Estany de la Collada

Estany de la Collada is a high-mountain glacial lake in the municipality of la Vall de Boí, in the Alta Ribagorça county, sitting inside the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park in the Catalan Pyrenees.

Where exactly is Estany de la Collada?

The lake sits at an altitude of 2,453 metres, in the side valley of Vall de Morrano, surrounded by the rocky, high-alpine terrain typical of this part of the park. Its outflow runs west, feeding the Barranc de Morrano stream. Nearby landmarks help with orientation: Pala de Morrano rises to the northwest, the Collada pass to the northeast, and the Pic de Dellui peak to the southeast. A smaller neighbouring pool, Estany Xic, lies a little further to the south-southeast.

How big is the lake?

Estany de la Collada is modest in scale compared with some of the park's better-known lakes: it covers roughly 1.6 hectares and reaches a maximum depth of about 15 metres. That size gives it a more intimate feel than the broad estanys found deeper in the park's core, while still showing the clear water and rocky shoreline typical of glacial lakes at this altitude.

Can you hike there?

The lake sits along a route that links several high-altitude lakes in this part of Vall de Boí — trails through the Vall de Morrano area make it possible to visit Estany de la Collada together with neighbouring lakes such as the estanys de Delluí in a single outing. Given the altitude (over 2,400 metres) and rocky ground, reaching it calls for reasonable fitness and proper trekking footwear: this is mountain terrain, with uneven paths and the changeable weather typical of the high Pyrenees.

Why visit this particular lake?

For anyone planning a hike through the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, Estany de la Collada offers a quieter alternative to the park's most famous lakes. It shows the same glacial scenery that defines the area, but with far fewer visitors along the way. The surrounding ridges and mountain pass frame a landscape characteristic of the highest reaches of the Catalan Pyrenees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high up is Estany de la Collada? The lake lies at 2,453 metres above sea level, in the Vall de Morrano.

How large is the lake? It covers about 1.6 hectares and reaches a maximum depth of roughly 15 metres.

Which national park is it part of? Estany de la Collada lies within the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, in the municipality of la Vall de Boí.

Are there other lakes nearby? Yes — the same valley and trail also lead to Estany Xic and the estanys de Delluí, making it possible to plan a longer route covering several lakes in one trip.