A Hike to Estany Llong

Aigüestortes National Park is an example of a glacial landscape model in which rivers, with their characteristic meanders, connect more than 250 lakes. One of the most beautiful is Lake Llong or Estany Llong, from which the Sant Nicolau River originates and flows into Lake Llebreta. This place is unique in the Pyrenees and deserves a visit so you can enjoy the wonders of nature.

The origin of the entire park dates back to the Quaternary period, an era of glacial climate that eroded the area until transforming it into what you can see today. Estany de Llong is a remnant of that time. This permanent lake, although there are others in the area that dry up during summer, covers 7.43 hectares and has a depth of 12 meters.

Located at the bottom of the Boí valley, in the Alto Ribagorza region, at almost 2000 meters altitude, it offers an idyllic landscape for visitors to enjoy. It is an elongated body of water that is more than 600 meters long and about 120 meters wide.

Furthermore, on one of its shores, you will find a Pyrenean refuge with the same name. Lake Llong is a testament to the passage of time and the glacial era in this area of the Catalan Pyrenees.

One of the best options to discover this place is hiking. Within Aigüestortes Park, there is a wide variety of routes. The Llong route is one of the most well-known. To start it, you must travel to the town of Boí, specifically next to the church, to take one of the 4x4 taxis that will get you to the entrance of this natural space.

The route is classified as easy due to its low elevation gain, barely 200 meters, and has a total distance of 9 kilometers. It is a single trail that takes about an hour and a half to hike one way and the same to return. The path runs along the banks of the river and you must follow it in the direction of the lake. It offers you unique views of the surroundings. Along the way, you will find several wooden bridges that cross the water and facilitate the route to your destination.

When you get close to the end, you can take a small detour and pass by the refuge or head directly to the lake. When you arrive, it is time to take out your sandwiches and enjoy the tranquility while, weather permitting, you dip your feet in the glacial water.

Once you have enjoyed this place, you can head back or continue to reach Estany Redó, located about half an hour more hiking away. Also, during the return, you can take the fork that leads you to the Nutria route towards the Waterfall viewpoint. However, this section is a bit more challenging, as it has significant elevation gain.

This trail is one of the most used within the national park due to its ease and the impressive landscapes it passes through. It is a perfect option to do with the youngest members of the family so they can connect with nature.

Estany Llong is an excellent choice to discover the glacial landscapes that shaped the Pyrenees. This route is an ideal choice for discovering Aigüestortes Park and the more than 250 lakes hidden in this natural space. For this, nothing better than staying at Alma de Nieve Apartments and enjoying the Aran Valley and its surroundings. What are you waiting for to make your reservation?