Estany Gran de la Pera

Estany Gran de la Pera is a glacial mountain lake in the municipality of Lles de Cerdanya, in the Catalan Pyrenees, sitting at roughly 2,360 metres above sea level on the southern slope of the ridge that separates Andorra from Cerdanya.

What is this place?

Estany Gran de la Pera is the larger of a pair of glacial lakes — just below it, at around 2,310 metres, lies its smaller companion, Estany Petit de la Pera. Both fill a small glacial cirque at the head of the Arànser valley, within the catchment of the stream that feeds the Riu del Molí. The Gran lake covers about 2.4 hectares and reaches a maximum depth of 6.3 metres — modest in size, but set in a strikingly raw high-mountain landscape of bare rock and scree.

The whole area falls within the Natura 2000 site "Tossa Plana de Lles – Puigpedrós", so the surrounding meadows, rock faces and waters are under nature protection. Brown trout and rainbow trout live in the lake — both introduced for angling — while the shallower margins are home to the region's characteristic red mountain frog. It's a quiet spot, well off the beaten path, visited mainly by mountain hikers and anglers.

How do you get there?

The lake is reached on foot via a trail starting from the Arànser valley, one of the side valleys of the Lles de Cerdanya municipality. The route is a genuine mountain hike, crossing rocky, high-altitude terrain, so solid footwear, good physical condition and a close eye on the weather forecast are essential before setting out. Near the lakes stands the Estanys de la Pera mountain refuge, built in 1957, which has served hikers for decades as a waypoint and resting point along the route.

What will you see?

The scenery around Estany Gran de la Pera is classic high Eastern Pyrenees terrain: bare ridgelines, rocky slopes and a glacial basin cradling the lake's grey-turquoise water. The contrast between the harsh surroundings and the still, mirror-like surface of the lake is one of the highlights of the walk. A curious historical footnote: for generations, the area around the Pera lakes served as a smugglers' route between Cerdanya and Andorra — the very ridge the lake sits beneath was a natural border crossed by smugglers moving goods outside customs control.

When should you visit?

Given the altitude — well above 2,300 metres — summer and early autumn are the best times for the hike, when the trail is free of snow and mountain weather is more predictable. In spring and winter the terrain can be snow-covered and demands mountaineering experience and proper equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you fish at Estany Gran de la Pera? Yes — the lake holds brown trout and rainbow trout, both introduced for angling, though it's worth checking local fishing regulations since the area lies within the Natura 2000 network.

How high up is the lake? Estany Gran de la Pera sits at roughly 2,360 metres above sea level, while the neighbouring Estany Petit de la Pera lies at about 2,310 metres.

Is there anywhere to stay near the lake? The Estanys de la Pera mountain refuge, built in 1957, stands nearby and has traditionally served hikers as a stopover point on the route.

Is the lake a protected area? Yes, the lakes and their surroundings fall within the Natura 2000 site "Tossa Plana de Lles – Puigpedrós", which protects local flora and fauna, including the red mountain frog.