ESTANY ROUTE OF SANT MAURICI AND ELS ENCANTATS: EASY LEVEL

hotelencantats
Apr 26
3 min read

The Estany de Sant Maurici is, without a doubt, the most iconic lake in the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. Surrounded by imposing mountains and easily accessible for all ages, it's the ideal starting point for exploring one of the most beautiful areas of the Pyrenees.

How to get to the Estany de Sant Maurici?

To begin your adventure, you must first arrive at the Prat de Pierró parking lot , where you can leave your car for free. From there, you have two options:

On foot : A pleasant walk of about 45-50 minutes to the Estany de Sant Maurici.
By 4x4 taxi : If you prefer to save energy, you can hire a licensed taxi from Espot, right in front of the hotel. The return trip is €11.50 per person. Taxis will drop you off next to the information booth, right next to the lake.

Whatever your choice, we guarantee that the journey is worth it.

Estany de Sant Maurici and Els Encantats

Once you reach the lake, you'll find yourself facing an unforgettable landscape: a vast lake over 1,000 meters long, guarded by the peaks of Els Encantats , which rise majestically to over 2,700 meters above sea level.

If you're traveling with people with reduced mobility, you'll find an adapted wooden walkway, allowing wheelchair users to navigate the first few meters.

From here, you can start hiking trails of different levels. If you prefer a leisurely hike, exploring the lake and enjoying the views of Els Encantats will be more than enough. If you're up for a bit more walking, there are several options.

Easy route: Ratera Waterfall and Mirador del Estany

Ratera Waterfall : Just a 30-minute walk from the lake, you'll reach one of the park's most beautiful waterfalls, where the water cascades down several 100-meter waterfalls. From this area, you'll have a great view of the Estany de Sant Maurici and Els Encantats.
Estany de Ratera : Following a well-marked trail and after a moderate climb of 20-30 minutes, you will reach Estany de Ratera, a beautiful lake surrounded by forests and mountains.
Mirador del Estany : To complete the route without too much difficulty, you can detour to the Mirador de l'Estany de Sant Maurici, just 1 km from Estany de Ratera. From there, you'll have a privileged view of the lake, ideal for photography enthusiasts.

These routes are ideal for those looking for a relaxing day surrounded by nature.

For the more adventurous: to the Refugi i Estany d'Amitges

If you're in good physical condition and up for adventure, you can continue ascending from Estany de Ratera toward Refugio d'Amitges . The climb takes about 45 minutes more, with more challenging and rocky sections, but the views upon arrival are absolutely breathtaking.

At the refuge, located at 2,380 meters above sea level , you can rest, have a drink at the bar-restaurant, or even stay overnight if you want to explore further the next day. From here, just a few steps away, you'll reach the Estany d'Amitges , dominated by the famous Agulles d'Amitges , two rocky spires that rise spectacularly above the landscape.

If you still have energy, you can continue the route to nearby lakes such as Estany de la Munyidera or Estany dels Barbs , and complete a truly unforgettable excursion.

Optional: Estany de les Obagues de Ratera

On the way down, if you want to discover a lesser-known but beautiful spot, you can take a detour to Estany de les Obagues de Ratera . This small lake, surrounded by meadows and small streams, is one of the most photogenic in the area.

Remember: Swimming in the park's lakes is prohibited, and it's very important not to leave waste or disturb the natural environment.

Practical route information

Total distance : Between 9 km and 12.5 km (depending on the chosen route).
Duration : Approximately 3h to 5h 15' (+ breaks).
Difficulty : Easy to moderate.
Elevation : Up to 459 meters.
Altitude : Between 1,900 m and 2,380 m.
Recommended season : From June to October.
Starting point : Prat de Pierró parking lot or 4x4 taxi stop at Estany de Sant Maurici.

Final tips

Bring hiking shoes and plenty of water.
Use sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
Book a taxi if you're traveling during peak season.
Bring some warm clothing, even in summer: at 2,000 meters above sea level it can get quite chilly.