Andorra: Hike, Bike & Raft
Experience Overview
On this eight-day active adventure, you’ll take on some heart-pumping activities among the slopes of the Pyrenees. Nestled between France and Spain, Andorra’s beautiful landscape provides thrill seekers with the perfect setting for some adrenalin-fuelled fun. With a base in the ski resort town of Soldeu, you’ll hike up mountains and through Didcaro Nationl Park, cycle through valleys and along the famed Iron Route, go whitewater rafting in Class 3 rapids around Sort, and zip-line through the treetops. Take on some of the most scenic trails in the country and get active with snow-capped mountain peaks as your backdrop – what could be better?
Highlights
- Cycle some of the best mountain trails in Andorra, including the historic Iron Route with its wild evergreen slopes and white peak backdrops. Then take to the scenic trails of Port de Cabus – the mountain pass on the Pyrenees Andorran-Spanish border.
- Take to the water on an exhilarating white water rafting experience through the Pyrenees, under the supervision of highly experienced guides.
- Hike through Siscaro Reserve, keeping an eye out for native flora and fauna along the way, including the griffon vulture which can often be seen soaring above.
- Get the blood pumping as you zip-line between the trees and over rope obstacles in the beautiful surroundings of Cortals Valley.
- Travel each day from your base in rural Soldeu – a ski resort town in the mountains, surrounded by snowy peaks and likeminded active adventurers.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1591
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Bus
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: AAXS
Starts: Soldeu, Andorra, Andorra
Finishes: Soldeu, Andorra
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Demanding
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Dinner (4)Accommodation: Chalet (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,510 ($189 /day)
Itinerary
Benvingut! Welcome to Andorra. Situated on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees, Andorra sits between France and Spain. Although small, this country is blessed with some of the finest scenery in the Pyrenees and is a great base for an active week in the mountains. You’ll have a complimentary transfer from the airport to your hotel in Soldeu, your base for the trip. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in this gorgeous ski resort town – if you arrive early, there’s plenty to do to explore! Then, the night is yours to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.
Accommodation:
- Chalet (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll head to the Cortals Valley. After a short drive you’ll arrive at the top of the valley to enjoy some easy riding on the only flat off-road track in Andorra, which leads to Engolasters Lake. Around the lake there are plenty of fun tracks and you’ll have the choice between an easy, flat track and a more exciting path through the woods. At the other end of the lake is the zip wiring and tree top centre. After a short briefing, climb up into the trees and cross the area by zip lines and rope obstacles. After a picnic lunch in the trees by the lake, get back on your bike and take a single-track route through a short tunnel to a look-out point over the capital city Andorra La Vella. Finish with a bike track where you can hone your skills and cycle back to the vehicles to return to Soldeu. At this point there is an option where the more experienced riders can do an exhilarating 5km road descent with switch backs and views.
Included Activities:
- Cycling
- Zip wiring
Accommodation:
- Chalet (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you’ll head into Andorra's mountains. When you arrive, walk to the base of Ransol Valley Ridge. It's a steady climb up to the Salamandres Lake, passing by the Roca del Home Dret (the rock of the straight man). While at the lake, you may get a chance to see the small yellow dotted salamander that this lake is named after. Relax by the lake or opt to hike up to the Ransol Ridge, which sits at 2500 m. At this height, there are some spectacular views across the Andorran peaks. The rest of the day is a gradual descent back down to Entorn and the hamlet of El Tarter. Keep your eyes open for the griffon vulture soaring above! Walk through the Incles Valley, cross the river and take the gentle path back to the hotel. This afternoon you can relax in the sun, explore the village or visit a nearby spa centre.
Included Activities:
- Salamandres Lake Walk
Accommodation:
- Chalet (Number of Nights: 1)
Crossing the Andorran border into Spain, you’ll drive along a mountain pass of the Port de Canto. When you arrive, grab your paddles, helmets, buoyancy aids and wetsuits and then your local guides will lead you on an exhilarating white water rafting experience. The rivers around Sort have different grades of rapids (up to Class 3) and are rated in the top five in the world for safety and enjoyment! Paddle through the rapids past rolling hills and then after drying off, enjoy some time to relax in the bar or by the pool at the centre, before driving back to Soldeu for the night.
Included Activities:
- White water rafting
Accommodation:
- Chalet (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’re free to choose from the many optional activities available in Andorra. You might like to visit the thermal baths of La Caldea, or if you like heights, you can try your hand at Via Ferrata climbing. There are plenty more opportunities for walking and mountain biking here too, just ask your local leader! If you prefer, you can just take the chance to relax, enjoy the sunshine or go duty free shopping.
Optional Activities:
- Thermal baths (35 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Chalet (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll hop on a mountain bike and ride through the Pyrenees. Your guides will brief you on the route, then you’ll take the short shuttle ride to Port d’Envalira, which sits at 2408 m and is the highest road pass in the Pyrenees. This is a climb that has featured several times in the Tour de France! Take a road descent, then an off-road track to the Abelletes Lake – the official border between Andorra and France. Transfer back to 2400 m then descend to Grau Roig Valley where you’ll stop for a packed lunch, surrounded by mountains, pine trees and the source of the Valira River. After lunch, cycle off road back to Soldeu. Finish up at the local Caves Manacor market, where you can taste a variety of local products such as hams, cheeses and spirits.
