Adventure in Ordesa: Exploring Spain's Natural Wonder with Friends

A Day of Pyrenean Wonders

Today was nothing short of spectacular, a true immersion into the heart of Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. The crisp November air, a bit chilly with temperatures ranging from 34°F to 49°F, invigorated us as we set out to explore the park's renowned trails and cascading waterfalls. I’m especially grateful to be sharing this adventure with my friends; their laughter and camaraderie make every experience richer. I was a little slow getting started this morning, as I realized I had forgotten my portable charger, but I am glad I had my camera to capture the beauty around us.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Pizzeria Santa Elena. While “pizzeria” might seem like an odd choice in the Spanish Pyrenees, it was surprisingly satisfying. Fuelled up, we made our way towards the Cascada de Arripas. The hike to the waterfall was relatively easy, a gentle ascent through a beautiful woodland. The trail meandered through a forest of beech, fir, and box trees, with only a couple of short climbs. It was a comfortable walk, perfect for warming up our muscles for the more challenging hikes ahead. After about 40 minutes, we reached the viewpoint, and the sight of Cascada de Arripas was simply breathtaking. The water plunged down with such force, and the surrounding landscape was stunning, a perfect introduction to the park's natural beauty.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Cascada de Arripas, a stunning waterfall nestled in the heart of Torla-Ordesa, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.

From Cascada de Arripas, we ventured onto the Senda de los Cazadores, or Hunters' Path. This trail is known for its challenging initial ascent, a steep climb that rewards hikers with some of the most impressive views of the Ordesa Valley. And challenging it was! The path zig-zagged relentlessly upwards, testing our stamina and resolve. But with every step, the panorama behind us grew more magnificent. I found myself stopping frequently, not just to catch my breath, but to soak in the ever-widening vista of cliffs, forests, and the valley floor far below.

The mountains are calling and I must go.

After what felt like an eternity, we reached the Mirador de Calcilarruego, a viewpoint that offered unparalleled views of the entire Ordesa Valley. From this vantage point, the valley unfolded beneath us, a tapestry of green meadows, dense forests, and towering rock formations. We could see the Circo de Cotatuero with its own impressive waterfall cascading down the cliffs. It was a moment of pure awe, a feeling of being on top of the world, or at least, on top of the Ordesa Valley.

The trail then continued along the Faja de Pelay, a rocky shelf that wraps around the valley wall. This section of the hike was much gentler, a welcome relief after the strenuous climb. The path weaved in and out of pine forests, with the staggering cliffs looming above us. As we walked, we could see the Brecha de Rolando, the Macizo de Monte Perdido, and even the Circo de Gavarnie in France, with its towering waterfall. I made sure to take plenty of photos. My passion for photography always intensifies when I am faced with such majestic views. It is like trying to capture lightning in a bottle, but I have to try!

By this time, our stomachs were beginning to rumble, reminding us that it was lunchtime. We made our way to Restaurante Las Endrinas in Broto. The reviews were mixed, with some diners praising the affordable menu and hearty portions, while others criticized the quality of the meat. We decided to give it a try, hoping for the best. The restaurant had an attractive menu at reasonable prices, perfect for hungry hikers. Some of us enjoyed the interesting hamburgers and churrasco, while others found the meat quality lacking. Overall, it was a decent meal, nothing extraordinary, but satisfying enough to refuel us for the rest of the day. Plus, the views of the river from the restaurant were a definite bonus.

After lunch, we made a quick stop at Brotes Ordesa, a local shop that sells ecological food and artisan products from Aragon and the surrounding areas. I picked up some local honey, a sweet reminder of our time in the Pyrenees. I also saw they had natural cosmetics and nutritional yeast, but I resisted the urge to buy everything in sight.

Our final stop for the day was the Puente de los Navarros, a historic bridge that spans the Ara River. The bridge itself is a beautiful structure, built with well-cut stone. It marks the entrance to the Ordesa Valley and is a popular spot for photographs. We spent some time admiring the bridge, taking pictures, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the river.

For dinner, we chose Restaurante Casa Rubén in Tella, a Michelin Guide restaurant known for its traditional cuisine and Pyrenean flavors. The restaurant is located in a small village, and the setting was charming and intimate. The restaurant opened in 1987 as a family restaurant, so it is amazing to see how far they have come. The chef, Rubén Coronas, uses local ingredients to create dishes that reflect the region's culinary heritage. We opted for the tasting menu, a series of small plates that showcased the best of Casa Rubén's cuisine. Each dish was a work of art, both visually and in terms of flavor. It was the perfect way to end a day of hiking and exploring, a culinary journey that complemented the natural beauty of the Ordesa Valley.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the day's adventures, I am filled with a sense of gratitude. Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is a truly special place, a natural wonderland that has captured my heart. And to share this experience with my friends has made it all the more memorable. Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Valle de Otal and the Cascada de la Cueva, hopefully ending the day with a drink at Bar Aragonés. But for now, it's time to rest and recharge, ready for another day of Pyrenean adventures.

I am so glad that I decided to come to Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. Being a Thai immigrant in Montreal, it is easy to stick to the familiar, but this trip has reminded me of the importance of stepping outside of my comfort zone and exploring new cultures and landscapes. It is something I hope to instill in my children, especially Ananda. I want him to be a global citizen, open to new experiences and perspectives.

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” – John Muir