A summer in Ordesa
If you are one of those who chooses "mountain" over the typical summer vacation dichotomy of “beach or mountain” , you have to know that in the Aragonese Pyrenees One of the most spectacular natural paradises in Western Europe awaits you: the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. And yes, it's (also) worth missing out on their routes during the summer season.
But before going deeply into the matter, it is best to put yourself in a situation.
Do not miss its routes during the summer season
the of Ordesa and Monte Perdido It's one of the dean national parks of the Spanish territory , being declared as such a few months before the end of the First World War, in 1918. At that time, it was given the name of Ordesa Valley, but the park was enlarged and renamed in 1982.
In addition, over time it has accumulated different "titles" that highlight it as one of the most important nature destinations from the country: Biosphere Reserve (1977) , Special Protection Area for BIRDS (ZEPA, 1988) and UNESCO World Heritage Site (1997).
The merits for such honors fall on three main valleys formed by the Ara, Arazas and Bellós rivers , to which they appear spectacular limestone mountains -among which the massif of the Tres Sorores, the highest calcareous massif in Europe-, creating dramatic canyons, mysterious caves and chasms , and impressive waterfalls.
All this accompanied by large wooded areas at different altitudes, vast grasslands, rivers and a rich flora and fauna , colorful and diverse.
STOP CRYING FOR AUTUMN IN ORDESA
After this worthy presentation of this sculpted marvel by the skillful and wise hands of Mother Nature, it must be made very clear that you can visit the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park in any season of the year, and it will always look beautiful and splendid. Different virtues will stand out in each season, but it will always be beautiful.
Cola de Caballo path, in Ordesa
Everyone has heard, or read, that there is nothing like the landscape image offered by the deciduous forests of Ordesa in autumn. And yes, it is irrefutable that this myriad of shades ocher, reddish, orange and yellow It is something that hypnotizes anyone.
However, on clear winter days, the sun starts some incredible contrasts of luminosity to the same landscape covered by a blanket of snow. And in the distance you can see the quiet flight and silent of osprey.
During spring , melting ice makes waterfalls look more powerful and beautiful than ever, and the rivers run through the happy valleys and rowdy. The explosion of colors many flowers of the park starts here and goes on until... Summer! And it is that summer is also a magnificent season to visit Ordesa.
SUNNY DAYS ALMOST GUARANTEED
The light of summer, with its long days and the many days without clouds, rips bright hues from the mountains, valleys, forests and rivers of Ordesa.
Besides, the temperature will be nice throughout the day, without becoming extremely high during the day and cooling considerably at night , making it possible to fall asleep without problems.
The one thing you should always be on the lookout for is the electric storms that frequently appear on some hot summer evenings. If that happens, it's worth stay away from ledges, promontories and overflowing waters.
Soaso bleachers
THE BEST ROUTES IN ORDESA TO DO IN SUMMER
With more hours of daylight per day, summer is an ideal season for go hiking in the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, since the walks can be undertaken with the recommended break for explore the landscape properly.
Some of the routes more interesting to do At this time of year are these three:
– The Prairie of Ordesa: this is one of the preferred routes for those hikers who they do not want to take on mountaineering challenges hard, but are more inclined towards a nice walk in nature. spruce forests, beeches and pines , the famous Soaso bleachers (with spectacular views of the peaks of Monte Perdido and Cilindro) and the famous Cola de Caballo waterfall are some of the highlights of the route.
– Anisclo Canyon: more demanding, but it is worth going through this immense cleft crack over soft grasses. Besides, the flora is very different in each section, gradually ascending.
– Route of the Cascada del Cinca and Lalarri waterfalls: a very aquatic and simple route, of about 7 kilometers and little slope, being ideal to explore the sector of the Pineta Valley.
ANIMATED FORESTS
Although it is true that the excessive presence of human beings scares the wild life of the Ordesa forests, it is also true that in the summer the degree of activity of the animals increases.
Anisclo Canyon
Knowing how to escape the crowds and exploring the forests and valleys , stealthily and respectfully, in the first and last hours of the day, it is possible that they can be sighted chamois, roe deer, wild boar, wildcats, otters, genets, dormouse, marmots and even brown bears, which are believed to be around a thirty copies in the park.
The most patient and observant will also be able to enjoy birds such as the capercaillies, nightjars, black woodpeckers, tawny owls and scops owls. Without forgetting, obviously, the mythical osprey.
THE BEST TIME TO CLIMB TO THE TOP OF MONTE PERDIDO
The practitioners of high level mountaineering love the summers of the national park, because it is the moment in which the summit of Monte Perdido becomes a place something more accessible.
The precious top, which rises 3,355 meters above the sea and it is the flagship of the park, it requires good planning, preparation and carrying the right equipment throughout the year, but in summer the ice and snow dwindle considerably, eventually retreating from the route to the peak between the months of July and August.
Likewise, it must always be borne in mind that it is a complex, technical and risky activity And don't be overconfident, not even during summer ascents.
CHARMING VILLAGES FULL OF LIFE
Another advantage of visiting Ordesa in summer is that the beautiful towns near the natural park are full of life
Aínsa and the wonder of getting lost in its streets
Many of them serve as a base for travelers who come to explore the park and, although they usually spend the day outside, the pleasant afternoons and Pyrenean nights they make the terraces of bars, restaurants and cafes cheer up with laughter and conversations about the experiences lived during the day. In addition, counted in different languages.
This is the case of towns as charming as Aínsa -considered as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain- , with its alleys, square, church and medieval castle; Boltaña , where travelers can afford to stay in the exclusive hotel Barceló Monastery of Boltaña; Torla or Broto , one of the most beautiful villages in the High Aragon.
And it is that Ordesa he also likes summer, and celebrate life like no other.