Aiguestortes
Aiguestortes, one of Spain’s fourteen national parks, is in Catalonia. The area is mountainous with several hundred lakes many of which developed during the glacial period.
Setting
The distinguishing characteristics of Aiguestortes are the lofty mountains of the Pyrenees along with the sparkling clear water that flows through the many rivers and lakes. The setting is further enriched by the verdant forests, cascades, peat bogs and craggy mountain summits.
Plants and Animals
The high elevation of Aiguestortes has four vegetative regions. The plants from the alpine environs include mountain pine and fir trees. The animals consist of marmot, Pyrenean chamois, roe deer and ermine and a variety of birds, for example, the Golden Eagle, Black Woodpecker, Lammergeier and Common Crossbill.
Tourist Regulations and Transportation
Visitors to Aiguestortes may walk freely, but the park prohibits them from gathering rocks, flowers or plants. In addition, the park forbids camping, hunting and fishing. Park regulations ban driving private vehicles into the park, so visitors can arrange for transportation by taxis from Boi or Espot to sites in the park, for instance, Sant Maurici Lake or the Aiguestortes Plain. Throughout the summer, taxis offer transport to shelters at Restanca and Colomera from the entrance at Val d’Aran. The southern entrance at Vall Fosca has a cable car connecting Sallente with Estany Gento.
Time of Year to Visit
The winter in Aiguestortes is snowy and chilly. The winter provides an opportune time for show shoeing and hiking, and the winter conditions last into spring with snow remaining in the mountain passes into June.
Romanesque Legacy
West of the park is the picturesque Vall de Boi, a thin valley which is home to nine Romanesque churches built during the 11th and 12 centuries. The main example is Sant Climent de Taull Church. These churches are the largest number of Romanesque churches in Europe and have been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Recommendation
Aiguestortes Park ranks as a favorable park to visit because of the scenery and opportunities for hiking and trekking across the mountains. While entrance to the park by car is restricted to protect the environment, the park is easily accessed by taxi from the eastern and western sides of the park.