Catalonia's only national park
Just over the ridge to the south of the Val d'Aran lies Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici — the only national park in Catalonia, a dramatic landscape of glacial lakes (estanys) and granite peaks in the high Pyrenees.
It's a full-day escape from the resort: a world of clear mountain water, pine and rock that feels a long way from the pistes, even though it sits right on the far side of the mountains.
How to do it from Baqueira
In summer the park is reached by trail and 4x4 taxi from the valleys around the Aran — the usual way in for a day visit without a long approach on foot. In winter it becomes a backcountry destination for the experienced only, so plan this one for the warmer months.
What to see
The estanys — the glacial lakes that give the park its character — the granite peaks above them, and the walking trails that link the higher water. Give it a full day, and check the season and taxi service before you set out.
