Setting

An exceptional setting
We are truly fortunate to find ourselves right in the Huesca Pyrenees, an area with great variety and richness of landscapes as well as habitats under the protection of national (Ordesa and Monte Perdido) and natural (Posets-Maladeta, Sierra and Cañones de Guara) parks. It is without a doubt a territory to discover nature at its best.

Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park
It was founded in 1918 and comprises 15,608 hectares of park territory and almost 20,000 hectares of peripheral land, in which valleys, mountains and nature sites have become the last safe spot for a number of animal and vegetable species. The park’s four areas (Añisclo, Escuaín, Ordesa and Pineta) offer never-ending possibilities in terms of routes and hikes.

Sobrarbe
With an extension of some 850 sq miles, the Sobrarbe region gathers 19 villages with a rich history, old traditions and amazing landscapes. The appeal of the region is confirmed by the number of people who visit it every year wishing to get the best out of one of the less populated areas in our country. There are many things to be explored and discovered.

Cultural Heritage
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of cultural choices, amongst which the region’s extensive architectural heritage (civil, religious and defensive) deserves a special mention. The region’s wide museum network, its traditional festivals or the beautiful samples of its musical folklore will not disappoint those visitors who expect to find something more than beautiful landscapes and mountain tranquillity.

Links

monteperdido.comWebsite with lots of information on Monte Perdido and other valleys in the area.

sobrarbe.comInstitutional website of the Sobrarbe region.

continuapirineum.comInformation on the culture and heritage of the Sobrarbe region and the neighbouring French valleys of Aure and Louron. Comprehensive network of routes and paths with plenty of information, maps and photos.

solomonte.comSpecialised nature guides.

pirineodigital.comMagazine on Pyrenean current affairs.

inm: EscalonaThe weather for the next few days.

Piau-EngalyOne of the best ski resorts on the French Pyrenees, less than an hour away from Escalona. Includes webcam and daily snow report.

pirineoturismo.comSobrarbe Tourist Association.

Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park

It was founded in 1918 and comprises 15,608 hectares of park territory and almost 20,000 hectares of peripheral land, in which valleys, mountains and nature sites have become the last safe spot for a number of animal and vegetable species. The park’s four areas (Añisclo, Escuaín, Ordesa and Pineta) offer never-ending possibilities in terms of routes and hikes.

Añisclo
A wild 18 metre rocky canyon formed by an ancient glacier in its upper reaches and subsequently by the waters of th... more

Huesca, the province

Of the three provinces of Aragon, Huesca is the most northerly, bordering France, Lerida, Navarra, and Zaragoza. Its 15,000 km2 are divided between 10 regions.
It is a province rich in history, heritage, culture and natural attributes, The numerous museums and interpretative centres that there are in the province (www.huexpo.net) and the numerous protected areas, headed by the Ordesa and more

Sobrarbe, the region

This territory stands out above all for its natural richness, borne out by the existence within its borders of an entire national park and part of two others. Added to this is the interesting ancestral human culture, today in sharp decline, due to economic and social reasons, which have led to a massive depopulation since the mid 20th century. History has left important traces, among which we would highlight the medieval churches and castles (mainly dating from the XI and XII centuries), as well as XVI century temples, manor houses and towers.

The Sobrarbe region is situated in the central Pyrenees, taking in mountains as high as Llardana, and Posets, and Monte Perdido, the second and third highest peaks in the Pyrenees. Valleys of renowned beauty can be found in this area of considerably high peaks. Especially outstanding are those of the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park (Ordesa, Pineta, Anisclo and Escuain), situated in an enormous block of limestone rock where the waters carved out deep canyons and caves, and glaciers left behind flat floored valleys. The highlands of Sobrarbe are also formed by other landscapes: they are the pretty areas of Bujaruelo (near Ordesa), as well as the granitic valleys of the Bielsa area, or the nooks and crannies of the Chisten or Gistain Valleys, part of which have been included in the Posets-Maladeta National Park.

Slightly more modest valleys and mountains are to be found to the south of the main range, these are the so called Sierras Interiores (Inner ranges): macizo de Cotiella, Peña Montañesa, Castillo Mayor, Sestrales, etc. (It is worth pointing out that geologically, Monte Perdido could also be included here).

Communications are based around the two main rivers: The Cinca runs through the territory from north to south, while the River Ara descends a good stretch from west to east taking advantage of the Intra-Pyrenean Depression, where the biggest villages are situated (Ainsa and Boltana).

Almost half of the region’s territory lies towards the north, which begins to rise along the Sierras Exteriores (outer ranges). These are limestone mountains, among which the Sierra de Guara stands out, (known for its deep ravines and awarded National Park status). These places have a drier climate and a more Mediterranean vegetation than the wetter valleys to the north.

Textos: Joaquín Guerrero.

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Setting

Links

Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park

Huesca, the province

Sobrarbe, the region

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