Pica d’Estats

Summit challenge: 3,143m

At 3,143m, Pica d’Estats is the highest peak in Catalonia, standing proudly on the border between Spain and France. As part of the Montcalm Massif, this iconic summit offers a thrilling and rewarding challenge for hikers, with breathtaking 360-degree views over the Pyrenees.

A true alpine adventure, the ascent to Pica d’Estats involves navigating rugged trails, glacial lakes, and high mountain ridges, culminating in a final steep push to the summit. Along the way, hikers pass through remote and unspoiled landscapes, with highlights including the beautiful Estany d’Estats and Estany de Sotllo.

Regarded as a bucket-list climb for Pyrenean adventurers, this trek is perfect for those looking to conquer the highest peak in Catalonia, experience the wild beauty of the Pyrenees, and take on an exhilarating high-altitude challenge.

Pica d'Estats Summit

Highlights

Mountain: Highest in Catalonia

Summit: Pica d’Estats, 3,143m

Distance: 13.3km

Ascent: +1,100m

Descent: -1,400m

Duration: 4 days

Difficulty: Hard

Included:

Transfers: Barcelona Airport

Meals: all meals included

Stays: 2 x mountain huts; 1 x hotel

Guide: UIMLA International Mountain Leader

Not Included:

Flights: Not included

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Barcelona – Transfer to the Pyrenees

Pick-up at Barcelona Airport

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Barcelona Airport. From here, we’ll embark on a scenic drive through picturesque Catalunya, expect to see mountain villages, glorious lakes and untouched forests.

Arrival at scenic hotel

After the journey, you’ll have time to relax and take in the stunning surroundings. Settle into your accommodations in the heart of the Pyrenees, ready for a well-deserved evening of rest. The hotel is situated at a foot of a beautiful mountain lake with an equally impressive outdoor pool.

Outdoor swimming pool at Terradets overlooking a tranquil lake and mountains at sunset, with lounge chairs and umbrellas on the pool deck.
Restaurant interior with lakeside view at Terradets Hotel
Sunset over a calm lake with a wooden dock and several kayaks; mountains in the background at Terradets Hotel

Day 2

Journey to the Hut

Breakfast at Hotel

After a restful night, we start the day with a nutritious breakfast to prepare for the hike ahead. The journey to the mountain hut begins with a comfortable drive to the start of the hike. For those who want to, you can take a refreshing dip in the lake before the adventure begins. We’ll take in the breathtaking landscapes as we make our way to the trailhead.

Begin the Hike to the Hut

After leaving our transport behind, we will gradually ascent by foot to the high pyrenees (2hrs). By 4 PM, we’ll arrive at the mountain hut, tucked away in the stunning natural beauty of the high pyrenean landscape.

Mountain landscape in Aiguestortes with peaks, rocky terrain, and a small blue lake under a partly cloudy sky.
Mountain cabin in Aiguestortes with solar panels amidst pine trees
Brown cow with horns standing on a rocky hillside in Aiguestortes with grass and bushes.

Day 3

Summit Day - Pica d’Estats

Distance: 13.3 km | Ascent: +1,100m | Descent: -1,400m | Duration: 10 hours

Breakfast at Hut

A hearty breakfast sets the tone for today’s challenge. The summit of Pica d’Estats, the highest peak in the Eastern Pyrenees, awaits!

Summit of Pica d’Estats

After exhilarating hiking and short srambles, we reach the summit of Pica d’Estats (3,143m), a truly remarkable achievement. Enjoy panoramic views that stretch across the Pyrenees as at this point you will be standing on the boarder of France, Andorra and Spain.

Return to Hut

We begin the descent back to the hut, where we’ll arrive around 5 PM. The day will be long and the sense of accomplishment will make it all worthwhile. After a full day of adventure, a delicious dinner will provide the perfect opportunity to relax, recount the day’s triumphs, and unwind with your fellow trekkers.

Mountain summit at Pica d'Estats in Aiguestortes with cross and flags in the Pyrenees
Rocky mountain landscape with blue sky in Aiguestortes
Mountain landscape in Aiguestortes with sunlit peaks and clear blue sky

Day 4

Descent & return to Barcelona

Departure from Hut

An early start as we fuel up for the descent. We’ll take our time to enjoy the last moments in the mountains. We begin our hike down (2hrs), leaving the hut and retracing our steps. The journey down offers a different perspective of the landscape as we make our way to our transport. After an hour or so, we will stop at a local spot for a well deserved break.

Upcoming events

  • Mountain landscape in Aiguestortes with a small lake, rugged terrain, and blue sky with scattered clouds.

    Pica d’Estats Summit

    📅 Dates: 8th-11th Aug 2025
    💰 Cost: £625 per person
    ✅ Availability: 3 spots left

    Reserve your spot with a 25% deposit.

    Book Now
  • Tall metal cross at the summit of Pica d'Estats adorned with colorful flags on a rocky mountain peak under a clear blue sky.

    Pica d’Estats Summit

    📅 Dates: 12th-15th Sept 2025
    💰 Cost: £625 per person
    ✅ Availability: 3 spots left

    Reserve your spot with a 25% deposit.

    Book Now
  • Pica d'Estats Mountain summit with a metal cross and colorful flags, surrounded by rocky terrain and distant snow-capped peaks.

    Pica d’Estats Summit

    📅 Dates: 1st-4th Aug 2026
    💰 Cost: £625 per person
    ✅ Availability: 3 spots left

    Reserve your spot with a 25% deposit.

    Book Now
  • Pica d'Estats Mountain peak with a cross decorated with colorful fabric, against a clear blue sky background.

    Pica d’Estats Summit

    📅 Dates: 12th-15th Sept 2026
    💰 Cost: £625 per person
    ✅ Availability: 3 spots left

    Reserve your spot with a 25% deposit.

    Book Now