Aigüestortes and Sant Maurici Naional Park, by Turespaña

This park's setting is characterised by crystal-clear waters that run through the numerous lakes and rivers, that enrich this Pyrenean landscape. Next to the torrents and waterfalls stand leafy forests which, when its snows, are stunning. However, not only is the landscape noteworthy, its biological treasures are extraordinary. It is a true paradise for nature lovers: lakes, torrents, waterfall, peat bogs, rocky ground, rugged peaks and leafy forests of hooked pine, fir, wild pine, birch and beech, are home to interesting alpine or northern plants and animals.

Type of area: National Park

Surface: 10230 Hectares

It is a good idea to get in contact with any of the two houses in the National Park. Usually, to access the heart of the park, two historic entrances are used: Espot (Pallars Sobirà) and Boí (Alta Ribagorça).
 

It is a Pyrenean high mountain ecosystem. Its main distinguishing features are the more than 200 lakes or 'estanys,' the crags 'Els Encantats' and its characteristic high mountain meanders (the aigüestortes). The forest formations are quite representative: hooked pine, fir, wild pine, birch and beech. The bearded-vulture is the most representative bird in the park. It lives on the sheer mountain faces, its finds cornices, caves and cracks in which to breed. Its lake and river fauna is very extensive, with the common trout, rainbow trout, grass frog, common toad and Pyrenean newt. In the rivers and streams live the muskrat of the Pyrenees, although it is difficult to see it because of its night habits, and the otter.
 
Art, in this spot, is an alternative to nature, as it is set in an area which, in the Middle Ages, experienced the boom of Romanesque art. The Romanesque site of Vall de Boí has been named World Heritage by UNESCO.