Hiking with children in Andorra

These educational routes are divided into four paths in the country's different parishes. These are paths where children can learn while staying in constant contact with nature. 'The Menairons Forest'. A journey through a fantasy world where children discover the customs and ways of life of these mystical tiny beings of the forest. This path is in La Massana. 'Where are the Mushrooms?'. Along this path in Canillo, children discover everything they need to know about the most common mushrooms and fungi in Andorra. 'The Potion of Quela the Witch'. Located in Escaldes-Engordany, this route represents a brush with legends and beliefs regarding the witches that once existed in the Principality. Finally, 'Tracks and Footprints' is an Encamp route where children learn to recognise the traces and tracks left by some of the animals that inhabit our forests.
 

Tamarros are tiny beings that move almost imperceptibly in our mountains. Tasked with protecting and caring for the nature and forests of Andorra, they are constantly fighting against the troll Brutícia, who spoils the natural areas and destroys everything in its way. In order to fulfil their mission and defeat the dreadful Brutícia, Tamarros enter our world through magic portals, which you will also find hidden in the forests of the Principality. In order to activate the mechanism that opens them, each participant must leave a round stone. On these routes, children can have fun walking through the forests and searching for magic portals. It is a very pleasant and fruitful way to spend time with your family. In addition, with the Tamarros the fun is assured for several days, since there are seven portals (one for each parish).
 

This plan, which is part of the 'Moments: Wellness Walks' programme, is specifically designed to be done as a family activity. The activity invites adults and children to discover values and emotions in an open natural environment. This activity is held in the Rialb Valley, next to the Sorteny Valley Natural Park in the parish of Ordino. The walk begins at a central point and is easily accessible from the valley. Designed as an orienteering circuit, seven nearby locations have to be found, which have been named after some of the parish's most iconic peaks. Located within walking distance of each other, each point has a positive value or emotion, such as empathy or gratitude. The 'We are Mountain' walk, recommended for children between 6 and 12 years old, is part of the 'Moments: Wellbeing Walks' programme and is a paid activity that can only be booked at the Tourist Office of Ordino and the information booth at Sorteny (summer).
 

This plan for families is of moderate difficulty and is based on one of the best known legends of Andorra, the White Lady of Auvinyà. As the story goes, the lady was a character with magical powers who guarded the border of Andorra with Spain from the Roc de la Senyoreta. The activity runs along the path of the same name and follows an interactive semicircular circuit lasting about three hours. Through a dozen stops, the legend is discovered through games and various characters that reveal its secrets and mysteries. The walk, with a visit to the Roc de la Senyoreta included, allows you to enter the natural environment of Sant Julià de Lòria. All of this makes the route recommendable for children aged seven and above. The activity is complemented by a free educational book full of activities and games that you can find at the Tourist Office of Sant Julià de Lòria.
 

Do you know the tradition of the Christmas Tió log? In the forest of L'Esquella you can learn about it as a family. And not only that, once you enter, you will see how the forest comes alive: trees that shake your hand, trees with blankets, wooden sculptures with human shapes and even faces drawn on the trunks that make this forest a unique place for young and old to enjoy. Immerse yourself in this magical forest and find out the true story of the famous Christmas Tió log in the context of care and respect for nature. This route can be completed in 10 minutes (if you leave from the Coll d’Ordino road) or in an hour (if you enter the forest of Segudet). The Enchanted Forest of Ordino awaits!
 

This route takes you to Ordino. Known as one of the best routes to take with children, kids can learn about the importance of the iron industry in Andorra.  The Iron Route is full of surprises. Not only will you find numerous sculptures of 'iron men' along the route, but you will also head into the interesting world of metallurgy: from its exploration and extraction in the Llorts mine (one of the best preserved in the country) to the transformation of the mineral into metal in the Rossell Forge, the last forge to operate in Andorra. There you can see a demonstration of how they worked with the iron. It is a route full of nuances and knowledge suitable for all audiences!
 

If you are looking for a slightly more demanding excursion for you and your children, this is undoubtedly the one for you: a circular 4.4 km route that passes by the three lakes of Tristaina. Defined as a route of moderate difficulty, getting to the first lake is relatively easy, although the path is slightly more complicated if you want to follow the ascent toward the second and third lakes. For this reason, it is advisable that children are used to mountain walks. The Lakes of Tristaina route is in the parish of Ordino and is part of an area declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2020. All along the route you can observe nature in all its splendour, especially the typical species found in alpine habitats. Depending on the season, you may come across horses grazing freely.
 

The Les Pardines route is a very wide and flat path that starts in the parish of Encamp. More specifically, at the borda that gives the route its name. In a hike of just over 3 km you will find small botanical gardens with plants of the Pyrenees. As well as a tunnel, you will also cross a bridge and marvel at a waterfall. As a grand finale, the route leads to the beautiful Lake Engolasters, one of Andorra's main tourist attractions. When you reach the lake, you have the option of taking the Hydroelectric route, where you can discover the history of electricity production in Andorra, and if you are looking for an added dose of fun, a quick hop away there is Bosc Aventura: An adventure park with aerial circuits and zip lines that will test your skills.
 

Leaving the fantasy and magical beings behind, there are also very accessible routes to do with children in the Incles Valley. As well as enjoying a fun walk in this unique space, you will have the chance to tour one of the most beautiful and symbolic valleys in the country. You can explore the valley on foot or following one of the two educational paths, 'La Vall d’Incles a la Motxilla' ('The Incles Valley in your Backpack') and 'Busca'ls' ('Search for them'), especially created for children. With the 'The Incles Valley in your Backpack' guide-notebook they will learn a lot about the nature around them. In 'Search for them' you can choose from six different paths where children will have to look for signs of the same number and colour along the route and record it in the guide. Once the route is complete, you can go to the tourist office and collect a small reward!
 

These paths surround the capital in the mountains, are easy to access and are a perfect option to enjoy as a family. Rec de l’Obac is a 2 km route that passes, as its name suggests, through the shade (literally translated as 'Shady Stream') . This is why it's recommended for the spring or summer. The Rec del Solà, on the other hand, is just the opposite: it is always in the sun, which makes it pleasant at any time of year. On both sides there are fountains and benches to rest and contemplate the environment in comfort. The spectacular views of Andorra la Vella, the capital, and also of Escaldes-Engordany are undoubtedly another great attraction of these routes. According to current regulations, it is recommended to walk these trails from the first days of summer.
 

This trail is in the parish of Canillo, near the Sanctuary of Meritxell Basilica. The route passes through a wooded environment perfectly signposted with a viewpoint offering a panoramic view of the surrounding area. With the murmur of the river always in the background, the route progresses until you reach a spiral staircase up to the viewpoint. There you can admire the waterfall down into the gorge from which the Toll Bullidor takes its name. This walk is suitable for families: it is a short route (just over 800 metres in total) in a natural area that is easily accessed by car.
 

Located in Pas de la Casa, the Camí de les Abelletes is an ideal route for families. The route begins at the base of the Coll dels Isards chairlift, in the ski resort, and continues along the river bank and forest track. At the end of the path awaits Estany de les Abelletes, a well-known body of water among anglers due to its abundant trout. An interesting fact about this lake is that it crosses both French and Andorran territory. As for the difficulty and duration, this excursion is short (less than 1 km) and has a gentle slope, so it can be done in an hour. Given the great ease of access from the town centre of Pas de la Casa, it is a perfect excursion for the summer season.