Included Activities:
- Introduction to Mountain Biking Day Trip
Accommodation:
- Chalet (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a short walk into the Incles Valley, where today’s hike begins. Walk along a single track through forested mountain slopes, keeping an eye out for pine forest plants, flowers and rhododendrons in June. You can also spot some wild fruit growing in mid-summer and mushrooms in September. The climbing path zig zags up to the stunning Cabana Sorda Lake, which sits below an impressive semi-circular amphitheatre of rock. Stop for lunch and if the weather allows, take a dip in the cold mountain water. After lunch, you’ll descend through meadows and woodlands to the valley floor.
Included Activities:
- Incles Valley Walk
Accommodation:
- Chalet (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. If you'd like to take the complimentary group transfer to Toulouse Airport, please advise at the time of booking. It will be an early morning transfer, arriving at approximately 9 am.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Vicky - Traveled, September 2023
Great week of activities in Andorra! We had a great group of 11 and a list of outstanding hosts starting from our airport transfer (Pat), leader (Antoine) and accommodation hosts (Nick & Nuria). The week was very active with 2 hikes, 2 biking sessions, zip-lining and white water rafting and the itinerary was well planned so we were never bored or doing too much of the same activities two days in a row. The free day was a good opportunity to recover and take in other local sites eg local Spa, Via Ferreta, Tibetan Bridge. The food in the area was delicious and the scenery was beautiful. We were also very lucky to have perfect weather for the entire week. Highly recommend this trip if you are up for a challenge and want to see a beautiful part of the world that not many people know about.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2023
Mollie - Traveled, July 2023
From start to finish, it was an unforgettable experience that left me with cherished memories to last a lifetime. Our tour guide Antoinne was simply outstanding. His extensive knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion for the destination shone through in every aspect of the journey. The location was beyond perfect. The stunning natural landscapes, cultural landmarks, and hidden gems made me fall in love with the place. Overall, I can't recommend this tour enough. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or someone looking for their first adventure, this tour has something to offer for everyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2023
Ka Ki - Traveled, June 2023
A good-value trip considering the variety of activities. Highlight of the trip: via ferrata on the free day - a good mix of thrill, exercise and scenery, and the guide JJ took good care of us and encouraged us from time to time. Soldeu didn't have a lot of restaurants or supermarkets on offer, especially at the start of the season.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2023
William - Traveled, July 2023
My wife and I are in our 60’s and fit. We came from sea level so the altitude impacted our stamina. The trip is structured so that between the more physically tiring days of (hiking and biking) were one day off to do as you please (active or not) and a day of rafting which is great fun but less taxing. I feel this made great sense for recovery. The youths needed no rest days though!! We had a blast in a beautiful country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2023
Anya - Traveled, September 2023
Amazing week. Couldn’t have had a better experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/10/2023
Funmi - Traveled, August 2023
I have done other tours but this was my first time with Intrepid and I would definitely recommend it. I stumbled on the Andorra trip and couldn’t be more happy. Everything from the activities, hosts and tour leader were great. Only downside is I wished it was a few days longer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2023
Adam - Traveled, August 2023
This trip is amazing. The landscape is beautiful. The activities are incredibly fun and engaging. I was worried bc I have not mountain biked before but I loved it so much!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2023
Matthew - Traveled, August 2023
Really nice little trip in a stunning country. The bike rides are very manageable and the hikes include some amazing scenery. Nick and family run a really welcoming hotel with great food and Antoine was amazing as activity leader.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2023
Andrew - Traveled, August 2023
This trip was pack end to end with great activity. People were really fun with a great cross section from all over the world. Accommodation was adequate and food really fulfilling. The right amount of free time. It was quite physically demanding as a result a good level of fitness is required.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/29/2023
Tom - Traveled, July 2023
Great range of challenges in beautiful scenery lead by a fantastic guide. Wonderful week
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2023
Tsui-Wen - Traveled, July 2023
Antoine was an impressive guide who was conscientious and caring. The range of activities provided two 60 year olds a lot of fun and challenges in mountain biking, hiking and rafting- all very enjoyable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2023
Donna - Traveled, July 2023
This trip was such a pleasant surprise. Andorra is gorgeous, and the activities took full advantage of the natural beauty and physical challenges!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/14/2023
Evelien - Traveled, July 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip in Andorra. The activities included were excellent. A great part of the world to visit.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/27/2023
Sarah - Traveled, July 2023
A wonderfully active trip! So much fun!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/16/2023
Sally - Traveled, June 2023
I simply cannot fault this trip. It was excellent in every way.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2023
Eric - Traveled, June 2023
A great active trip in Andorra getting to hike, bike, raft and take the opportunity to try via ferrata on your free day!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2023
Kirsten - Traveled, June 2023
It was a fantastic trip! My first trip with Intrepid and it was very nice. We were a small group, but had an amazing time together. Our guide Antoine was excellent during the activites and took good care of us. He gave us also a lot of information about flora and geology. The host at the hotel, Nuria and Daniela were amazing, and the food fantastic. Can really recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/29/2023
Ann - Traveled, June 2023
Best Intrepid trip ever! Antoine is a fantastic guide and the accommodations make you feel at home. Highly recommended for those seeking a getaway adventure with great variety of physical activities and outdoor beauty.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2023
Nils - Traveled, June 2023
100% recommended. Staff and the Leader Antoine are just wonderful. Loved the activities and all the time in the mountains getting some clean air in. It's great people that don't have as much experience on the bikes/hikes/paddles, but there's always an option to do an extra mile or a more difficult downhill section to challenge more experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2023
Nga - Traveled, June 2023
Me and my kids loved the trip. it's a trip that requires some physical ability, so if you're not in good shape, you might slow the group down. As it is in a small group, there were 10 of us, it helped to create links and a spirit of belonging. Our guide is excellent, careful and took excellent care of us.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2023
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