Complete guide to the Tena Valley

1. Introduction

2. Fine-tuning

- When to go

- How to get there

- What to see

- Where to sleep

3. Indispensable

4. Tena Valley at a glance

- Sallent de Gállego

- Panticosa

- Formigal

- Biescas

- Tramacastilla

5. Routes and walks for travellers

- Panticosa Spa (back to the Spa, Mirador de la Reina)

- Piedrafita Lake

- Aguas Limpias Ravine

- Road from Panticosa to Pueyo de Tena

- Ibón de los Asnos, Sabocos and Rincón del Verde

- Ibones de Anayet

- Ibones de Bachimaña and Azules

- Ibón de Respomuso

6. Ascents and routes

- Balaitús Peak (3144 m), through the Latour Gap, along the Gran Diagonal

- Peak of Gran Facha (3005 m), from Respomuso

- Peak of Garmo Negro (3051 m)

- Peaks of Hell (3082)

- Anayet (2545 m)

- Peña Telera (2764 m)

- Tendereña Peak (2853 m)

- GR 11 Trans-Pyrenees Crossing

7. Other activities in the Tena Valley

- Hiking

- Canyoning

- MTB

- Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ski mountaineering

- Canoeing, paragliding and caving

8. Relevant information

1. Introduction

Situated in the Aragonese region of Alto Gállego, the Tena Valley is a valley located in the Pyrenees which is crossed from north to south by the river Gállego, and is the largest and most populous in the Aragonese Pyrenees. It covers an area of some 400 square kilometres and its altitude varies between 600 metres and just over 3,000 metres. It also has two large reservoirs: Lanuza and Búbal.

The unequalled beauty of the Tena Valley lies in the contrast and variety of landscapes, with its forests, its lakes, its impressive peaks, and a typical Pyrenean architecture that completely blends in with the environment, which will make your visit an unforgettable experience. Visiting the Tena Valley is also an opportunity to do the following many activities and sports, such as hiking, mountain biking, climbing to the highest peaks, skiing, etc.... leaving time also for relaxation and contemplation of the rich and varied flora and fauna of the area.

Between the cultural offerings that can be enjoyed in the Tena Valley include concerts and musical performances, such as the International Festival of Cultures, y museums with permanent exhibitions. There is also a route from Biescas onwards where you can appreciate the beauty of a series of 14 Mozarabic and Romanesque churches of the 10th and 11th centuriesCome and dare to discover the Tena Valley!

2. Fine-tuning

- When to go

To visit the Tena Valley you should first make a plan of what activities you would like to do, as activities such as skiing are only available in the winter and snowy season. However, for all other activities any time of the year is a good time to visit, although it is true that in summer, due to the mild temperatures, it may be more appropriate.

- How to get there

The Tena Valley is located in the centre of the Aragonese Pyrenees, which makes it easy to reach by various routes. It can be reached either from Spain or, if you prefer, from France, as it is located on the French border through Portalet d'Aneu.

One of the possible routes to to arrive by car is starting from Huesca. The quickest and most linear route takes approximately one hour. You would have to take the A-23 road from the N-330, until you take the turn-off, about 50 kilometres further on, N-260. Follow the N-260 towards the Huesca-France/A-136 road. Finally, pass the village of Biescas and you will reach your destination.

There are also endless connections and there are also bus and train services to reach the Tena Valley. Once you have decided which means of transport to use, you can consult the different routes and timetables on the official website of the Tena Valley.

- What to see

There are many activities to do in the Tena Valley and places to see. Some of the suggestions are:

Make hiking along the different paths of the Tena Valley.

Adventure tourism in the park multi-adventure "Biescas Aventuras", where you can do several zip-line circuits.

Practice nautical activities at the Lanuza wharf.

Climb in the tourist train that runs through Tramacastilla.

Delight in the flora and fauna of the Lacuniacha Fauna Park.

Relaxing in the Panticosa Spa or in the water circuits of the Spa Aguas Limpias or in La Paul in Panticosa.

