Senda de los Cazadores in Ordesa Valley: The Ultimate Hiking Guide
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. I may earn a commission by clicking these links, which helps me create more free travel content for everyone. For more information, check out my cookie policy.
Hiking in northern Spain was like something from a movie. The Pyrenees remind me of parts of the U.S. like Colorado and Montana. And the Senda de los Cazadores hike in the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park was the icing on the cake.
This part of the Pyrenees showcases canyons and valleys that will take your breath away. The Trail of Hunters is close to 12 miles, but there are different variations that are possible.
There’s no driving inside this portion of the national park. This meant we drove our rental car to a parking lot and then had to take a bus to the trailhead.
This was a different experience than when we hiked in the Picos de Europa later on.
The first mile and a half was the most difficult part by far if you decide to go counterclockwise like us. It’s straight up hill but honestly, a lot more gradual than AllTrails led us to believe.
You can add on or make it a point of emphasis to hike to Refugio de Goriz. I’ll go over this and more details about Senda de los Cazadores in Ordesa Valley below!
Why You Should Hike Senda de los Cazadores in Ordesa Valley
We hiked the Senda de los Cazadores in early September and the weather was perfect. There was a slight overcast for most of the day, but that didn’t detract from the views.
Hiking 12 miles might sound daunting to some people, but after the first 1.5 miles, the trail becomes rather flat with stunning views.
What’s truly amazing about this national park is that no matter what route you take or how long you hike for, you’ll be rewarded. Whether that’s with the views of Ordesa Valley or eating lunch by Cascada Cola de Caballo.
I suggest arriving early to avoid the crowds but even if you don’t, there’s plenty of room to get away from people if need be.
If you’re looking for a hike in the same area (close to Broto) that will help get you ready for this one, I suggest looking into Pico Mondoto.
Senda de los Cazadores Overview and Essential Details
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Trail Name | Senda de los Cazadores (Trail of the Hunters) |
| Location | Ordesa Valley, Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, Huesca, Spain |
| Distance | 11.9 miles (~19.1 km) (AllTrails.com) |
| Difficulty | Hard (AllTrails.com) |
| Average Rating | 4.8 stars (≈ 536 reviews) (AllTrails.com) |
| Key Features | Dramatic ledge trail (Faja de Pelay), high viewpoint Mirador de Calcilarruego, waterfall (Cola de Caballo) |
| Walking Time Estimate* | Approx 6-8 hours for full route. This includes stops for lunch and to take photos. Time can vary based on how many times you stop. |
| Elevation Gain* | 3,845 ft or 1172 meters |
| Must Purchase Bus Ticket from Torlo | For more information, check out the Ordesa website. |
My Experience Hiking the Senda de los Cazadores
We started our journey from the small town of Broto. We hopped into our rental car and headed to the bus parking lot in Torlo, only six minutes up the road.
The bus tickets cost three euros round-trip, which isn’t too bad. We arrived at the parking lot shortly after 9 am and we’re thankful we did because spots were filling up fast.
Once the capacity limit of 1800 people is hit in the Ordesa Valley then transportation will stop.
Taking the Bus to the Trailhead
The bus ride was quick (around 15 minutes) and there was only one stop at what seemed like a hotel pickup stop.
We love to hike early in the morning compared to later in the afternoon, so arriving early wasn’t an issue for us.
There’s baggage storage underneath the bus if you want to have a little bit more space in your seat. Also, hiking poles are not allowed inside the bus and thus they must be stored underneath.
Ascent to Mirador de Calcilarruego
The bus dropped us off right at the Senda de los Cazadores trailhead. Located here were some bathrooms, a restaurant, with a small shop.
The restaurant was still a little bit away from opening but if you need a quick snack before hiking, you should check it out!
Out of the full bus of around 50 or 60 people, I’d say around 10 people went the same route as us. Which makes sense because this incline isn’t for everyone.
Most people inside the park hike straight to Cascada Cola de Caballo.
The grade of the incline was a steady 30-40% for the most part and we were able to go a good bit without stopping.
The views weren’t the best as we were surrounded by trees but there were some along the way. It wasn’t until we reached the Mirador de Calcilarruego that the views started to open up.
Once we arrived at Mirador de Calcilarruego, it opened up and it’s a fantastic place to take some pictures!
You can feel the size of the Ordesa Valley from here as the cliffs drop down into the canyon.
Hiking Along the Faja de Pelay to Cascada Cola de Caballo
After taking way too many photos at the mirador, it was time to get back on the trail. From here on out, the trail is gradual and a lot easier than the first 1.5 miles.
Hiking along the Faja de Pelay, we were often greeted with picturesque trails that had stints of going through trees but then would open up into the valley.
We were cruising during this section. As we hiked along the trail, we could start to see Cascada Cola de Caballo in the distance.
It was another 4.5 miles on the Faja de Pelay trail until we reached the waterfall. We stopped to have lunch right before this trail ended, so we weren’t around the large crowds.
We stopped at the Cascada de Caballo and took some photos but this is the most crowded area of the entire hike.
A lot of people hike straight to this point after getting off the bus and I can’t blame them. You see so much and in a shorter amount of time.
Back to the Trailhead (Pradera de Ordesa)
After taking in the waterfall and, of course, taking more pictures, we headed back on the trail. From here on out, the trail is on a slight decline until you reach the bus stop.
Along this part of the Senda de los Cazadores, there are many more photo opportunities with blue and powerful waterfalls.
This trail goes along the Rio Arazas and the water is crystal clear and even blue in some spots!
Cascada del Estrecho is, in my opinion, the most stunning waterfall along this hike. There are multiple points where you can stop and take photos at different vantage points.
