a fun bike park so you can hone your skills on a bit more technical riding or if you don’t fancy it just watch the others trying. At the end of the day there is a 10km road descent with plenty of switch backs down to the capital Andorra la Vella and then return by vehicle to Soldeu.
Day 4 Soldeu - White Water Rafting
Crossing the Andorran border into Spain today, encounter different scenery and a more Mediterranean feel. Drive along a mountain pass of the Port de Canto to a height just below 2000 metres. Your adventure begins at a white water rafting centre (where there are changing facilities). An ability to swim is essential for this activity. Once kitted out with paddles, helmets, buoyancy aids and wetsuits, local guides will lead you on an exhilarating 14-kilometre white water rafting experience. The rivers around Sort have different grades of rapids (up to class III) and are rated in the top five in the world for safety and enjoyment. After drying off, there'll be some time to relax in the bar or by the pool at the centre, before returning by vehicle to Soldeu.
Day 5 Soldeu - Free Day
Today you are free to choose from the many optional activities available in Andorra. You may decide to go fishing or visit the thermal baths of La Caldea. If you have a good head for heights, you can try your hand at Via Ferrata climbing or canyoning. There are plenty more opportunities for walking and mountain biking, or you might simply like to relax, enjoy the sunshine or go duty free shopping.
Day 6 Soldeu - The Iron Route
After being issued with a helmet and a mountain bike, your guides will brief you on mountain biking and give you an opportunity to practice at the hotel. Afterwards, take a 40-minute transfer to the picturesque Ordino Valley. Begin your mountain biking decent at El Serrat, which is the start of Andorra's old iron route. Easy-going off-road tracks take you past old iron mines, mills and forges, finishing in the village of Ordino. The wide dirt tracks are car-free. Though the ground might be a bit rough in places, only basic mountain biking and good normal cycling skills are needed. After a rest and refreshment in the village, get back in the vehicle and head up to the Col de Beixalis (1,800 metres above sea level). Jump on your bike and take a thrilling seven-kilometre off road descent into Encamp. From here, it's a 15-minute drive back to the hotel. You should arrive between 4 and 5 pm. Note: Throughout the day there will be full vehicle support, so if you'd prefer not to bike, you can walk and/or ride in the vehicle.
Day 7 Soldeu - Walk
Take a short walk into the Incles Valley, where today’s hike begins. Walk along a single track through forested mountain slopes, keeping an eye out for pine forest plants, flowers and rhododendrons in June, wild fruit in mid summer and mushrooms in September. It's common to see groups of thickset mountain horses grazing on the high slopes. Continue your climb up to the Cabana Sorda Lake, which sits below an impressive amphitheatre of rock at 2300 metres above sea level. Stop here for lunch. Eager walkers can hike up to the peak (around 2600 metres) to enjoy amazing bird’s eye views of the valley. After lunch, descend through thick woodland into the valley and head back to town on foot.
Day 8 Soldeu
Today your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. You are free to depart at any time. If you'd like to take our complimentary group transfer to Toulouse Airport, please advise us at the time of booking. It will be an early morning transfer to Toulouse Airport and you will arrive at approximately 9 am.
Finish point
- Hotel Roc de Sant Miquel
- Carretera General
- Soldeu
- 851 079
- ANDORRA
- Phone: +376 346 791
Trip ID#: intrepid-AAXS
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