In the very heart of the Pyrenees, within the province of Lleida, lies the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. This area is home to one of the most picturesque and tranquil trails in Catalonia, known as the “Otter Trail” (Ruta de la Nutria). Here, water and forest combine to form a landscape that feels frozen in time. Hiking this trail will be a true discovery for walking enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of glacial lakes, rushing waterfalls, and remarkable biodiversity.
This moderately difficult route starts at Palanca de la Molina, at an altitude of 1,381 meters. From here, the trail winds along the Sant Nicolau River, gradually ascending about 430 meters to the Planell d’Aigüestortes plateau. The total length of the linear route is 6.5 kilometers, which can be covered in roughly two and a half hours. However, few hikers can resist stopping along the way to take in the views or listen to the endless murmur of the water—the true protagonist of this adventure.
The ‘Otter Trail’ introduces visitors to the most iconic corners of Aigüestortes, the only national park in the region and one of the oldest in Spain, granted its status back in 1955. One of the highlights along the route is Lake Llebreta (Estany de Llebreta), formed by ancient glaciers and now surrounded by fir, beech and black pine trees. Its shores are home to waterfowl, amphibians, and—if you’re lucky—the elusive European otter for which the trail is named.
A little further along, travelers encounter the Sant Esperit waterfall, where the water cascades down natural terraces, carving out rock basins known as ‘giants’ cauldrons.’ From the viewpoint of the same name, you can see a striking contrast: a sunny slope covered with boxwood and pastures on one side, and a shady woodland of mixed conifers and hardwoods on the other.
The final stretch leads to the Planell d’Aigüestortes plain—a place of remarkable beauty. Here, the river slows and splits into numerous channels that weave through meadows and wooden boardwalks. Considered one of the quintessential Pyrenean landscapes, it combines the calm of still waters with the majestic silhouettes of surrounding mountains. The atmosphere is unique: the murmur of streams blends with songbirds and the scent of pine needles, inviting you to linger and take in the purest heart of the mountain region.
During the summer months, visitors can use the special Bus del Parc shuttle. This public transport connects the Vall de Boí valley with other areas of the park, such as Espot or Aran, making travel significantly easier. Thanks to this, the ‘Otter Trail’ becomes one of the most accessible and enriching ways to experience the natural wonders of the Pyrenees in the province of Lleida. The service also allows for a comfortable return to the starting point, making the hike ideal for both seasoned trekkers and newcomers.
Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici is a true mosaic of more than 200 glacial lakes, dense forests, peaks rising over 3,000 meters, and iconic wildlife such as the Pyrenean chamois, capercaillie, and Pyrenean newt. In addition, the cultural setting—including the Romanesque churches of the Vall de Boí, listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites—highlights the inseparable bond between nature and historical legacy.
In just a few hours of walking, the ‘Otter Trail’ reveals the essence of this national park: a sanctuary of water and life, allowing visitors to reconnect with silence, the mountains, and untouched nature. Those who have completed this route say that few trails in Catalonia can evoke the unspoiled magic of the Pyrenees with such intensity.
