Cottages Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park
Spain is one of the most visited holiday destinations not only in Europe but throughout the whole world. While many tourists tend to prefer visiting hotspots such as Barcelona or Madrid, the nature enthusiasts have quickly learned that the beauty of this country is hiding in its wildest territories – the nature territories.
This time we focus our attention on Aigüestortes I Estany de Sant Maurici National Park where you can stay in one of our lovely cottages. Plan your next big adventure to this national park and you will be amazed at the serenity of its nature, the peace and quiet, as well as the diversity of natural wonders and outdoor activities it provides. The cottages we offer are comfortable and cozy, often presented with a traditional interior to fit the Spanish vibe of the countryside. The hosts are always ready to help you with guidance or advice regarding your adventures, if you need their help.
Discover the nature
Aigüestortes I Estany de Sant Maurici is the only national park in the region of Catalonia. Don’t let the Spanish heat fool you; this park is the perfect getaway during summer! Located right underneath the massive Pyrenees peaks to the east, this mountainous region is famous for the abundance of alpine vegetation on its premises. Furthermore, it is filled with rivers, lakes, waterfalls and small ponds which serve as a refreshing spot throughout a hot day.
There are more than 200 lakes only, however the Sant Maurici Lake is the most wonderful according to locals. It is located high up the Encantats – a mountain on the park’s premises. The peaks of the mountain sometimes reach more than 3,000 m in height. The whole protected area is home to more than 5,000 animal species, including the rare European otter.
The park is named after the largest lake on its premises – Sant Maurici. This lake is extremely beautiful and can be found right underneath the mythical mountain called Encantats. The legends say that this mountain resembles the silhouette of two hunters who have been cursed by the gods when they went hunting for chamois.
Activities to try
Trekking is the most favorite activity for locals and tourists during the summer months. There are plenty of paths crossing the national park, but be aware that they vary in terms of difficulty. 27 routes await and will take you to great lookout points where you will be able to see most if not all of the park. Some of our favorites include the Llibreta Lake – Long Lake trail, which allows you to follow the Sant Nicolau River to the Aigüestortes plain.
Another great hiking path is the Camins virus. This is a route along the ancient paths through the valley. It will take you on a multiple-day-adventure back through medieval times, passing by villages situated on the park premises. Mountain biking is allowed only on a given number of paved routes. Most of them are medium to hard in terms of their difficulty level and all are available in the peripheral area, none go deep into the park territory.
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