Carros de Foc

The Ultimate Pyrenean Challenge

Person standing on a mountain peak in Aiguestortes at sunrise, overlooking a valley filled with clouds.
Person wearing a backpack and winter clothing, kneeling on snowy rocks with a cloudy sky background.

Carros de Foc with

Dan Wroe

Dan Wroe is an outdoors enthusiast, aspiring Mountain Leader, and active content creator who shares his adventures exploring the great outdoors on his Instagram, @active.wroe. With a passion for hiking and trekking, Dan inspires others to embrace nature and tackle challenging trails. He brings his enthusiasm and growing expertise to this incredible Carros de Foc trek.

The Challenge

Distance: 65km

Total elevation gain: 5,000m

Highest point: Coll de Contraix, 2745m

Refuge height: From 1900m to 2400m

Stamps: 9 huts to complete

Included:

  • Official UIMLA guide

  • 4 nights in high mountain huts

  • 2 nights in 3-4* hotel

  • Pick up / Drop off Barcelona Airport

  • All inclusive meals & accommodation

  • Official Carros de Foc pass

Woman walking on a wooden path through a forest in Aiguestortes surrounded by green trees and mountains in the background.

Day 1

Arrival in Barcelona – Transfer to the Pyrenees

We’ll pick you up at Barcelona Airport and drive you to the stunning Pyrenees region. After the scenic journey, you can unwind and prepare for the adventure ahead in a comfortable hotel.

Day 2

Sant Maurici Lake (1,950m) - Colomers Refuge (2,130m)

Distance: 15 km | Ascent: +550m | Descent: -370m | Duration: 5 hours

After a scenic 4x4 ride from Espot, we arrive at Sant Maurici Lake to start our trek.

The trail begins with a steady ascent towards Port de Ratera (2,573m), offering panoramic views of Els Encantats and the surrounding mountains. After crossing the pass, we descend into the Colomers Valley, where we’ll stay overnight at Colomers Refuge.

Scenic view of a mountain lake in Aiguestortes surrounded by rocky hills and pine trees under a cloudy sky.
Scenic lake in Aiguestortes with forested mountains under clear blue sky
Mountain landscape in Aiguestortes with a lake, forest, and hikers, under a clear blue sky.

Day 3

Colomers Refuge (2,130m) – Ventosa i Calvell Refuge (2,220m)

Distance: 13 km | Ascent: +490m | Descent: -400m | Duration: 5 hours

Leaving Colomers Refuge, we ascend toward Coret de Oelhacrestada (2,464m), with spectacular views over the Besiberris peaks.

We then descend to Restanca Refuge for a short break, before continuing a gradual ascent towards the beautiful Ventosa i Calvell Refuge, where we will spend the night in the stunning high-altitude valley.

Stone cottage with closed wooden shutters on a mountain slope in Aiguestortes, surrounded by grass and rocky terrain, with snow-covered peaks in the background under a cloudy sky.
Mountain lake in Aiguestortes with rocky peaks and clear water
Hikers walking through a grassy mountain valley in Aiguestortes with trees and rugged peaks in the background.

Day 4

Ventosa i Calvell Refuge (2,220m) – Estany Llong Refuge (1,985m)

Distance: 9 km | Ascent: +300m | Descent: -535m | Duration: 5-6 hours

Starting from Ventosa i Calvell, we begin with a climb toward the highest point of the trek, Coll de Contraix (2,747m).

After reaching the coll, we enjoy a steep descent into the peaceful Colieto Valley, where the landscapes open up into sweeping alpine meadows.

We then arrive at Estany Llong Refuge, tucked away in a picturesque setting for the night.

Stone mountain cabin in Aiguestortes with a steep roof, dark shutters, and a small front porch, set in a rocky landscape.
Stone cabin in a mountainous landscape in Aiguestortes with green forests under a cloudy sky.
Mountain landscape in Aiguestortes with a lake, surrounded by greenery and trees, under a blue sky with clouds.

Day 5

Estany Llong Refuge (1,985m) – Josep Maria Blanc Refuge (2,350m)

Distance: 18 km | Ascent: +900m | Descent: -700m | Duration: 7 hours

Our day starts with a gradual climb through beautiful landscapes toward Coll de Monestero (2,715m), one of the highest points on the route.

We then descend to the Mallafré Refuge, nestled at the foot of Els Encantats. From here, we continue climbing through the Monestero Valley, reaching the tranquil Josep Maria Blanc Refuge by the evening.

Mountain landscape in Aiguestortes with green pine trees, rocky terrain, and distant peaks under a clear blue sky.
Mountain lodge in Aiguestortes beside a calm lake with a reflection of rocky mountains and trees under a clear blue sky.
Mountain landscape in Aiguestortes with pine trees, rocky terrain, and a lake.

Day 6

Josep Maria Blanc Refuge (2,350m) – Sant Maurici Lake (1,950m)

Distance: 10 km | Ascent: +200m | Descent: -600m | Duration: 4-5 hours

On the final day, we start with a gentle descent towards Sant Maurici Lake, passing through pine forests and catching more views of the magnificent Els Encantats.

The descent is mostly easy-going, providing the perfect cool-down after several days of adventure.

We reach the iconic lake at Sant Maurici, where the 4x4 will take us back to your Hotel.

Mountain landscape in Aiguestortes with a hiking trail and a wooden signpost, surrounded by trees and grassy terrain under a clear blue sky.
Hikers walking along a scenic mountain trail in Aiguestortes with pine trees, under a sky with fluffy clouds and rugged peaks in the background.
Scenic view of a mountain lake in Aiguestortes with clear blue water, surrounded by rocky shores and dense forests, under a bright blue sky with sunlight streaming through. A person is standing on the rocky coastline.

Day 7

Return to Barcelona

After breakfast, we’ll drive you back to Barcelona Airport, leaving you with incredible memories from this unforgettable Carros de Foc adventure.

Scenic view of a river winding through hilly terrain with dense green vegetation, rocky cliffs, and a clear blue sky in Aiguestortes
Scenic view of a river landscape in Aiguestortes with rugged cliffs, lush greenery, and mountains under a blue sky with clouds.
Scenic view of mountainous landscape in Aiguestortes with valleys and forests under a cloudy sky.