After stopping at these miradors to view the waterfall, there isn’t too much to see. At the very end, we were walking through a semi-dense forest until we reached the parking lot again.
This is a long hike and by the end, we were ready to be done. It had been a long day with having to drive and then take a bus in.
Ordesa Valley’s Geological & Historical Significance
Ordesa Valley is a unique area located in the Pyrenees mountains of Spain. I’m sure I’m not alone when thinking “how did this form” while hiking the famous Feja de Pelay ledge.
The geology of Ordesa Valley is mind-blowing and also something you have to see it to believe it.
- Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park sits in the Pyrenees in Huesca, Aragón. The dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and big cirques aren’t random—they’re the result of millions of years of rock-building, mountain-building, erosion, and glaciation.
- Why is the Faja de Pelay Ledge Famous? Faja de Pelay is basically a long, natural ledge running high up the south side of Ordesa Valley. You’re walking on a “shelf” hundreds of meters above the valley floor, staring straight across at sheer cliffs, Monte Perdido and the big cirques at the head of the valley. A lot of people call it one of the most panoramic paths in the park.
Possible Extension to Refugio de Goriz
Something that we highly considered and other hikers have raved about is hiking to Refugio de Goriz.
This is the famous refugio that sits behind Cascada Cola de Caballo. It’s an extra two-mile hike from the waterfall.
From what I’ve seen, it looks amazing. I personally love staying the night at refugios because the next morning, you have the entire park to yourself.
Unfortunately, we were too late in reserving spots, so we weren’t able to visit it but it’s still something that’s on my bucket list.
How to Get to Refugio De Goriz
The easiest way to reach the refugio is to do the simple hike from the parking lot to Cascada Cola de Caballo. There you’ll see another trail near it, leading up and behind it.
My suggestion, though, would be to start the day early and do the Senda de los Cazadores along the Faja de Pelay ledge and go straight to the refugio.
Skipping the waterfall on the first day will make seeing it the next day, as you climb down into the valley, that much more magical. And you’ll have far fewer crowds (as long as you start early).
Staying the Night
To stay the night at Refugio de Goriz, you’ll have to book a room in advance. You can do that through their website here. Below are the prices for a bed, meals, and other tariffs.
Things to Know Before Hiking the Senda de Cazadores
How To Get to the Trailhead
You can’t simply drive into this part of the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. First, you’ll want to make your way to the parking lot in the town of Torla.
Parking is free, which is nice, but then you’ll need to walk up to the ticket booth and buy a ticket. Tickets will cost three euros for a round-trip ticket.
Below is a picture of the timetable for the bus:
Senda de Los Cazadores Difficulty
Senda de los Cazadores is a difficult hike but once you complete the first 1.5 miles, which is uphill, it becomes increasingly easier.
With that being said, a 12-mile hike of any kind will be hard for most hikers who will be attempting it. It’s a long day, but well worth it!
Best Time of the Year to Hike
The best time of the year to hike Senda de los Cazadores, or any hike in the Ordesa Valley, is between June through October.
But this will also depend on your preferences. This time period is also the most crowded but it will be the best chance to have good weather while hiking.
If you want to see autumn colors, then I suggest going closer to September and October. October would be an amazing time to visit this national park.
When to Start the Hike
I’m an avid believer that starting a hike earlier rather than later is better. Unless, of course, your goal is to see a sunset.
If you plan on hiking the entire 12 miles of Senda de los Cazadores, then you’ll want to start as early as possible to give yourself plenty of time to complete the hike.
You can start later if you only plan to do the easier portion of the hike and go straight to Cascada Cola de Caballo.
Recommended Gear
You’ll want different types of hiking clothes depending on the time of year that you plan to visit the Ordesa Valley in Spain.
Below, I’ll go over my favorite pieces of hiking gear I brought with me on this hike.
Places to Stay Near Ordesa Valley
I suggest staying in the town of Broto. There are multiple restaurants around and the drive to Torla is only five minutes away.
- Hotel Rural El Portón de Murillo: This is one of the best deals in town, with mountain views and a 5-minute walk from the Ara River.
- Hotel de Montaña El Mirador: A little bit further from downtown is this hotel that has stunning rooms if you’re looking to relax.
- Apartamentos Gabarre: This hotel is located right in the heart of downtown and is close to restaurants and the local grocery store.
Nearby Hikes/Add-Ons
There are various hikes available in the region for those looking to stay for multiple days. It’s helpful to rent a car in this region, allowing you to hike at your own pace.
- Pico Mondoto: This is a stunning hike overlooking the Añisclo Canyon. It’s a shorter hike but will get you ready for Senda de los Cazadores.
- Via Ferrata de Sorrosal: If you stay in Broto, there’s a nearby waterfall that you can hike to and even do some via ferrata climbing if that interests you!
FAQs About the Senda de los Cazadores
Can Beginners do this Hike?
Beginners can absolutely do this hike and the best part is you don’t have to do the route we did. You can hike straight to Cascada Cola de Caballo.
The trail straight to the waterfall isn’t too steep but it will be more crowded.
How Long Does This Hike Take?
If you hike the entire Senda de los Cazadores, it will take you on average between 6-8 hours. This entirely depends on your speed and how long your breaks are.
Is the Ordesa y Monte Perdido Open All Year?
Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is open year-round but there are some restrictions on certain trails depending on how close to winter you plan on hiking.
Final Thoughts
Senda de los Cazadores was one of, if not the top highlight, of our hiking adventures in Spain. Every section of this hike had something to offer. The ascent up to the first mirador was hard but well worth the views that we encountered there and along the Feja de Pelay ledge.
If you plan on hiking in the Pyrenees mountains in Spain, then this trail is a must! All of the little village towns around it were fun to drive and walk through as well.
