estany Perdut

Estany Perdut is a glacial lake in the municipality of la Vall de Boí, in the Catalan Pyrenees, within the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.

Where is Estany Perdut located?

The lake sits at an altitude of roughly 2,461 metres, at the foot of the Tossal de la Montanyeta peak. This places it firmly in the high-mountain zone of the Catalan Pyrenees — open, rocky terrain above the tree line, surrounded by ridgelines. Its coordinates are 42.56025 N, 0.96780556 E.

How did the lake form?

Estany Perdut is a glacial lake, formed in a basin carved out by a retreating glacier that later filled with meltwater and precipitation. Lakes of this kind — locally called "estanys" — are the defining feature of the Aigüestortes area, where dozens of similar bodies of water are scattered across the park's high glacial cirques. Estany Perdut covers about 1.56 hectares and reaches a maximum depth of 26 metres, making it a relatively deep pool for its modest surface size.

How does it connect to nearby lakes?

Estany Perdut's drainage links it to Estany de la Coma d'Amitges, a neighbouring lake within the same cluster of glacial pools. This kind of interconnected chain of lakes and streams is typical throughout the park's interior: water cascades down from the higher cirques toward the Sant Nicolau valley, eventually feeding the rivers that drain the whole massif.

Can you reach it on foot?

Estany Perdut lies deep inside the protected core of the national park, in a zone that requires several hours of uphill walking from the lower valley to reach. Access to Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici is almost entirely on foot, since private vehicle traffic inside the park is restricted; hikers typically start from the Cavallers reservoir or from the Sant Nicolau valley. Given the altitude and terrain, this is a destination for people prepared for genuine high-mountain trekking rather than a short walk.

What should you know before visiting?

La Vall de Boí is best known for its Romanesque churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site, but the valley is also the gateway to a national park scattered with dozens of glacial lakes, Estany Perdut among them. Because of the altitude — above 2,400 metres — weather in this part of the Pyrenees can shift quickly even in summer, and snow can linger well into late spring. Anyone planning a route in this direction should check current trail conditions shortly before setting out, since markings and accessibility change with the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Estany Perdut? It is a small glacial lake inside the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, in the municipality of la Vall de Boí, sitting at around 2,461 metres above sea level.

How big is the lake? It covers about 1.56 hectares and reaches a maximum depth of 26 metres.

Is Estany Perdut connected to other lakes? Yes, its drainage links it to the nearby Estany de la Coma d'Amitges, one of many glacial lakes in this part of the park.

Is it easy to get to? No — the lake lies in a high-altitude, protected section of the park reachable only on foot, after several hours of hiking from the Sant Nicolau valley or the Cavallers reservoir.