Knowing and walking through the villages and contemplate its houses, façades and architectural monuments.

- Where to sleep

Accommodation in the Tena Valley or in the surrounding area is one of the best options when planning a holiday. There is a wide variety of them, to suit everyone's taste. Hotels, hostels, hostels, flats, aparthotels and camp sitesAll of them are equipped with all the possible comforts to offer visitors a pleasant stay. What's more, booking at these establishments will give you discounts applicable to the different activities you do on your holiday.

For example, if you decide to stay in the Camping del Valle de TenaThe campsite has a surface area of 30,000 square metres, some 200 very spacious plots and a total of 27 Pyrenean-style bungalows. It has hot water, electricity and waste water disposal facilities. There are also sports facilities and recreational and restaurant areas.

Other accommodation as hotels, flats and rural houses are located in: Biescas, Gavín, El Pueyo de Jaca, Escarrilla, Sandiniés, Senegüé, Tramacastilla de Tena, Panticosa, Lanuza, Formigal, and on the Biescas-Formigal road. All of them with comfortable facilities with all the services and in a natural and relaxed environment.

3. Local must-haves for the traveller

There are numerous activities and routes to do in the Tena Valley, however, the essential ones that you must do and visit are the following:

Observe the arch of Piedrafitaa natural arch of Partacua.

A stroll among bears, lynx, bison and deer in the Lacuniacha Fauna Parkin Piedrafita de Jaca.

Visiting the old Canfrac International Train StationBuilt in the French palace style, it is close to the French border and was intended to link the two countries. It was inaugurated by Alfonso XIII in 1928.

Visit the Monastery of San Juan de la Peña. Romanesque in style, it is the most outstanding monument of Aragon in the Middle Ages. It is located under a rock and a large number of Aragonese kings were buried here.

Route of the Churches of SerrabloThe church is a group of 14 Mozarabic and medieval style churches that run parallel to the Alto Gállego river.

Visit Jaca and its historic centre, which has the first Romanesque cathedral in Spain dating from the 11th century, next to the Ciutadella.

In short, book several days because the rich landscape and culture of the Tena Valley offers endless options to carry out and turn your holiday into an experience you will never forget.

4. Tena Valley at a glance

- Sallent de Gállego

Located at an altitude of 1305 metres Sallent de Gállego is a typical village in the Aragonese Pyrenees. It is located on the slopes of the Peña Foratata and at the tail end of the Lanuza reservoir. In the past, together with Lanuza, it formed part of the three historical territories into which the valley was divided administratively.

Among its monuments The most outstanding features are a 16th century church in Baroque style with a Renaissance altarpiece inside, a medieval bridge, and coats of arms, doors and windows in the square known as the Plaza del Triple Arco Mentidero from different artistic periods. Also in this village in the Tena Valley is the Aguas Limpias Spa, an urban spaand various sports facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, climbing walls...

And for music lovers, it is worth mentioning that during the second fortnight of July, the International Festival of CulturesThis is one of the most important musical exhibitions under the name of world music.

- Panticosa

Panticosa is considered a Villa as it includes the municipalities of El Pueyo de Jaca, Panticosa and El Balneario de Panticosa. It is located at an altitude of about 1184 metressurrounded by peaks over 3000 metres high, and at the confluence of the Bolática and Caldarés rivers.

Among the monuments Architectural highlights in Panticosa include: the 19th century Church of El Salvador and its large exhibition of coats of arms, the Church of La Asunción and its 16th century altarpiece, the Lucas fountain, the 16th century medieval bridge and the Casa Solariegas.

As for the festivities The most outstanding events are the Medieval Fair, which is held for two days on the first weekend in July, and for four days in August, the Festivity of Mary, which starts on the 15th of the month.

- Formigal

Formigal is located at 1550 metres altitudejust a few kilometres from the French border of Portalet and on the slopes of the Formigal ski resortIt is ranked as one of the most important international centres for the practice of this sport.

