Are the routes guided?

The routes are usually self-guided. However, there is the option of joining a group that we organize with a professional guide, giving you an extra to your route and enjoying a great experience.

Is my federation card valid for discounts?

In order to benefit from the federated discounts it is necessary that you have the FEDME extension as a correspondence of refuges.

What time of the year is it possible to do the Alta Ruta de los Perdidos?

The season starts at the beginning of June and ends at the end of September. However, you should keep in mind that at the beginning of the season crampons and ice axes are usually needed.

When are crampons and ice axes needed?

Normally until mid-July there is still snow on the high passes and they are necessary. We inform you of the conditions of the mountain and whether they are necessary or not before starting the route. We also publish it in our social networks.

Where can I rent crampons and ice axes?

It is possible to rent them in Bujaruelo at a special rutero price. If you only need them for the ascent to the Vignemale, because the rest of the route has no more snow, you can rent them in the refuge of Bayssellance. Consult the organization in these cases as we also take care of the reservation.

Is the map and tracks included?

Yes, they are included when you make your reservation with us.

What is the safety device?

It is a geolocator device to use in case of emergency. No need to call 112 or worry if you have coverage.

Can I use the security device as a GPS?  

No, it is only to be used in case of emergency. You must bring your own gps or use a mobile application. We send you the official track so you can follow it.  

How easy is it to get to Bujaruelo by car, where can I park my vehicle?

To access the refuge of Bujaruelo you have to travel along a track that can be used by cars. Once you get there you can leave your car parked for the entire route in the place indicated by the refuge guards.

Can the route be done in both directions?

Yes, it is possible to make it in both directions since the differences are very small. The direction we propose may be more aesthetic at some point.

Is there cell phone coverage along the route?

There is very little coverage throughout the route: some points of Ordesa, near the Pineta Refuge, in the area of Gavarnie and some points of Bujaruelo depending on the company.

Is it possible to charge cell phones, gps, cameras, etc?

In all shelters you can charge your devices. The rangers will tell you where and how to do it, as there may be charging schedules. Charging is slow in the high altitude huts.

Is there water on the road?

There are springs and streams along the route. You can use water purification tablets or an ozone water purifier bottle, such as the one from Ozeanic, which is the brand our guides use (you can get a 10% discount on their website with the code ALTARUTA10).

When do I have to make a reservation?

There are shelters along the route that are very crowded, so it is best to book as far in advance as possible. We usually open reservations for the season in mid-January.

Is the route signposted?

The route does not have any specific signage, however it runs along a large part of the GR11 and GR10 so you will find white and red markings in the area. There are some points that require special attention, but we will inform you in detail in the explanatory talk.

How long are the days?

The schedules are approximate but range between 8-10 hours. Keep in mind that the cold, heat, terrain conditions, your physical condition at the time or even stops may cause this schedule to increase.

In which shelters can I take a shower?

It is possible to take a hot shower in all the refuges, except in Espuguettes and Bayssellance which do not have shower facilities. For various reasons, showers may not be available in some refuges, but this is a one-off event and is the responsibility of each refuge. It is not the responsibility of the Haute Route.

Can I do the routes with children?

The distance between the refuges and the accumulated difference in altitude in each stage do not make this route recommendable for minors. However, this depends on the endurance, physical preparation and motivation of the particular case.

Can we do the Alta Ruta de los Perdidos with dogs?

Animals are not allowed inside the shelters. In the Ordesa National Park, current regulations require dogs to be kept on a leash at all times. In the French Pyrenees Park dogs are not allowed (not even leashed) under economic sanction. For these reasons it is not possible to do the Haute Route with our dogs.

Is camping or bivouacking possible?

The organized route includes accommodation and meals in all the shelters along the route. If for any emergency you have to make a bivouac you have to notify the organization.

Is there public wifi in the shelters?

The only refuge where you will find wifi available is Bujaruelo. In the rest of the refuges there is no wifi and in many of them there is no coverage either.

What if I have a dietary restriction?

It is advisable to communicate any food restrictions in advance so that the lodges can take them into account, as resources may be limited. We will take care of it if you tell us when you make your reservation. Vegan menu is not possible but vegetarian menu is possible.

Is it possible to pay by credit card at the shelters?

In most lodges it is not possible to pay by credit card, so it is advisable to carry cash.

Is it possible to wash clothes?

Most shelters do not have specific laundry facilities or clotheslines.

Can hair dryers or electric brushes be used?

In general this is not possible. Some shelters operate with photovoltaic installations or generate their own electricity and capacities are limited.

Can we arrive at any time?

In many lodges dinner time is at 7 pm, so we ask you to arrive before 6 pm, so you can enjoy the welcome drink, get settled in your room, shower and rest before dinner.

Is it possible to reserve picnics for the route?

Picnics do not need to be booked in advance. Once you arrive at the lodge and check in, it is time to order picnics for the next day and pay for them directly, so it is necessary to bring enough cash.

Is it possible to transport the luggage/backpack?

This option is not possible. You must carry your backpack with you during the whole route.

What should I do in case of an accident?

The emergency notification will be made through the geolocator security device "Garmin Inreach Mini", which we will give you in Bujaruelo and we will teach you how to use it. In case you are in a shelter, the rangers will manage the emergency and will contact us. If you are traveling in a group and someone has suffered an accident, it is important that you do not leave them alone until the rescue team arrives.

Why should I contract the crossing with you?

We advise, help and accompany you before and during your route. The organization is in charge of everything, making reservations in the refuges, making changes if there are any, we send you the tracks, the map, we give you all kinds of information about the route and we inform you about the conditions of the mountain. Our satellite geolocation service allows you to go with security and tranquility to the mountain, as it is an area where there is very little mobile coverage. In addition to all this, we have a wonderful welcome pack along with an informative talk where we review the route and solve last minute doubts, all accompanied by a snack. We take care of everything, so that you enjoy and you only have to walk.

What is included in the welcome pack?

The welcome package is handed out at the Bujaruelo Mountain Hut. It includes the official Ternua thermal shirt for the trek, the official Alpina map of the route, a packed lunch for your first day on the trail, a shower voucher for Bujaruelo for the day the trek ends, a welcome drink at all the mountain huts along the route, and a “Conquest Passport” to be stamped at the mountain huts.

Where will I find the stamp at each refuge to mark my Haute Route pass?

You can get it stamped at the reception of each shelter.

Is a sleeping bag necessary?

You can bring a sleeping bag, as the shelters have blankets if you need them.

How are the bedrooms distributed?

In the refuges the rooms are shared. La Alta Ruta does not manage the refuges, each one is managed independently.

What if the weather is bad?

The organization is not responsible for adverse weather conditions. In the event of a weather alert that jeopardizes your safety in the mountains, the organization will contact you to find a solution. In no case will the organization pay for an extra night in a shelter if this is necessary. 

What if I have to be notified by my relatives due to an emergency?

You can leave them the Alta Ruta contact and let the organization know beforehand. We know where you are at all times and we will locate you to give you the warning. In case you have to abandon the route, we will let you know the best option.