The complete guide for climbing in Andorra

Like me, I’m sure you’ve tried some of the funniest mountain sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, via ferrata or hiking. Well, today I’m going to talk about another of my favorite sports, climbing in Andorra.

Andorra and Its Incredible Rocky Mountains.

If the Principality can boast of anything, it is to have a natural place like no other. Andorra gives us endless mountains with kilometers of snow in winter and amazing routes during the summer. It has more than 65 peaks that exceed 2,500 meters high. It may at first cause some respect since not everyone is accustomed to playing sports at that height. But, the truth is that the experience is so enriching that everyone who tries it ends up repeating.

Whether you’re looking for mountain rock climbing or climbing-wall climbing, you’ve chosen the ideal destination. Do you dare to discover with me the most vertiginous walls of the Pyrenees?

Where to Practice Climbing.

Most of the climbing walls and natural climbing routes are located in the interior of the country. Although there are many alternatives that Andorra offers, I will show you some of the most famous with which you will enjoy this great sport.

Climbing Routes:

The Principality has multiple areas for climbing, where you will enjoy nature in its purest state. Also, each of these walls has incredible views of the entire mountainous territory. So, take note because … we’re leaving!

1- Pyramid: You will find it going from Santa Coloma towards Sant Julià de Lòria. On that same road, you will see a yellow dotted path that will take you to your destination. It has a medium-high level of difficulty, so if you have already practiced this type of sport again, it will be a wall that you enjoy climbing a lot. It has a height of 150 meters and is located at 1,200 meters of altitude, so it is not suitable for people with vertigo. Besides, due to its location, it can be climbed both in winter and in summer. Without a doubt, a great bet for the brave.

2- Solà de Enclar: We are facing one of the places with the largest number of practicable walls in the country. It has 4 sectors: Cemetery, Bigabloc, Esfinx, and Santa Coloma. To access this area, you must take the road from Santa Coloma to Santa Juliá de Lòria, as in the previous route, but once you arrive, you must deviate along the cemetery path, it has no loss. Its difficulty is medium-high, so it is important that you go well equipped and always in the company of friends who also climb or an instructor.

3- Ribuls Peak: At 2,789 meters of altitude, in the circle of Pessons, is the Ribuls Peak. To get there, you must take the road that goes from Grau Roig station, so if you plan to go climbing in this area, my recommendation is that you stay at the Hotel Grau Roig. It is a most exclusive hotel-spa, as it is situated in the middle of the mountain, surrounded by nature and with the ski slopes very near. It has the most recognized Andorran typical food restaurants in the country and its spa and massage area will make you forget everything and disconnect to the fullest. Without any doubt, one of the best combinations for a relaxing and climbing getaway. 

4- Sant Antoni de la Grella: It is located between Escaldes-Engordany and La Massana. It is relatively easy to get there since it can almost be seen from the same road. Also, the road can not be more beautiful, as you will pass through the bridge of Sant Antoni, one of the most charming stone bridges in the Principality. The wall has an altitude of 1,150 meters and the panoramic views offered by its highest point are spectacular. Without a doubt, one of my best recommendations is to practice climbing in this area. 

Climbing Walls:

If you are more of those who prefer a climbing wall, which is safer if you are starting in the world of climbing and you will still enjoy a fun adventure, I recommend some of them.

The Caldea Climbing Wall is perfect if you stay in Escaldes-Engordany. It has several areas with different difficulties and is suitable for everybody.

The Climbing Walls of Ordino and Canillo. Both are exterior, which will make the experience more complete and more like a natural rock. Besides, they have packs that include material and even instructors if necessary.

The Climbing Walls of Encamp and the Pas de la Casa. Both have very attractive rates and are in sports centers, so, in addition to practicing climbing, you can do any of the other sports offered.

Finally, I recommend that, if you are staying in the Encamp area, visit the Cortals d’Aventura Climbing Wall. It is open all year and is very close to the famous Funicamp. If you want to spend a pleasant day doing one of your favorite sports, this will be a great choice.

Just writing it already makes me want to practice climbing. Surely you are also very interested, as it is one of the most active sports but at the same time one of the most rewarding. That feeling of having reached the top with your own hands and feet is only felt when you practice climbing. So, you know, get the best equipment, choose your favorite area and enjoy what you like the most, practice climbing in Andorra.