The park contains the highest concentration of glacial lakes in the entire Pyrenees mountain range.
The name 'Els Encantats' (The Enchanted Ones) refers to two distinctive 2,700-meter peaks that frame the view of Sant Maurici lake.
It is a certified Starlight Destination, recognized for its low light pollution and ideal conditions for astronomical observation.
The park includes the Aigüestortes plateau, where the Noguera de Tort river meanders across a flat basin, a rare geological formation for the Pyrenees.
The park serves as a refuge for the capercaillie, an endangered bird species in the region.
It has been a protected national park since 1955, making it one of the longest-standing protected areas in Spain.
Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici is the only national park located in the autonomous community of Catalonia, Spain. It spans over 400 square kilometers within the central Pyrenees, specifically across the Pallars Sobirà and Alta Ribagorça comarcas. The landscape is characterized by high-mountain terrain exceeding 3,000 meters and contains over 200 glacial lakes. The park's name refers to the 'winding waters' of the Aigüestortes plateau and the iconic Estany de Sant Maurici lake located at the foot of the Els Encantats peaks. Its ecosystem hosts diverse alpine flora, including black pine and mountain pine forests, alongside fauna such as the Pyrenean chamois and the bearded vulture. The park protects a significant portion of the High Pyrenees geological formation, featuring steep ravines and verdant valleys. It serves as a major hub for long-distance hiking trails, including the Carros de Foc circuit. Access is primarily managed via limited-access tracks and pedestrian paths to preserve the fragile ecological balance. As of June 2026, the park remains open to the public, though strict regulations regarding motor vehicle access and camping apply.
The shoreline of Estany de Sant Maurici with the Els Encantats peaks reflected in the water.
Utilize the permitted taxi services that operate from Boí and Espot to reach the park interiors, as private vehicle access is restricted.
Plan your route according to the difficulty of the hiking trails, as weather conditions at high altitudes can change rapidly even in summer.
Bring specialized mountain footwear with ankle support and layers for unpredictable alpine weather.
Attempting to drive deep into the park in a private vehicle; relying on standard GPS for off-road trails; underestimating altitude sickness.
High-altitude trails and certain access roads may be impassable or closed due to snow and avalanche risk during winter and early spring.
Strict 'leave no trace' policy: remove all waste, do not pick plants, stay on marked trails, and keep dogs on a leash at all times.