Among the monuments Formigal's most outstanding features are: a pre-Romanesque church dating from the 11th century and belonging to the Serrablo group of churches, whose beauty lies in the possession of several artistic elements such as: a baptismal font coming from Ruesta from the 12th century; a holy water font coming from Cillas from the 17th century; a 14th century painting coming from the 14th century Basarán Hermitage and of a transitional style between Romanesque and Gothic; and a Romanesque style chrismon that was incorporated into the tympanum. There is also a Romanesque church from the 12th century.

- Biescas

Also considered a villa, Biescas is located at 875 metres high over an ancient glacial valley that extends on both sides of the river Gállego. Its extension includes the village of Gavín, the village of Sobremonte, the land of Biescas, and the aggregates of Espierre, Barbenuta, Javierre del Obispo and Pedrafita de Jaca, the latter being part of the Tena Valley itself.

Among its monuments The most outstanding are the Sanctuary and fort of Santa Elena, which dates from the 18th century; the church of San Pedro, and the Torraza de Acín, from the 16th century; and the church of San Salvador, also from the 16th century.

Its geographical position is reflected in its streets, as it was a commercial and royal route. Its roads are Roman in style and it has a single bridge that formerly made it possible to cross from the Tena Valley to the Ara Valley.

- Tramacastilla de Tena

Tramascastilla de Tena is located at an altitude of 1224 metres and is sheltered by oak groves, meadows and pine woods, and the Búbal reservoir.

The wooden and stone houses and the streets of this picturesque Pyrenean village are adorned with flower walls, balconies and windows in the Romanesque style. Its most important tourist attraction is the excursion by tourist train and its monuments include the 16th century church of San Martín.

As a curiosity, in the celebration of its festivities, in the first week of October, the tradition of "La Ronda" is preserved, a tour through all the houses of the village where the young men of the typical "paloteao" dance to the sound of traditional music.

5. Routes and walks for travellers

- Panticosa Spa (back to the spa, Mirador de la Reina)

This hiking route can be done without any problems, because the difficulty of the road is low. It lasts approximately one hour, and the views along the way are breathtaking. The path starts at the spa car park, you will have to climb some stairs until you reach the fountain of San Agustín. Continue up the stairs until you reach the temple of San Agustín. Cross the bridge and see the different fountains, one of the most emblematic of which is located next to the famous Casa del Reloj.

After about 300 metres you take a diversion to the right, towards the Belleza fountain, which offers breathtaking views. Return to the main path and continue past the retaining walls and, after passing them, the path turns off to the right. This continues along a path along which you pass some water transport pipes. A few metres further on, continue to the left to reach the Pino viewpoint.

This viewpoint is known as "La ventana" (the window), for its incredible views of the Caldarés river and the Balneario. Return to the main path until you reach the bridge that crosses the river. To the right of the Caldarés you will reach the Mirador de la Reina. From its impressive balcony you should continue along the path following the white and red marks until you reach the refuge called Casa de Piedra, where this route ends.

- Piedrafita Lake

This route, of low difficulty, has an approximate duration of approximately two hours. In the southwest of the Tena Valley the path is accessed from the village of Piedrafita de Jaca, at the small bridge at the entrance to the village. Head towards the forest track on the right until you come to some cattle farms a kilometre and a half further on. Continue along the path until you reach a small track next to the river where you can leave your car.

The Ibón de Piedrafita is located at the foot of Peña Telera, one of the highest peaks in the Sierra de La Partacua at an altitude of 2762 metres.

If you are going to do the route in winter, it is essential that you are equipped with snowshoes for snow. When you have been walking along the path for about 45 minutes, you will come to a stream called Barranco del Boj, and you should take the path that goes up parallel to the ravine, leaving the Refugio de Las Planas on your right. After about 800 metres, you will reach the Ibón de Piedrafita.

- Aguas Limpias Ravine

Although it is not one of the most visited, the Aguas Limpias ravine is one of the most classic and emblematic in the Tena Valley. It is included in the descent and descent routes and is one of the most canyoningYou will need to wear wetsuit and booties, and take two 20-metre ropes and the necessary equipment to install them. To get to the Aguas Limpias river gorge you will have to leave your car in the car park at the La Sarra reservoir.

