Estanys dels Gavatxos

Estanys dels Gavatxos are a pair of high-mountain glacial lakes straddling the border between the municipalities of Espot (Pallars Sobirà) and La Vall de Boí (Alta Ribagorça), deep inside the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. The northern lake sits on the Espot side, the southern (upper) lake on the Vall de Boí side, separated by little more than a saddle and a few hundred metres.

Where exactly are the Gavatxos lakes?

Both lakes lie in the upper reaches of the Coma dels Pescadors valley, above 2,500 metres. The northern lake sits at roughly 2,549 m, the southern one at roughly 2,561 m. The setting is classic high Pyrenean terrain: bare granite outcrops, sparse vegetation, and the intense blue water typical of glacial tarns at this altitude.

How big are the lakes?

The northern lake covers about 1.4 hectares and reaches a maximum depth of around 5.5 metres. The southern lake is similar in size. Small but surprisingly deep, both stay cold year-round — normal for tarns at this elevation in the central Pyrenees.

How do you get to Estanys dels Gavatxos?

The standard approach climbs to Collada dels Gavatxos, a pass that opens up views over both sides of the ridge at once. From the col, the trail drops through the wild Coma dels Pescadors valley toward the lakes. Many hikers link the route with the mountain refuges in the area — Refugi Colomina, the Collada dels Gavatxos pass, and Refugi Estany Llong — turning it into a longer multi-hour traverse rather than a there-and-back walk.

Given the altitude and terrain — loose rock, no marked access road, no shortcuts — this is not a casual stroll. It calls for solid fitness, proper trekking boots, and some experience moving through high-mountain terrain.

Why go out of your way for these lakes?

Estanys dels Gavatxos combine two things that are hard to find together in Aigüestortes: relative solitude, since the crowds that gather around the more accessible lakes near valley trailheads rarely make it this far, and the payoff view from the col itself, where two adjoining valleys and two different municipalities come into view at once. It's a destination for hikers looking for something beyond the busiest spots around Estany de Sant Maurici.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Estanys dels Gavatxos located in Espot? Partly. The northern lake lies within the municipality of Espot (Pallars Sobirà), while the southern, upper lake lies within La Vall de Boí (Alta Ribagorça). The Collada dels Gavatxos pass connects both sides.

How high up are the lakes? The northern lake sits at about 2,549 m above sea level, and the southern one at about 2,561 m.

Is the hike difficult? Yes — it's a high-mountain route over rocky terrain with no paved access paths. It requires good physical condition and appropriate footwear.

Can the route be combined with mountain refuges? Yes. A popular variant runs via Refugi Colomina, over the Collada dels Gavatxos pass, and on to Refugi Estany Llong, making it possible to plan a longer multi-day route through the park.