Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley
The Madriu-Perafita-Claror - Andorra’s roadless UNESCO cultural landscape of pastures and stone bordes
The route
The line through UNESCO cultural landscape, Andorra - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Waypoints
- 1Entremesaigües (Escaldes)Trailhead
Valley entrance
- 2Refugi de FontverdHut
Valley refuge
- 3Estany de l’IllaJunction
High lake head
- 4Grau Roig (Encamp)Trailhead
Finish
Season & conditions
Jun-Oct
Exposed alpine weather - afternoon thunderstorms, cold, wind, snow lingering; start early and check the forecast
Best Jun-Oct; a wild, car-free valley. Confirm.
On the trail
A roadless glacial valley of old shepherd trails and stone huts
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season
Day sections or a valley traverse; the Estany de l’Illa head (see HK-AD-0009)
Getting there & staying
Entremesaigües (Escaldes) to Encamp/the Grau Roig
Point-to-point may need transport between ends - confirm
Refugis (some staffed) in the valley
Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote
Services in Encamp; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
No permit; UNESCO cultural landscape; refuges en route
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Weather, remoteness, river crossings
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.