Aigüestortes: Lakes & Peaks from Madrid
This 3-night hiking trip from Madrid takes you deep into the heart of Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, a jewel of the Catalan Pyrenees. You'll explore the majestic glacial cirque of Gerber Valley, reaching the Mataró refuge, where peaks touch 3000 meters, a landscape carved by ancient ice. The journey continues to the magical Sant Maurici Lake, framed by the iconic twin peaks of Els Encantats, a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Before departing, a serene hike to the hermitage of San Roc offers panoramic views of the Pleta d’Esterri. This experience is more than just a hike; it's an immersion into the raw beauty and rich culture of Pallars, connecting you with the land and its stories. As Jon Krakauer might note, the precision of the geological formations here tells a profound story of Earth's power, while the quiet trails offer a chance for introspection, much like Robert Macfarlane describes the deep time embedded in the landscape. It’s an opportunity to understand the terrain, as Sebastián Álvaro would teach, and to feel the warmth of a rural community, echoing María Sánchez's appreciation for the countryside.