Carros de Foc

with @exploring_with_nico

26th Jul - 1st Aug 2026

Meet Nico – Hiking Europe’s Hidden Gems

Nico is a nature-first explorer redefining travel storytelling on Instagram.

This summer, he’s back on the trail with renewed energy — exploring Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Ireland, France, Luxembourg, and of course, his beloved Germany. His adventures range from high-alpine hikes to colourful small towns, as he revisits past favourites and uncovers new ones.

We’re thrilled to have Nico joining us to lead the Carros de Foc Challenge in the Spanish Pyrenees — bringing his love of the mountains (and eye for a great photo) to one of Europe’s most spectacular hut-to-hut treks.

Highlights

Distance: 60km

Elevation Gain: 4,000m

Highest Point: Coll de Contraix (2,745m)

Challenge: Hut stamps to collect to complete the challenge

Wilderness of the Pyrenees

Included

Guide: UIMLA International Mountain Leader

Stays: 4 nights in mountain huts, 2 in hotels

Transfers: Barcelona Airport

Meals: all meals included

Official Carros de Foc Pass

Price: €1,100 per person

Deposit: €275 to reserve your spot

Excluded

Flights: Not included

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.

Mountain lake in Aiguestortes surrounded by rocky peaks and trees under a cloudy sky.
Mountain landscape in Aiguestortes with a lake and forest under a clear blue sky.
Scenic mountain landscape in Aiguestortes with lake and hikers on a trail 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.

Mountain cabin in Aiguestortes with stone walls and wooden shutters overlooking a mountainous landscape.
A serene mountain lake in Aiguestortes with clear blue water reflecting rugged rocky peaks under a partly cloudy sky.
Hikers walking in a mountainous landscape in Aiguestortes with evergreen trees and rocky terrain, under a clear sky.

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 cabin with black shutters, pitched roof, located in a mountainous area.
Mountain landscape in Aiguestortes with a small stone cabin surrounded by green forests and rugged peaks under a cloudy sky.
Mountain landscape in Aiguestortes with a river or lake, surrounded by green trees and rocky cliffs 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 view in Aiguestortes with lush green pine trees, rocky terrain, and rolling hills leading to distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
Mountain lodge beside a calm lake with reflections of trees and rocky hills, under a clear blue sky at dusk.
Mountain landscape in Aiguestortes with a lake and pine trees in the foreground, snow-capped peaks under a clear blue sky.

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.

Rocky mountain peak in Aiguestortes surrounded by a forest under a clear blue sky, with a wooden signpost in the foreground.
People hiking on a mountain trail in Aiguestortes surrounded by pine trees with a view of rugged mountains and a partly cloudy sky.
Mountain lake with rocky shore in Aiguestortes, clear blue water, and sunlight. Trees and mountains in the background under a clear sky.

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 landscape with river or lake surrounded by mountains and cliffs under a clear blue sky.
Scenic landscape in Sant Llorenc with a river winding through lush green hills, rocky cliffs, and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
Mountain landscape with hills, valleys, and distant peaks under a clear sky.