4-6 days in the mountain villages and lakes

A peaceful route with overnight stays in accommodations

Donkey Trekking through the Pyrenees – A Family-Friendly Adventure

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⚲ Cal Jan de la Llosa / ⚲ Refugi Cap de Rec / ⚲ Refugi Estany de la Pera / ⚲ Andorra / 
⚲ Aransa / ⚲ Lles

This circular trek leads you, together with your faithful donkey companions, through the tranquil Llosa Valley and the charming mountain villages of Viliella, Aranser, Musser, and Lles de Cerdanya. Along the way, you’ll wander through flower-filled meadows, shady forests, and past a small waterfall before reaching the beautiful mountain lake La Pera.

The full circuit takes six days, but it can easily be shortened to four or five. With daily stages of around 10 km, this tour is perfect for families with young children or anyone who wants to enjoy the mountains at a relaxed pace. You can even take a rest day to simply relax and soak in the peace and beauty of the Pyrenees.

Accommodation is available in cozy mountain huts and hostels along the way.

Type of accompaniment

Self-guided

Difficulty level

Intermediate

Overnight stay

Accommodation

Season of the year

Summer

Price

Please see the Prices section on our website for donkey rental rates, where you will also find information about how the routes are organized.

Route detail

Cal Jan de la Llosa → Refugi Cap de Rec

Distance: 9 km

Elevation : -259 /+ 595


Your adventure begins in the serene Llosa Valley, where the trail gently climbs through pine forests and mountain pastures. Along the way, a short detour takes you to the Salt del Molí, a refreshing waterfall tucked into the woods — the perfect spot for a picnic or a dip on a warm day. As you ascend, views open up toward the surrounding ridges before reaching Refugi Cap de Rec, a friendly mountain hut surrounded by open alpine meadows.

Cap de Rec → Refugi de la Pera

Distance: 9,14 km

Elevation: – 207/+ 605


Today’s trail winds upward through pastures dotted with wildflowers and grazing horses. As you climb higher, you’ll enjoy ever-expanding views toward the dramatic Serra del Cadí, its cliffs rising proudly against the sky. The Refugi de la Pera awaits just above the tree line beside two shimmering blue lakes — an idyllic place to spend the night, watching marmots play and your donkeys rest nearby.

Day hike to Andorra

Distance: 10km

Elevation: +/-656

From your mountain refuge, you can set out on a spectacular day hike across the Port de Perafita pass into Andorra. The trail climbs gently between granite peaks, leading to the Refugi de Perafita and Estany de Claror, said to be the warmest mountain lake in Andorra. Here, surrounded by silence and sweeping views, you’ll feel truly above the world. Return to Refugi de la Pera for another cozy evening under the stars.


This stage can also be skipped if you prefer — or you can simply take a relaxing rest day at Refugi de la Pera to enjoy the mountain scenery.

Refugi de la Pera → Aranser

Distance: 9,5km

Elevation: – 1007/ + 107

The descent from La Pera is a delight — through fragrant pine forests, past a small lake reflecting the sky, and down into flower-filled meadows. The path leads you gently to the quiet village of Aranser, where stone houses and narrow lanes invite you to linger. Enjoy a hearty dinner and perhaps a glass of local wine while watching the evening light settle over the valley.

Aranser → Lles via Musser

Distance: 9km

Elevation : – 797/ +325


A beautiful connecting trail takes you through Musser, another authentic Pyrenean mountain village with traditional slate roofs and peaceful charm. Continue past the old Pont del Diable — the “Devil’s Bridge” — and follow paths that wind through mixed woodland and open fields until you reach Lles de Cerdanya, a lively mountain village with a friendly atmosphere and local cafés.

If you prefer a shorter route, this stage can be skipped — simply walk directly from Aranser back to Cal Jan de la Llosa.

4-6 days through mountain villages and lakes

Lles → Viliella → Cal Jan de la Llosa

Distance: 6,6 km

Elevation: +213/-356

The final day leads you over gentle meadows and along small, winding trails to the picturesque hamlet of Viliella. From there, you descend into the Llosa Valley and back to Cal Jan de la Llosa, where your journey began. Perhaps end your hike with a refreshing swim in the Llosa River while your donkeys peacefully nibble on fresh mountain herbs nearby.

It’s a perfect moment to slowly say goodbye to your donkey friends, who have shared all the adventures and the beautiful mountains with you

Relevant information

  • Accommodation:

    • Refugi de la Pera (Estany de la Pera): You need to bring a sleeping bag or blanket. It is also possible to get bed linen by reserving in advance.

    • Refugi Cap de Rec: Family rooms must be booked if you want a private stay.

    • All accommodations offer full board and picnics on request.

  • Dogs: Dogs are welcome, but they cannot stay in dormitories.

    • At Refugi Cap de Rec, book a family room for your dog.

    • At Estany de la Pera, dogs must sleep outside the dormitory.

  • Equipment & Clothing:

    • Hiking boots are strongly recommended — there are many rivers and stony paths along the route.

    • Bring sun protection, water-resistant clothing, and layers for changing weather conditions.

    • Water bottles or hydration packs are essential for the day hikes.

  • Food & Snacks:

    • There are no shops along the route, so bring snacks for the day.

    • Picnic options can be arranged in advance at the accommodations.

  • Other Tips:

    • You can plan rest days along the way, enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery with your donkeys.

    • Check the weather in advance and adjust your gear accordingly — mountain conditions can change quickly.

Accommodation reservation:

Refugi Cap de Rec

1st: ONE NIGHT

Tel: 0034 973 29 31 00
Email: estacio@lles.net
Price: 72.50
https://www.lles.net
Cap de Rec (Lles)

Refugi Estany de la Pera

2nd (3th): ONE OR TWO NIGHTS

Tel: 0034 606 991 473
Email: estanysdelapera.refugi@feec.cat
Price: 16.50 (per person with breakfast)
https://www.estanysdelapera.cat
Estany de la Pera (Lles)

Hostal Pas de la Pera

one night

Tel: +34 973 51 50 01
Email: info@pasdelapera
Price:
https://cerdanya.org/es/allotjament/hostal-pas-de-la-pera/
Aransa

Fonda Cal Abel

Tel: +34 619 641 692
Email: fondacalabel@gmail.com
Price: 70€ double room
https://www.fondacalabel.com
Lles de Cerdanya

Route map

How To Arrive

Cal Jan de la Llosa - Lles de Cerdanya

42°26’22.65“N/1°41’58.28“O