Aigüestortes Sant Maurici Lake & Ratera Waterfall Hiking
Easy 12 km hike from Espot along the Río Escrita to Estany Sant Maurici, Cascada de Ratera and Estany de Ratera, with classic Aigüestortes scenery
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About Aigüestortes Sant Maurici Lake & Ratera Waterfall
Estany de Sant Maurici is one of the most iconic landscapes in the Parc Nacional d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici — a wide, glacial lake framed by dense forest, granite cliffs and the unmistakable twin peaks of Els Encantats. It’s the kind of place that feels instantly cinematic: the water perfectly still in the morning light, the mountains rising sharply behind it, and the sound of the Río Escrita echoing through the valley.
Walking toward Sant Maurici from Espot feels like entering a different world. The forest closes around you, the air cools, and the path follows the river as it climbs gently into the heart of the national park. Higher up, the landscape opens into meadows, waterfalls and viewpoints that make you stop without even realising it. The moment you reach the lake and see Cascada de Ratera tumbling down from Estany de Ratera, you understand why this is one of the most visited — and most loved — corners of Aigüestortes.
This easy‑to‑medium 12‑kilometre route is perfect for anyone who wants a full day in nature without committing to a technical mountain climb. It’s also one of the most accessible ways to experience the essence of Aigüestortes: glacial lakes, waterfalls, wild forests and the feeling of being surrounded by mountains on all sides. Whether you’re here for photography, fresh air, or simply to enjoy a peaceful day in the Pyrenees, Sant Maurici and Ratera Waterfall deliver a landscape that stays with you long after you’ve left Espot.
Carros de Foc
Carros de Foc is the legendary multi‑day traverse of the Parc Nacional d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici — a 60‑kilometre high‑mountain circuit linking the park’s most iconic refugis, from Refugi d’Amitges to JM Blanc, Colomina, Saboredo and beyond. For many hikers, it’s the ultimate Pyrenean challenge: a week spent crossing glacial basins, climbing between granite peaks and waking up each morning in a different corner of the national park.
The route has a certain mythology to it. It feels wild, remote and beautifully old‑fashioned — a journey that rewards endurance, curiosity and a love of big landscapes. Starting and ending in Espot, Carros de Foc takes you through some of the most dramatic terrain in Aigüestortes, including the high plateaus above Estany de Ratera, the rugged passes near Refugi d’Amitges, and the deep valleys carved by ancient ice.
On this page, I present the first section of the Carros de Foc as a one‑day hike to Estany Sant Maurici, Cascada de Ratera and Estany de Ratera, returning to Espot the same day. It’s a perfect way to experience a taste of the route without committing to the full multi‑day itinerary. The only reason I haven’t done the complete Carros de Foc myself is simple: I love mountain hiking, but I am also a pampered poodle that love's a warm bed, a good shower and a proper dinner at the end of the day.
You’ll also find other sections of the Carros de Foc woven into my one‑day routes, including Aigüestortes – Espot to Estany Negre and Aigüestortes – Vall de Fosca. Each of these hikes gives you a glimpse of the larger circuit — a way to experience the spirit of Carros de Foc one beautiful day at a time.
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Visiting Aigüestortes Sant Maurici Lake & Ratera Waterfall
The trailhead begins at the parking area near Camping Voraparc, about three kilometres from the village of Espot. From here, follow the Camí a Sant Maurici forest path as it runs parallel to the river along long wooden walkways, the Passarel·la del Pont de la Gorga, before crossing the Río Escrita via a footbridge.
The Camí a Sant Maurici joins the GR 11 long‑distance trail, climbing gently through a series of zigzags and stone steps until you reach a wide mountain meadow with views stretching up the valley. This meadow is often filled with wild horses, so it’s best to keep dogs on a leash here. Cross the road and note the ornate stone bridge, Pont de Pallers, just to the left where the road meets the river.
The path soon enters woodland again, weaving between small meadows filled with wildflowers. A gradual climb begins as the trail crosses the river several times via wooden bridges. After several kilometres under the shade of the trees, the path transitions into a gravel track and opens into a pair of mountain plains where you’ll find the small chapel of Ermita de Sant Maurici d’Espot tucked against the mountainside, along with a fountain.
Continue along the gravel path as it winds through a series of zigzag curves, climbing steadily until a sharp hairpin bend. This corner offers a fantastic viewpoint over the valley below. Follow the path upward to reach the stunning glacial waters of Estany Sant Maurici. This is one of the most iconic viewpoints in Aigüestortes, with the lake framed by the dramatic twin granite peaks of Els Encantats. It’s the perfect place to stop for a snack and take in the panoramic scenery.
To visit Cascada de Ratera and Estany de Ratera, follow the lakeshore path and continue along the forest trail as it climbs via wooden walkways. The first viewpoint of the waterfall appears quickly, with a second viewpoint slightly higher up. From here, continue climbing to around 2,100 metres, where the path joins a gravel road leading to the conifer‑lined Estany de Ratera, a beautiful glacial lake.
