Tristaina Lakes

Incredible views and easy exercise are two of the things most sought after by those who have fallen in love with the Tristaina Lakes. Located in the parish of Ordino, these lakes are three high mountain bodies of water ideal for exploring at any time of the year, but especially beautiful in summer. That's why today we'll tell you how to get there and what to do in this beautiful area of Andorra.

How to get to the Tristaina Lakes

To reach the Tristaina Lakes following the CG-3, you will come across a large circular monument at the roadside. This is represented by a huge steel ring four metres in diameter.

A few metres further on, you will come to the first signs indicating the path to follow to reach the Tristaina lakes. The best place to park your car is in this area or at the La Coma restaurant.

From both places to leave the car you may be able to access the first of the lakes. Don't worry about anything! The whole area is well signposted with both yellow waymarks and stone markers.

As a guide, bear in mind that the Tristaina Lakes are just over 30 and a half kilometres from Andorra la Vieja, the capital of the province. It's also worth noting that despite being a mountainous area, the route is quite easy to walk (but don't forget to take clothes for the changeable mountain climate!)

What to do in the Tristaina Lakes

Before starting the tour, or at the end of it, it is advisable to take a moment to see the monument Arcalís 91, by the sculptor Mauro Staccioli. This is a large steel ring four metres in diameter that seeks to represent the symbiosis between natural and geometric laws.
The Tristaina Lakes have a route that, although it seems difficult because it is a mountainous area, is suitable for all types of trails, even for children! Of course, it is necessary to do the trail with clothes appropriate to the mountain climate, but that does not mean that the path is difficult.

It is a circular circuit of 4.4 kilometres that can easily be completed in almost three hours. The route starts at Lake Primer, the smallest of the group, but also the one with the bluest and most beautiful waters. Next, you will come across the Lago del Mig, which is surrounded by cliffs and hills. Finally, you will cross the largest lake, which is at an altitude of 2878 metres: The lake of Més Amunt. The latter has a glacial aspect, perfect for those who want to breathe peace and quiet, but also for swimming in summer.

Throughout the trail you will be able to appreciate the incredible flora of the area, which is made up of the typical species of alpine habitats, such as the androsace carnea. As for the fauna, you will be able to appreciate the Percheron horses, as they graze freely in this area.

Accommodation and restaurants near the Tristaina Lakes

If you want to take advantage of the excursion or if you want to stay for a few days at the weekend, there are a variety of places to stay nearby, especially in El Serrat, which is only 8.9 kilometres by car from the lakes (about 18 minutes).

For food, you can take advantage of the nearby La Coma restaurant, which opens its doors at 10 am. You can also find the Ordino Arcalís ski resort on the way to the lakes, which has a hotel and a gourmet restaurant.

Tristaina Lake / Photo: Josemanuel, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons