Otter Route

* During the summer months (from 21 June to 30 September) there is a discretionary public transport service, known
as the Park Bus, which can be combined with routes through the mountains of Alta Ribagorça to other regions. The service allows you to return to your place of origin by means of 4 daily transport lines that operate between the Boí valley and the Espot valley, passing through the Val d’Aran.

The route starts next to the Caseta del Parc on the left bank of the river. Traditionally known as the Camí del Pago (Camí de l’Obaga), the route goes upstream until we reach the Pey lever (concrete bridge), where we will have two options: continue through the shady area or cross towards the sunshine. If we choose the latter option, we will pass by the hermitage of Sant Nicolau, shortly before the two paths join again. From here the path continues up the valley, leaving behind the lake of Llebreta and the waterfall of Sant Esperit to finally reach the Aigüestortes house.

Points of interest

Sant Nicolau River: it shapes very varied landscapes in its path. Its waters descend consecutively through granitic, calcareous and slate materials, and allow the development of aquatic ecosystems of great diversity. Continuing upstream, the otter enters the Park at certain times of the year.

Llebreta Lake: originated after the glaciations by a landslide on the left bank although there is already a small basin of glacial origin It has a very rich aquatic flora and is a good habitat for several species of water birds and amphibians. In the shade there is one of the best mixed deciduous and coniferous forests in the Park; on the sunny side you will find the hermitage of Sant Nicolau, surrounded by pastures and bushes. Not far away, the neighbouring valley of Sarradé pours its waters.

Sant Esperit Waterfall: magnificent geomorphological example of the action of the waters on the rocky bed that gives rise to a staggered river profile, forming several pools called “giant pots”. There is a viewpoint with wooden railings to contemplate and photograph the spectacularity of the waterfall in peace.

Mirador de Sant Esperit: a panoramic point located on a rock, five minutes from the Planell d’Aigüestortes hut, which allows us to contemplate practically the entire Otter Route from a bird’s eye view. Observe the two slopes of the valley and you will see the strong contrast between sunny and shaded, both from the point of view of the constitution of the land and the vegetation.

Planell d’Aigüestortes: furrowed by a thousand arms of the river that loses its wild strength here to become sweet and calm. Surrounded by pastures and black pine forests, and enclosed at the same time by high mountains, it gives rise to one of the most renowned landscapes in the Pyrenees. If you want to get to know it a little more, follow itinerary 11.