Ibones Azules from the Panticosa Spa Resort
The ascent to the Ibones Azules from the Panticosa Spa Resort is one of the classic routes of the Tena Valley. A beautiful excursion in which, in addition to visiting these two lakes (Upper and Lower), we will go up the ravine excavated by the river. Caldarés -among black pines, granite walls and waterfalls-, we will walk along the shores of the reservoirs of Bachimaña Alto y Lower BachimañaWe will be able to see an endless number of peaks over or close to three thousand metres, such as the Picos del Infierno (3,082m), the Pico de Piedrafita (2,962m) or Punta Zarra (2,940m).
Technical specifications:
Distance: 12.8 km.
Cumulative difference in altitude: +/- 880 m.
Timetable: about 6 hours. Walking time non-stop2h50min (ascent) + 2h15min (descent) = 5h05min.
Water: in the Ibones de Bachimaña refuge and in the countless streams that we will cross.
Difficulty: Although it is a very popular hike, you should bear in mind that you need to be in good shape to do it. You have to overcome a positive difference in altitude of 880 metres, which is no mean feat.
Recommended equipment for the summer: light boots or trekking shoes, walking sticks, GPS (optional), canteensome food, sun protection, sunglasses…
Suggestions: If you want to return by a different route, there is the possibility at the Bachimaña refuge of taking the Pipeline Road that leads to Brazato and descend along the GR11 to the spa. It is also possible, taking the start of the previous route, to descend via the Ibón de Lumiacha. Another possibility to make a small loop is to take the path that goes down the other side of the river Caldarés on the plain of O Bozuelo.
When to go: summer is the best season due to the absence of snow. In winter, the route is only suitable for experienced mountaineers with adequate equipment for progression on snow and ice.
Itinerary
(0h00min; 0,0 km) Baños de Panticosa - Casa de Piedra (1.638 m). We begin the walk next to the Casa de Piedra refuge, following the red and white markings of the GR11 / Senda Pirenaica. The path begins with "decision", describing several zigzags that will soon make us gain height between a forest of black pines, steep granite walls and the pleasant company of the Caldarés river, which from time to time enlivens the ascent with a waterfall and some pools.
(0h40min; 1,2 km ) Plain of O Bozuelo (1.870 m). A peaceful spot, the starting point for those who descend the Barranco de Caldarés ravine. We will recognise it by a bucolic meadow and a path that crosses a bridge, which if we wish, we can take on the way back to do this circular section. The slope becomes gentler. The path continues through pine trees, passing some sections equipped with cables, useful in winter. The forest ends in front of a steep cirque through which the waters of the river Caldarés (Salto del Fraile) plunge. This is the well-known...
(1h10min; 2,3 km) Cuesta del Fraile - downhill (1.955 m)This zigzagging path crosses the wall on the left flank and can be dangerous in winter due to avalanches.
At the end of the zetas the path turns to the right. The Bachimaña lakes refuge, which overlooks a promontory on the other side of the valley, comes into view.
(1h40min; 3,3 km) Lower Bachimaña reservoir - Diversion to the Ibones de Bachimaña refuge (2.200 m).
We leave the refuge on the other side, some 150 metres away, and continue up the GR-11 to the Bachimaña Alto reservoir, which is much larger than the previous one. We go round it on the left until the end, until we reach the entrance to the large valley that opens up on the left.
(2h20min; 5,0 km) GR-T junction 24 (2.212 m). Just after leaving behind the tail end of the reservoir, we will reach a crossroads that links the GR11 with the GR10 via the Marcadau pass (Transversal 24). We continue straight on along the GR11, crossing a damp watercourse where we cross the dwindling Caldarés again.
One last climb, one last effort, will be the penance to reach first the...
(2h35min; 5,9 km) Ibón Azul Inferior (2.356m)and then the
(2h50min; 6,4 km) Ibón Azul Superior (2.400m). The return is by the same route. It will take about 2h15min (without stops) if we return by the same route.
