The Ordesa Viewpoints

Park at the junction of the HU-631 and the road leading to Fanlo, or nearby. The route follows the marked route^PR®-HU 183, starting from Fanlo. Markings: two parallel bands, yellow and white.

(S/E) Head due north along a superb path lined with dry stone walls, almost level, for a few hundred metres, before descending north-east along a steep path towards a wide track below.

(1) Cross the track and continue eastwards towards the bottom of a dry ravine. The path then winds its way through a fairly steep but stable scree slope, heading north-northeast; the markings are intermittent but can be spotted here and there. It leads you to a junction on the ridge of Punta Cazuala (1549m). Turn around to admire Fanlo and its surroundings.

(2) Continue left along the path that winds through low boxwood, heading north then east. The markings remain fairly easy to follow. It is difficult to stray from the route; the vegetation will prevent you from doing so. The slope, initially gentle, becomes steeper before reaching a highly visible signpost.

(3) At around 1,800m, the sign offers two options: to the right towards Cuello Arenas and straight on towards the Las Cutas track (your destination). You now follow the faintly marked path due north through a grassy steppe, dotted with boulders lying close to the ground. A few wooden posts with yellow and white markings supplement the ground markings, which are barely visible from a distance. Some are lying flat; please remember to stand them upright!

Go round the La Fueba hillock on the left and the path climbs steeply to reach a vast sinkhole, which you leave on your right. The Las Cutas track is right in front of you.

(4) A gathering of vultures prompted us to make a short detour south-east to get a closer look. We were glad we did, as the view of the Col d’Arenas cross-country skiing plateau and Mont Perdu opens up. Retrace your steps and head north-west along the Las Cutas track, which takes in all the viewing points built along the edge of the canyon. Continue north-west for about 4 km, first slightly uphill then downhill, to the first viewing point at the Brèche d’Arazas (2,132 m).

(5) The most beautiful sight I have ever seen in the mountains, the Ordesa Canyon spreads out beneath your feet.
The walk continues along the edge of the gorge towards the east: there are no markings, but it’s impossible to go wrong. After a gentle 2km walk, you reach the second viewpoint (2,250m).

(6) Hanging over the abyss, a superb balcony at the far end of the canyon: the Cirque de Soaso. Breathtaking views of the ‘trilogy’ – Cylindre du Marboré, Mont Perdu and Ramond. Below, the famous ‘Cola del Caballo’ waterfall and the Goriz Refuge.

Head back for about 150m, then head due south across the pasture to rejoin the Las Cutas track. Turn left onto this track and head back to the junction passed on the way out.

(4) Turn right. It is possible to stray slightly from the outbound route, as the markings are not always clear and the terrain lends itself to this. Return to Fanlo via the same route (S/E).

Access to the starting point via Sarvisé (near Broto) on the N-260a, then the minor road HU-631 to Fanlo.
The route starts in open countryside; there is space to park along the roadside in various places without obstructing traffic.
This hike should be undertaken when there is no snow.

If you’ve still got some energy left, do consider visiting Fanlo, an old village that’s been more or less superbly restored.
Nearby: do visit the pretty villages of Broto and Oto.
Torla, the starting point for numerous hikes and a visit to Ordesa National Park (a must-see!).