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The starting point for this hike is the cab rank in Espot. If you don't want to pay the 4x4 fare, you can park at the free Prat de Pierro car park and add 8.5 km (2h30) to the hike.
(S/E) Take the path along the Estany de Sant Maurici towards Ratera. Along the way, in the shade, you'll come across the Ratera waterfall. Rejoin the GR®11 supported by the 4x4 track.
(1) Follow this sunny left-hand track along the Estany de Ratera lake.
(2) Choose to take the path to the Amitges Refuge by turning right. It climbs in full sunshine but offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
(3) After the Amitges Refuge, you can continue for five minutes to admire the Estany d'Amitges and the "Agujas de Amitges" (Needles of Amitges) in the background. Turn around at the lake.
(4) Take the path on the right to avoid having to take the same road again. The path is gravelled and very pleasant.
(5) Return to the GR®11 towards Estany de Sant Maurici. The lake is pleasant and offers plenty of places to take a break.
(6) Cross the stream (GR®11 signs are missing at this point).
(7) Turn towards the viewpoint.
(8) Detour around the mirador to admire the view of the lake, then turn right towards the lake. Some passages on the edge of the mountain are quite narrow and you have to pass over piles of stones.
(9) Turn left downhill towards the lake.
(10) Turn left towards Sant Maurici.
(11) Keep left to reach the lake and follow the dam to the edge of the lake (S/E).
