On horseback in the Pyrenees, from Andorra to Catalonia.
A horseback trail ride in Spain, in the central Pyrenees from Andorra to Catalonia, 6 days on horseback ! This ride is perfect for nature lovers. 2 nights under the stars, 5 nights in bedrooms. You cross three passes on horseback at an altitude of more than 2500 meters. Magnificent views of the Andorran, Spanish and French Pyrenees ! In Andorra, you cross a fairytale landscape, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Travel on horseback in harmony with nature and live an unforgettable experience !
HORSEBACK TRAIL RIDE IN THE SPANISH PYRENEES
INDICATIVE ITINERARY *
Day 1 : Arrival. After transfer from Barcelona airport, you spend the first night in an old farmhouse, in the valley of a village in the Pyrenees. You will meet your riding companions in the middle of this magnificent mountain paradise. Ideal site to start your trail ride through the Pyrenees ! You meet your guide over a delicious dinner in a warm setting.
Day 2: “Little Mongolia”. In the morning, after a briefing, you saddle your horse. On horseback, you pass through an old mining village and through dense boxwood forests. During the day, spectacular climbs over endless mountain pastures await you! You encounter cattle herds and mountain horses that look at you, curiously at the sound of their bells. Above you: vultures and eagles. Their immense scale is incredible! Once at the top, you discover a magnificent panoramic view in four directions: to the north rise the three thousand meter high peaks, to the west the imposing mountains of the pre-Pyrenees, to the east the view extends to the Mediterranean coast, to the south, the extraordinary mountain range of Montserrat. Delighted with this magnificent landscape reminiscent of Mongolia, you descend into the valley. Through moss-covered forests: the ground absorbs the sound of horses' hooves. In the evening you reach your accommodation: a charming mountain hotel.
Day 3: Chamois in the Mongrony Massif. On the way, you emerge from the shadow of the forest to reach the wide open spaces of the mountain. You observe the silhouettes of chamois on the horizon, jumping over rocks. Today you have plenty of opportunities to trot and canter uphill, until you finally reach the mountain crest. A beautiful view ! This evening, you sleep in a cabin. The sunset over the surrounding rocky mountains is a unique natural spectacle. After a tasty dinner prepared by your hosts, you lie down comfortably in the cabin.
Day 4: Sierra Cadi - Cerdanya Plateau. At sunrise, you leave the camp. In the morning atmosphere, you cross the Moixeró natural park. You arrive at a mountain refuge, and recharge your batteries with a snack and a cold drink. As you descend, you will see the impressive Cerdanya plateau, before cantering to the picnic area with views of the Sierra de Cadí. This evening, you are hosted “luxuriously”. In a pretty natural stone village: comfortable rooms with hot showers await you. Tasty dinner.
Day 5: Land of the Cathars. You ride at high speed, through the lush plains of Cerdanya. The numerous meadows and grain fields offer the opportunity to trot and gallop. Crossing the River Ter, the horses struggle against the water. You are entering the land of the Cathars. In an enchanting Pyrenean valley, you set up camp. The turquoise “pools” of the torrent invite you to swim and relax in the great outdoors. At the top of a rock: the ruins of a Cathar castle. The castle reminds you of the old days. The horses peacefully enjoy the green grass of the high mountains. In this atmosphere, you can rest and contemplate a sparkling starry sky before falling asleep.
Day 6: In Andorra. Today you leave for a difficult climb towards Andorra. It's an exciting day where you go for two days independently with everything on the horses ! You are largely rewarded for the effort of the climb: the view is unique ! Here you are at an altitude of 2500 m ! The horses graze in a pretty meadow by the river, while you dip your toes in the stream and enjoy the soothing and refreshing water! In the evening you reach a beautiful place in the middle of the high Pyrenees, where you set up camp. You prepare a hearty dinner from the saddlebags and rest, while the alpine cow bells spread their soothing sound around you.
Day 7: The High Pyrenees of Andorra. On horseback through magnificent mountain meadows and river valleys, you watch for marmots. After a few difficult climbs, you reach the pass and the highest point of your horseback journey: At an altitude of 2600 m! A spectacular view of the Serra de Cadí and the highest mountain in Catalonia, the Pica d'Estats. You descend carefully through this enchanting landscape to a mountain lake. You have reached your destination in Catalonia! At a guesthouse, you enjoy a well-deserved hot shower and a farewell dinner, during which you review your superb ride.
Day 8: End after breakfast and transfer to Barcelona airport.
* The program is indicative, it may be modified in the event of meteorological or other imponderable circumstances.
MEETING:
Day 1 (Sunday) late afternoon. Paid transfer from Barcelona at 5:30 p.m.
DEPARTURE:
Day 8 (Sunday) after breakfast. Paid transfer to Barcelona (flights after 2:30 p.m.).
TRANSFERS:
Barcelona Airport: 75 € per transfer per person = 150 € return.
Transfers are payable locally in cash.
CAR RENTAL:
We recommend car rental, which is particularly cheap in Spain, on the website: www.autoeurope.fr
LEVEL & CONDITIONS:
You must be comfortable at the three paces outdoors (walk, trot and canter), autonomously riding on sometimes difficult trails (being able to dismount and mount the horse alone easily on both sides), in good physical condition. Some passages must be done while walking with horse in hand. From 16 years old. Maximum weight: 85 kg.
RYTHM:
Up to 8 hours riding per day. The paces are adapted to the terrain: at a walk, a little trot, and a few canters when the terrain and relief allow it.
SUPERVISION:
Local guide speaking French, English, Spanish.
GROUPS:
4 to 7 riders + the guide.
HORSES:
Spanish breed horses and crossbreeds suitable for mountain riding. Horses have a good life ! They are raised in a natural setting in herds. They are selected for their temperament suitable for trail riding. They're balanced and sure-footed.
TACK:
Comfortable touring saddles, specially designed for long distances at walk, trot and canter ! Together with the saddler "Hidalgo", the facility has developed the perfect trail riding saddle: very comfortable for horse and rider and safe. The saddle pads are handmade with the best materials, such as medical "anti-pressure material", which provides ideal conditions for the horses back. Saddle bags are provided for all riders.
ACCOMMODATION:
4 nights in a double room with shower and toilet, including 1 night with a shared shower and toilet. 1 night in a cabin with shared bathrooms. 2 nights camping under tents.
MEALS:
Breakfasts are typically Spanish: hot drink / fruit juice / bread, butter, jam, honey / cereals, and often: cheese and cold meats ... depending on the accommodation.
Dinners are taken at the guest tables of the lodges or in typical Catalan restaurants, taken from the bags and prepared by you and by the team on the camps. Local cuisine, varied and refined. Wine is included with meals.
Lunch: picnics are taken in the saddlebags or brought by vehicle by an assistant (depending on access).
Special diets can be adapted by specifying this when booking.
2025 PRICE / PER PERSON:
In 2 person bedrooms & tents: 3990 €
Single bedroom & tent supplement *: 40 € per night
Picnics & lunches: 330 € to pay cash locally
Airport transfers from/to Barcelona or Girona: 75 € per transfer per person = 150 € return.
Transfers are payable locally in cash.
Booking fees: 15 €
* Single bedrooms/tents cannot always be guaranteed even though reserved. If a room/tent for 1 person has been confirmed and is ultimately not available: refund of the supplement guaranteed.
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Horse and tack rental, guide, accommodation, dinners and breakfasts, drinks wine and water) during meals, itinerary transfers, luggage transfers, the financial bond for your payments by our travel agent guarantee.
THE PRICE DOESN'T INCLUDE:
Individual insurance, lunches (180 € to pay cash locally), drinks out of meals and not included (sodas, hot drinks, aperitives) visits, tips, the trip to get to the meeting point and leave from the separation point, the last day transfer to your vehicle if you come by car (75 € to pay cash locally), booking fees (15€ / person), all that is not indicated in "THE PRICE INCLUDES".
INSURANCE:
A civil liability and travel insurance (assistance/repatriation) is compulsory. A cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
A payment by credit card can make you benefit from its possible insurance (check your contract).
We offer to Europe Union, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway residents: the Chapka insurances.
Cap Security: full insurance with cancellation. Cap Cancellation: cancellation only.
See prices - See information
FLIGHTS :
Flights are not included because it is more interesting to book directly your ticket: a transport package included is generally more expensive with agency commissions. However, we are at your disposal to help you find the best prices or to offer you a flight included package on request (free service).