The Faja de las Flores in Ordesa, hanging over the abyss

ByTravesía Pirenaica
Over the abyss in the Faja de las Flores / PHOTO: DIEGO BARRADO @diegozxr
Over the abyss in the Faja de las Flores / PHOTO: DIEGO BARRADO @diegozxr

This is one of the classic routes of Ordesa. The Flores strip is one of the most important incredible viewpoints of the ValleyThe park offers visitors a beautiful and impressive panoramic view of the entire geological and natural scenery of the Park.

See Ordesa guide

The route is difficult, as we will have to overcome the pegs at the beginning and end of the strip and the route has more than 1,000 metres of vertical drop.. The Faja de las Flores itself is 3 kilometres long.

It is possible to access it either through the Carriata Cirque or through the Cotatuero Cirque. -We recommend climbing up the Cotatuero pegs, as it is more complicated to tackle them downhill.

In both cases we will start the tour at the Ordesa Meadow. On the road to Cotatuero you will reach the Our Lady of the Pillar and then ascend through the dense forest, where you will be able to see emblematic points such as the Rolando Gap and the famous pegs.

Before we get to where the pegs are, we will go through forest, the path becomes more abrupt, so much so that sometimes you may think that the route could be complicated.

Views from the Faja de las Flores in Ordesa, near the descent to the Cotatuero peaks / PHOTO: ELENA NAVARRO @elrincondeandrea
Views from the Faja de las Flores in Ordesa, near the descent to the Cotatuero peaks / PHOTO: ELENA NAVARRO @elrincondeandrea

Crossing the Cotatuero pegs will become an adventure. Be cautious and safe to avoid slipping. The journey along this part of the route does not last long and ends just as we reach the Cotatuero waterfallThere you can rest and replenish your energy.

The ascent continues with a view to the Tres Soroes (Monte Perdido, Cylinder and Pico de Añisclo) and, after successfully crossing an area of polished and eroded rocks, you finally arrive at the Flower BeltA surprising balcony that will delight you with its view. We will walk along the narrow strip that meanders along the wall.

Faja de las Flores / PHOTO: RAMÓN @ramonsenderista
Faja de las Flores / PHOTO: RAMÓN @ramonsenderista

At the end of the belt, we will reach the Salarons Plainswhere the plugs of the same name. We will tackle them in two sections - there is an alternative path along the Grada de Faixeta. It is not equipped but it can be safer than the pegs in case of rain.

The only thing left is the descent back to the Ordesa meadow, the path zigzags to reach it. It is recommended to take with you helmet, harness and a carabiner.

To undertake this route the necessary experience is required or under the supervision of a guide..