Distance: 19.59 km  Elevation gain: 1,001 m  Elevation loss: 1,001 m  Max elevation: 2,592 m. Min elevation: 1,914 m. Trail type: Loop

From the noise of Barcelona to the hills of giants in the Pyrenees, where the peaks make you feel wonderfully small. We set off for a two days escape. First, a road trip north to Espot (about 3h30), windows down, playlists up. From there, we hopped on the legendary mountain taxi, basically a 4x4 rollercoaster, to reach the dreamy Estany de Sant Maurici in the Aigüestortes National Park.

The hike started gently, weaving through pine, scented forests and skirting glassy lakes that looked like they’d been Photoshopped. Even in summer, the air felt fresh and crisp, the kind that wakes you up better than coffee. A little before reaching Amitges, we stopped at the Mirador de l’Estany, unpacked our feast consisting in fuet, crusty bread, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a banana soaked in the panorama.

Recharged, we reached Refugi Amitges, perched with a postcard view, then followed the trail through Port de Ratera (2,572 m), a high pass framed by jagged peaks and endless sky. From there, it was a downhill cruise into a valley of alpine meadows and glacial streams until we finally arrived at Refugi Saboredo. Not exactly cozy, but wonderfully authentic, a place where boots dry in the corner, maps curl on the walls, and the mountain feels just outside the door.

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