First of all, you must take the GR 11 path towards Ref. de Respomuso, and after about an hour's walk you will reach the "paso del Onso", where there is a railing that you must cross to "llano Cheto", the starting point of the descent. In total, the walk takes about three or four hours. Finally, from the "llano de Tornadizas" you leave the river and take the GR 11, which takes about 20 minutes to reach the car.

- Road from Panticosa to Pueyo de Tena

This route is also a low difficulty as it has a difference in altitude of between 30 and 110 metres. It lasts approximately one hour and the starting point is the ski resort car park.

You will need to take the route marked as PR-HU 106The path goes over the bridges of the rivers Bolatica and Caldarés. Before reaching the Las Palizas bridge, the path forks to the left, which you can identify because it runs through beech, box and birch trees. Continue along the path and cross the Yandel ravine until you reach the Caldarés river, which you must cross over the bridge. Finally, you will reach Pueyo de Jaca, where the route ends.

- Ibón de los Asnos, Sabocos and Rincón del Verde

The Ibones de Asnos and Sabocos are located in the vicinity of the Panticosa ski resort. Access is easy by taking the Panticosa cable carThis makes it a popular place for families with children and tourists. It can be reached on foot from Panticosa or from Hoz de Jaca using the cycle tracks that go up to the ski resort, or by using the cable car service, although this is only available from the ski resort. available during the months of July and August.

Once you have reached the Ibón de Sabocos you can take a path to the west that climbs up to the heights of the Ibón and from where the views are amazing. This path is known as Rincón del Verde. Afterwards, take the descent, in this case next to Ibón de los asnos (it is well signposted), which will take you directly to the car park and where the route ends.

- Ibones de Anayet

Near the French border and the ski resort of Formigal this beautiful excursion begins. It is advisable to do it in summer, otherwise you will have to bring snow equipment. To start, you can park your car on a small esplanade on the road to Portalet.

The route is marked by the GR 11 and starts at the ski resort, where you continue walking to the right. Next to the path runs the water torrent of the Barranco de Culibillas ravine, and you should continue parallel to it. You can't miss it, it will take you directly to the lakes. The Pico de Anayet is the highest peak on the route at 2545 metres above sea level, and from here you can also see the Midi D'Osseau at 2884 metres, which is now in French territory.

- Ibones de Bachimaña and Azules.

At the end of the meadow at the Balneario de Panticosa is the Casa de Piedra refuge, from where you can take the GR 11 route of the Senda Pirenaica. The path climbs up the rocky area leaving the Caldarés river and several waterfalls on the right.

You can make a stop along the way when you reach the Mirador de la ReinaYou will have to continue the ascent to the Bozuelo meadow, where you can rest before tackling the final ascent to Bachimaña, where you can see the Ibón Baxo de Bachimaña and the refuge of the same name.

If you want, you can continue your ascent to the Ibones Azules. In this case, you should continue along the valley to the dam of Ibón Alto de Bachimaña, at the end of this large mountain lake there is a path on the right bordering the lake, if you turn left the path continues towards the Marcadau pass and the Ibones de Gramatuero. On the left you will reach the ravine of Los Azules. From there you should continue ascending until you reach the Ibones Azules at an altitude of 2380 metres.

- Ibón de Respomuso

This trail also belongs to the marked GR 11 route and is signposted along its entire route, which follows the course of the Aguas Limpias river. The starting point is the Sarra reservoir, at the end of which you will find a car park next to a recreation area where you can leave your car.

To start the route you must go along the track leaving the car park on the left, at the end you must cross the river and go up it on the right side along a path that climbs up to the meadows of Tornadizas. You will soon enter the beech forest and come across several waterfalls, which pour their waters from the Balsaroleta and Garmo Negro ravines into the Aguas Limpias river.