This is the turnaround point for the one‑day hike. However, if you want to extend the adventure into a multi‑day route, the trail continues upward to Refugi d’Amitges at 2,380 metres — one of the key mountain huts on the famous Carros de Foc circuit. From Amitges, the full Carros de Foc route crosses the Aigüestortes mountain range toward Refugi JM Blanc before descending back to Espot via the Peguera valley.
Allow five to seven hours to complete the Sant Maurici and Ratera route.
Aim to start around 10:00 am to comfortably reach Estany de Ratera.
If arriving by car, drive from Espot along the Carretera d’Espot a Sant Maurici. Once past the stone houses, continue for about three kilometres to the Aparcament de Prat Pierró | Sant Maurici (parking llac Sant Maurici). Parking costs €2 for the day and places you directly at the start of the route. You can walk from Espot village, but it’s a dull roadside walk and not worth the time.
I usually do this hike on day two of a weekend in Espot, after hiking to Estany Negre via the Vall de Peguera on day one.
Note: Swimming is not permitted in any of the lakes in Aigüestortes Natural Park, and fines are issued for doing so.
Hiking Aigüestortes Sant Maurici Lake & Ratera Waterfall with a dog
This route is excellent for dogs, and it’s one I’ve enjoyed many times with a furry companion. The climb to the top of Cascada de Ratera is steady and continuous, so it’s physically demanding for both humans and dogs, but any reasonably fit dog will love the forest paths, river crossings and cool mountain air.
Snow can linger on the upper section of the trail until the beginning of May, especially around the higher viewpoints and near Estany de Ratera. If you’re hiking early in the season, keep an eye on your dog’s paws and make sure they stay warm and dry. For most of the year, though, this is a classic warm‑weather Pyrenees hike where dogs can roam comfortably alongside you.
The route passes through scrub, open woodland and sections of pine forest. Encounters with Pine Processionary Caterpillars are possible in spring and summer, so stay alert and keep your dog close in areas where pine trees are more concentrated.
I’ve rated this route five stars for dog fun on my Hiking with a Dog page — it’s one of the most enjoyable and dog‑friendly adventures in the Aigüestortes Natural Park.
Where to Eat in Espot
- Restaurant La Llúpia: Plaça Doctor Benavent 5, 25597 Espot
- Pizzeria Al Dente: Carrer Clopeta 4, 25597 Espot
- Restaurant Juquim: Plaça Sant Martí 2, 25597 Espot
What to take with you for Aigüestortes Sant Maurici Lake & Ratera
This is a medium mountain route, and having the right basics makes the day far more comfortable. For most of the hiking season you’ll be perfectly fine in shorts and a T‑shirt, as the climb through the Vall de Peguera is warm, sunny and sheltered in many sections. I usually carry a small rucksack with the essentials and a compact first‑aid kit.
A lightweight windproof or waterproof jacket is worth packing. You may not need it, but the higher sections around Refugi Josep Maria Blanc can get breezy, and weather in Aigüestortes can shift quickly. Good trail shoes are important — the terrain mixes forest paths, rocky sections, dam walls and zigzag climbs.
Start the route with two to three litres of water. There is plenty of fresh water in the lakes and streams, but it’s best to begin the day well‑hydrated. Sun protection is essential at this altitude: bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, especially in summer when the granite reflects the light.
If you’re hiking in early spring, be aware that snow can linger on the upper part of the trail until early May. In these cases, pack an extra layer and check conditions before setting out. For the rest of the season, this is a classic warm‑weather Pyrenees hike where simple, comfortable gear is all you need.
Aigüestortes Sant Maurici Lake & Ratera Waterfall Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
€ 25.00
€ 0.00
Child
€ 25.00
€ 0.00
Getting to Aigüestortes Sant Maurici Lake & Ratera Waterfall via Espot
Address: Espot, Lleida, 25597
- By Car: The easiest and most reliable way to reach the trailhead. Parking is available at the entrance to the village of Espot, just off the LV‑5004 road. From here, it’s a short walk through the village to the start of the route.
- By Public Transport (Winter Ski Season Only): Public transport to Espot operates exclusively during the winter ski season. If you book in advance, there is a bus service that connects to the Port Ainé and Espot Esquí resorts, stopping in Espot village. There is no public transport option to reach Espot during the summer hiking season.
- Renfe Train from Barcelona to Lleida: AVE high‑speed service (1 hr 10 min) from €25.00, or Regional Express (2 hr 30 min) from €19.00.
- FGC Train from Lleida‑Pirineus to Pobla de Segur: Approximately 1 hr 10 min, from €7.15.
- Alsa Bus: From Pobla de Segur to Espot, or a direct Alsa bus from Lleida during the ski season.
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Where to stay in Espot
- Le Petit Espot — I stayed in this apartment when I did this hike along with the Ratera Waterfall route. It has everything you need for a comfortable weekend: a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, Wi‑Fi, comfortable beds and a modern bathroom.
- Hostel Casa Palmera — A good low‑cost option with Wi‑Fi and ensuite bathrooms. Ideal if you want something simple, clean and close to the trailhead.
- Roca Blanca — A traditional hotel offering a gym, sauna and Wi‑Fi. A solid choice if you prefer hotel comfort after a long day in the mountains.
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