Day 5 at Aigüestortes National Park: Best hikes in the Pyrenees
Embark on one of the best hikes in the Pyrenees (Spain) with an ascent of the Coll of Contraix, a highlight in the trekking tour between Refugio Ventosa i Calvell and Refugio d’Estany Llong in Aigüestortes National Park.
Preparing for the Challenge
On the fifth day of our trekking adventure, we face the legendary Coll of Contraix.
Before starting this hike, it’s essential to assess each hiker’s readiness to tackle this demanding ascent.
With a length of 9.5km, a walking time of 9 hours, an elevation gain of 900m, and an elevation loss of 1100m, this hike is not for the faint-hearted.
Setting Off Early
Our day begins early with a hearty buffet breakfast at the Ventosa i Calvell mountain hut, renowned for serving the best breakfast among the park huts.
By 7:00 am, we’re fueled up and ready to start.
The hike starts with a descent to a creek and a counterintuitive direction away from Lac Negre, leading us toward our first climb.
The Ascent to Coll of Contraix
As we hike 3km into the valley, the exit becomes clear—300m of a steep climb to the 2745m-high Coll of Contraix.
The route, totaling 4km with 600m of ascent, presents a daunting yet exhilarating challenge.
Along the way, we pass a detour to Punta Alta, the park’s highest peak at 3014m, hinting at future adventures.
Navigating the Rough Terrain
The path grows steeper, demanding our full attention as we navigate large stone blocks and loose gravel.
Previous days have prepared us for this, but each step requires balance and determination.
Depending on recent weather, we might encounter snow or ice, adding an extra layer of difficulty. Equipped with necessary gear, we press on.
Reaching the Summit
The final stretch to the coll is almost vertical, requiring us to use hands and feet to climb.
Without needing ropes, we reach the top and celebrate our achievement, sharing a well-deserved picnic.
The view from Coll of Contraix is breathtaking, a reward for our hard work and a memorable highlight of one of the best hikes in the Pyrenees.
Descending to Lake Contraix
Our journey continues with a challenging zigzag descent to Lake Contraix.
The path requires careful navigation, but the stunning scenery and the sound of cascading waterfalls make it worthwhile.
As we approach the d’Estany Llong mountain hut, the sight of cows grazing peacefully adds to the serene atmosphere.
Triumph at d’Estany Llong
Arriving at the mountain hut after 9 hours and 9.5km, with 900m ascents and 1100m descents, we feel a mix of exhaustion and triumph.
Overcoming the day’s challenges fosters a deep bond among us.
We toast to our success, enjoying the camaraderie and the satisfaction that comes from conquering one of the best hikes in the Pyrenees.
In the days to come, this shared experience will strengthen our group, leaving us with lasting memories of our adventure in the Spanish Pyrenees.
Join me
For this adventure or any other from my repertoire, you can contact me via my travel agency, Iberactive.
Stay safe, enjoy your adventures, and show respect for nature.
David Monteiro