Where you will sleep during the expedition

In 13 days we climb 9 peaks in the Pyrenees, crossing from East to West. We sleep in guarded mountain huts, unstaffed shelters, camping tents, and even out in the open under the stars.
Throughout the Pyrene Explorer crossing, we’ll experience different ways of spending the night in the mountains. Each place we sleep is unique.

We have chosen these guarded huts because their wardens make them incomparable — they welcome us warmly, and the meals they prepare are extraordinary. We also sleep in unstaffed refuges, tents, or bivouac because, even though they’re simple shelters, this is where we feel closest to the magic of the mountains.

Day 1: Pyrene Base Camp, Lles de Cerdanya

We begin the adventure at the Pyrene base camp, at 1,956 meters above sea level, on the Cap del Rec plateau. The camp’s kitchen team prepares our dinner. We make a final check of our backpacks, set up the Salewa Litetrek III tents, and rest. Everything is ready!

The first unstaffed hut of the route, at 2,280 meters. It’s basic — a table, bunk beds, and a fireplace. We collect firewood, cook and eat outdoors, and we’re often visited by the horses that graze these high-mountain meadows.

At 2,265 meters, under the highest peak in Andorra, the guarded Comapedrosa hut awaits us. We meet Jordi, the warden, and perhaps we’ll cross paths with other hikers on their route. We swim in the lake, enjoy a hot dinner, and begin to feel our legs adapting to the pace of the expedition.

Pla de Boet, at 1,850 meters, is an open and spectacular valley at the foot of Pica d’Estats. Here, a support vehicle from the Pyrene team brings us the Salewa tents and dinner. Falling asleep inside the sleeping bag under a sky full of thousands of stars teaches us to appreciate the simplest things.

We change valleys and stay at the Graus campsite at 1,350 meters — a quiet and welcoming place. We sleep in the tents, which already feel like home. We take the opportunity to rest and stretch outdoors. After four days far from technology and civilization, here we finally have signal and can talk to our loved ones.

At 2,000 meters we reach the small Guerossos cabin. It’s a simple but charming shelter surrounded by black pines, birches, streams, the occasional marmot, and vultures gliding over the peaks. We settle in tightly, cook, and play cards. What a luxury to sleep here!

We arrive at the long-awaited Certascan Refuge, at 2,240 meters, overlooking the lake and the peaks of the Upper Pyrenees. It’s been a long, tough day. Agustí, the hut warden, prepares a delicious dinner — with the hunger we have, everything tastes amazing. We rest by the fireplace, full and warm, and go to bed early to regain strength.

Our last rest days before the ascent to Aneto. The campsite is at 850 meters and is perfect for recharging: it has a pool and barbecue areas. We wash clothes, take hot showers, and enjoy well-earned rest with the group.

At 2,140 meters, we stay at the iconic Renclusa Refuge, the base camp for the Aneto ascent. At night, the guides explain the details of the route, and we prepare crampons, ice axes, and ropes. The atmosphere is full of excitement — a mix of nerves and anticipation. Tomorrow is a big day!

After nearly two weeks crossing the mountains, arriving in Benasque feels like a reward. We stay in the center of the village, at 1,050 meters, in the modern Sommos Spa Hotel. After so many days, a bed and a hot shower are the best gift! It’s time for laughter, stories, and celebrating that what was just a dream two weeks ago is now a reality.