Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park
Aragón
Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, located in the Spanish Pyrenees within Aragón's Sobrarbe comarca, is renowned for its spectacular limestone mountain formations and deep glacial valleys. Established initially in 1918 to protect the Ordesa Valley, it was expanded in 1982 to cover over 156 square kilometers, including the iconic Monte Perdido massif. The park features remarkable geological structures such as karst formations, sinkholes, and caves, shaped by tectonic uplift and Quaternary glaciations. Its altitude ranges from 700 meters at valley floors to 3,355 meters at Monte Perdido's summit, creating diverse climatic zones and vegetation floors. Extensive forests of beech, fir, pine, and oak thrive at lower elevations, while high meadows harbor numerous endemic alpine plants including the symbolic edelweiss. The fauna includes species such as the Pyrenean chamois, alpine marmot, golden eagle, and bearded vulture. The park is part of the Pyrénées - Mont Perdu UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve, reflecting its global ecological and geological importance. It attracts over 600,000 visitors annually, drawn by its breathtaking landscapes, hiking trails, and natural heritage.
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Tip: The best time to visit Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park is late spring through early autumn when weather conditions are favorable and trails are accessible. Visitors should consider purchasing tickets or park permits in advance during peak seasons to avoid crowds. Guided tours are recommended to fully appreciate the park's geological and ecological features. Discounts may be available for certain groups such as seniors or students, so checking with the official park website or visitor center is advisable. Proper hiking gear and awareness of weather variability due to altitude differences are essential for safety.
Interesting facts
- •Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park is home to Monte Perdido, the third highest peak in the Pyrenees at 3,355 meters.
- •The park contains karst landscapes with features like caves, sinkholes, and karren formed from limestone dating back to the Cretaceous and Eocene periods.
- •It was the habitat of the Pyrenean ibex (bucardo), which went extinct in 2000 despite conservation efforts.
- •The park includes several glacial cirques and deep canyons such as the Añisclo Canyon and the Ordesa Valley, carved by glaciers during the Quaternary period.
- •The edelweiss flower, Leontopodium alpinum, is a symbol of the park and thrives in its high meadows.
History
The Ordesa Valley was first declared a National Park in 1918, making it Spain's second oldest national park.
Initially covering 21 square kilometers, it was expanded in 1982 to its current size of over 156 square kilometers and renamed Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park.
The park's protection was further enhanced by its designation as a Biosphere Reserve in 1977 and its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage cross-border Pyrénées - Mont Perdu site in 1997.
The region's geological formations were shaped primarily by Alpine orogeny and later sculpted by Quaternary glaciations, creating its distinctive cirques and U-shaped valleys.
Place Guide
Ordesa Valley
The emblematic valley carved by the Arazas River, featuring dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and lush forests. It is the historical core of the park and offers numerous hiking trails.
Monte Perdido Summit
The highest point of the park at 3,355 meters, offering panoramic views of the Pyrenees and a challenging climb for experienced hikers.
Añisclo Canyon
A deep, narrow canyon carved by the Bellós River, known for its rugged terrain, karst formations, and rich biodiversity.
Flora Zones
Distinct vegetation layers from dense beech and fir forests at lower elevations to alpine meadows with endemic plants at higher altitudes.
Wildlife Habitats
Areas within the park that support diverse fauna including the Pyrenean chamois, golden eagle, bearded vulture, and the elusive Pyrenean desman.
Contact
Phone: 974 24 33 61
