The Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site

This isolated valley lies in the south-east of Andorra. Originally formed by glaciers, it covers just over 40 square kilometres. Not particularly large, but in a small country like Andorra, that's almost 9% of the country! The valley is uninhabited today, although over the centuries it has been home to various small hamlets, settlements and farming communities. This natural site is only accessible on foot and there are no roads.

The Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2004, mainly because of its ultra-preserved nature. With its narrow footpaths, isolated settlements and scattered pastures, the valley is considered an example of what is known as a pastoral landscape. It reflects a rural way of life that was once common in much of Europe's mountainous areas, but has almost completely disappeared.

Over the centuries, shepherds moved their flocks into the area, farmers built small terraced fields to grow wheat, rye and hay, while the locals worked in mining, forging and forestry.

Surprisingly, there are still a dozen or so houses there, but nobody lives there all year round any more. The houses are populated only in summer. Today, the Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley is traditionally regarded as the "spiritual heart" of the country. The protection of the valley as a World Heritage Site clearly reflects this pride and historic tradition.

The Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley is a fantastic experience. As mentioned before, there are no roads in the valley, you have to get there on foot - just like in centuries past. We visited the valley on a sunny day under a radiant blue sky. The snow-capped mountains of the Pyrenees towered above us. Thick forests of green pine invade the valley, while the path plunges down steep slopes and climbs up even steeper hills.

From time to time, you come across a small farmhouse or a fast-flowing stream with fresh mountain water. A path follows the shepherds' roads - a natural route that has developed over the centuries - where you will find the famous pastoral landscape.

Most of the routes have ascents and descents. The routes can take the best part of a day, but the views and the incredible nature are absolutely worth it!

More information about hiking in Madriu-Perafita-Claror :

👉 In Madriu-Perafita-Claror there are options for all levels, even families. Although the hikes can take 3 or 4 hours, they involve very pleasant paths that require no previous experience.

🚌 To access the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley National Park directly, the easiest way is from the Engolasters area, either by bus or car. So head towards the Engolasters road following the road near the lake and stop at the car park, which is called Aparcament de les Fonts (this name appears on Google Maps).

👉 Directly across the road is the well-marked Els Matxos path, which you follow for around 45 minutes to reach Coll Jovell. A spectacular view of the capital comes into view. The World Heritage area begins from this vantage point. You can then follow the "light blue" route to the Ramio colony or the "green route" to the Fontverd refuge. The paths are well signposted and uniform, but also very steep at times.