Pyrenees hiking trail: Overpass the Coll of Contraix

Introduction to the Adventure

Overpass the Coll of Contraix is a Pyrenees hiking trail that allows you to achieve personal milestones and brings great satisfaction.

For many, overpassing the Coll of Contraix in Aigüestortes National Park, Pyrenees, Spain, stands as a remarkable goal.

This ascent highlights the trek between the Ventosa i Calvell and Estany Llong mountain huts.

On the fifth day of my Aiguestortes hiking tour, I lead the group toward the Coll of Contraix. For more details, please access here.

Previous days are crucial for bonding with participants and assessing their readiness for this challenging climb.

Conversations often revolve around the mythical Coll of Contraix, especially from those we encounter who have trekked it before.

Our day starts early at Refugio Ventosa, which serves the best breakfast among the park’s huts.

This mountain hut sits at the valley’s start, and our journey begins by descending to the stream feeding Lac Negre.

Initially, it seems there’s no exit, but after walking about 3km, an ascent path becomes visible.

The direct ascent of 300m to the 2745m altitude of the Coll of Contraix is intense.

The hike from Ventosa i Calvell to the coll spans approximately 4km and involves a 600m elevation gain.

Along the way, we pass the trail to Punta Alta, the park’s highest peak at 3014m. One day, I hope to summit it with participants.

The route is strewn with stone blocks, challenging our balance—a familiar scenario from previous days.

The trail steepens as we approach the coll. Walking uphill on gravel proves tricky, but soon, our steps become firmer, and we pull ourselves upward.

Breathing intensifies as the coll draws nearer.

Finally, we reach the top, arms raised in triumph, celebrating a seemingly impossible achievement.

We enjoy a picnic, saving some for later after more challenges have passed.

The descent to Contraix Lake is no more straightforward than the ascent.

Carefully, we navigate the zigzagging path to the lake.

The remaining walk to our destination, the Estany Llong Refuge, is less demanding but equally picturesque.

The landscape resembles scenes from Swiss chocolate packages, with the constant sound of water and a majestic waterfall.

As we descend, the clanging of cowbells replaces the waterfall’s sound.

Cows graze peacefully on the path, requiring us to navigate around them.

Their presence is a serene reminder of the area’s natural beauty.

The Estany Llong refuge becomes visible half an hour before arrival, bringing mixed feelings of relief and irritation.

Yet, patience leads us there.

Completing the most challenging day of the Aiguestortes tour, covering 9.5km with 830m climbs and 1050m descents in 7 to 8 hours, feels triumphant.

Tired but satisfied, we toast to our success at dinner.

Overpassing the Coll of Contraix is an extraordinary accomplishment.

For those seeking adventure, consider staying at a hotel in San Sebastian to extend your Pyrenees experience.

This journey exemplifies living well, celebrating nature, and achieving personal goals.

Should this adventure or another from my lineup interest you, please contact me via my travel agency, Iberactive.

Stay safe, have a great time, and always respect nature.

Have fun,
David Monteiro