You will have to cross the Onso Valley to Llano Cheto, where you will cross the Arriel torrent, after which you will have to take a steeper path called "Cuesta del pino" until you reach the top of the beautiful waterfall created by the Aguas Limpias river. After a total of two hours of ascent, you will arrive at the Respomuso reservoir and the Ibón de Respomuso.

6. Ascents and routes

- Balaitús Peak (3144 m), through the Latour Gap, along the Gran Diagonal

The starting point of this ascending route towards the Balaitús Peak is the Sarra car park, at the exit of Formigal. It is advisable to do this route with a stop at the Respomuso refuge, so that you can divide the whole route into two days. It takes about two hours and forty minutes to get to the refuge, without stops, along a perfectly signposted path.

The next stretch is between the refuge and the Latour Gap and is about three hours long, without stops, but bear in mind that as this is a mountainous ascent you will have to put your harnesses where they belong and take off and put on crampons, this also takes time. It will take you about half an hour to climb the Latour Gap and another 30 minutes to reach the summit.

- Peak of Gran Facha (3005 m), from Respomuso

Taking the same path as the previous route until you reach the Respomuso Refuge, you should take the path towards the Coll de Facha and skirt it. The ascent to the peak is recommended via the Arista or North Ridge.

- Peak of Garmo Negro (3051 m).

To make this ascent you will have to start from Bachimaña mountain hut. This route is not signposted, although the path is quite visible, but it is advisable to carry a map. It is also advisable to reserve two days to do this route.

- Peaks of Hell (3082)

This circular route starts at the Casa de Piedra shelter and lasts two days. On the first day you will walk through thehe Bachimaña and Ibones Azules reservoirsand spend the night at Ibón Azul Superior. The second day can be used to climb up to the Infierno pass, where you will have to cross the Marmolera, pass by the Garmo Blanco and, finally, to crown the three Picos de los Infiernos by the spectacular ridge.

- Anayet (2545 m)

The route starts at the car park of the ski resort of Formigal. The first section is on tarmac for half an hour until you reach the Anayet car park. You will have to take the GR 11 trail, following the course of the river towards the slopes of Pico Culibillas. From there it is a straight line ascent to Ibón de Anayet. There you will see the Peak of AnayetYou can climb up a path on the right, without difficulty.

- Tendereña Peak (2853 m)

The starting point of this route is the Bajaruelo HutAt the Los Navarros bridge, on the road to Ordesa. Behind the refuge, cross the medieval bridge and take the path towards the Otal Valley, where you will see some huts that you will have to go round and follow the GR 11 signs. You will reach the Basarán strip where you will be able to make out Tendereña, the path is easy to follow.

- GR 11 Trans-Pyrenees Crossing

This Great Pyrenean Long Distance Path goes through something more than 400 kilometres from the Cantabrian Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, bordering the Iberian Peninsula, France and Andorra. It has a total of 44 stages with different routes, each one more spectacular for mountaineers.

7. Other activities in the Valle de Tena: adventure sports

- MTB

There are a total of about 29 MTB routes in the Tena Valley, with more than 500 kilometres of trails. They are generally circular routes, all signposted and with different levels of difficulty, duly marked by a colour scale.

- Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ski mountaineering

The winter activities are numerous. Skiing is the most popular, but there is also ski touring, snowmobile adventure, igloo building, sleeping in the snow, and snowshoeing.

- Canoeing, paragliding and potholing

Among the activities that can be carried out in the park, it is worth mentioning the cavingto discover the caves and underground caves of the Tena Valley; aquatic activities such as canoeing or kayaking in the lakes of Lanuza, or do some of the following activities paragliding from one of its peaks, to appreciate the grandeur of the landscape from above.

8. Relevant information

There are four information offices in and around the Tena Valley. Specifically: in Sallent de Gállego (974488012), Panticosa (974487314), Biescas (974485222), and Asociación Turística Valle de Tena (974490196).

The bus company operating in the area is Alosa (902210700) and the medical centres are in Sallent de Gállego, Panticosa, Biescas and Escarrilla.