Estany de Malavesina

Estany de Malavesina is a small glacial lake tucked into the high mountains above Vall de Boí, in the Catalan Pyrenees, sitting at roughly 2,490 metres above sea level. The lake itself covers only a modest surface area, but its setting among bare rock peaks makes it feel far more dramatic than its size suggests. Like most high-altitude glacial lakes in the region, the water shifts in colour from steel grey to deep turquoise depending on the light and the weather.

Where is Estany de Malavesina?

The lake lies in the Barranc de Riumalo valley, within the municipality of Vall de Boí, in the Alta Ribagorça region. It sits right next to the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, one of the most highly regarded mountain areas in the Pyrenees. Several other small lakes dot the same valley, including Estany de Cavallers and Estany Cloto, forming a cluster of high-mountain tarns typical of this part of the range.

How do you get there?

The usual starting point is the car park at the Cavallers dam, at around 1,697 metres. From there, a trail climbs through the Barranc de Riumalo valley toward the lake. The terrain is properly high-mountain: rocky, steep in places, and unmarked in the way a lowland path would be. Anyone heading up should be reasonably fit, wear proper hiking footwear, and check the weather forecast beforehand — this isn't a casual stroll for inexperienced walkers.

What will you see at the lake?

Estany de Malavesina sits in a stark, rocky high-altitude landscape. Nearby peaks include Bessiberi (3,024 m) and Punta d'Harlé (2,877 m), two of the more distinctive summits in this stretch of the Pyrenees, visible from the lakeshore on a clear day. It's a spot for hikers looking for silence and raw, largely untouched mountain scenery, well away from the busier trails lower in the valley.

The lake feeds the Barranc de Malavesina stream, which joins the Riuet d'Estany Negre near Pletiu de Riumalo, at an altitude below 1,900 metres — part of the wider water system that drains into the Vall de Boí.

When should you visit?

Given the altitude, the lake is really only accessible in summer, from June to September, once the snow higher up the valley has melted and the trail is passable. Outside that window, the ground around the lake is often still covered in snow or ice, which makes the approach difficult or impossible.

It's also worth knowing that high-mountain lakes like this one in the Catalan Pyrenees sit within protected natural areas, so swimming is not allowed — a rule that applies across most of the region's mountain lakes to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Estany de Malavesina easy to reach? No. Getting there means a multi-hour mountain hike from the Cavallers dam car park, over steep and rocky terrain. It's a route for hikers with some trekking experience.

Can you swim in the lake? No, swimming is prohibited. High-mountain lakes in this part of the Pyrenees are protected due to their sensitive ecosystem.

What's the best time of year to visit? Summer, from June to September, when the trail is clear of snow. Earlier or later in the season, snow can still cover the area around the lake.

Are there other lakes nearby worth visiting? Yes — Estany de Cavallers and Estany Cloto are both close by, forming part of a chain of high-mountain lakes in the Riumalo valley alongside Malavesina.