Faja de Pelay Ordesa

The Faja de Pelay is the absolute classic in the Vale de Ordesa, the walk begins and ends at the parking lot in the valley. Outside the peak season, you can drive to the parking lot, but it gets very busy on weekends, so arrive early if you want to secure a spot. In July and August, you cannot drive in; buses run every 20 minutes from Torla. From the parking lot in Ordesa (1350m), you walk into the valley, immediately go right, and take the bridge over the Rio Arazas, the path is marked. Initially, follow the Senda de los Cazadores, where the steep ascent begins, you need to gain about 600m of elevation through the forest. At the top, take the left turn, and you are now on the Faja de Pelay. You will immediately pass the Mirador de Calcilarruego (1950m), the view is phenomenal, directly in front you see the Circo de Cotatuero, to the left the entrance of the Ordesa canyon and the first peaks of the Sierra de Tendenera, to the right the Ordesa canyon itself and the Punta Acuta. Continue along the path with a continuous view of the north face of the Ordesa canyon, the path climbs to 2200m, then you slowly descend, accompanied by amazing vistas. Now you also get a view of Las Tres Sorores, The Three Sisters, the mountain peaks that crown the end of the Ordesa canyon. The peak in the middle is Monte Perdido, 3355m high, making it the 3rd highest peak in the Pyrenees. Monte Perdido, the Lost Mountain, la Montagne Perdue, named by the French because it is not visible from France, as the peak next to it blocks the view. You continue to the Circo de Soaso (1780m), here you are also immediately at the end of the valley, with the waterfall, Cola de Caballo. Return to the parking lot via the valley road along the Rio Arazas. In several places, you can descend to and even into the river, with fantastic views of the waterfalls.