Coronallacs

The Coronallacs is a hiking trail in Andorra. The trail is a loop, starting and finishing in Escaldes-Engordany, and covering the world heritage site Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, and the highest mountain in Andorra, Coma Pedrosa (2944 m, 9657 ft).

It is a strenuous route, covering 91 km and 6134 m of elevation gain.

Route
The trail (route map) takes 5 days, staying in 4 refuges. The route may be walked in either direction, but the standard route is anti-clockwise.

The route is marked with the yellow and red marks of the GRP (Gran Recorrido del País). Additionally, the black and light blue signs with the Coronallacs logo indicate which way to go.

The season
The summer season runs from 3 June until the end of September. The refuges are closed in May and November; Refuge de Sorteny is also closed in October. The winter season is December to April, when there is thick snow.

Get in
Andorra has no railways. The drives from Toulouse, Perpignan, Barcelona, Reus and Girona airports are all similar distances, about 3 hours. Barcelona (BCN) airport tends to have the cheapest car rentals.

Hikers doing the Coronallacs can park their car in Escaldes for 5 days for €30.

Maps

 * Andorra. Editorial Alpina. ISBN 9788480908429. Scale 1:40000.

Booking
Manned refuges must be booked in advance. Refuge reservations can be made here. Alternatively the refuges can be booked direct at their websites:
 * Illa
 * Juclar
 * Sorteny
 * Comapedrosa

It is possible to hire a guide.

Water
You should carry at least 2 L of water, and drink a litre of water before you leave each refuge.

Gear
Take as little as possible, pack light! Keep the weight of your rucksack below 15 kg (ideally below 10 kg), including 2 L of water.

Required

 * Rucksack with waterproof cover. 40-50 L is about right.
 * Water bottles. 2 L total
 * Boots or trail shoes
 * High-visibility quick-dry clothing. Approximately 4-5 sets so you can wash and dry some sets while using the others.
 * Sun protection cream (high factor).
 * Ultra-lightweight wind & waterproof.
 * Fleece top. It can get cold!
 * Quick dry towel
 * Sleeping bag
 * Toothbrush, wash-kit, etc.
 * First aid kit, including plasters to cover/prevent blisters
 * Toilet paper
 * Cash

Recommended

 * A map and a compass for safety. Alternatively, a smartphone with an app like Google Maps and the Andorra maps downloaded will provide your GPS location. More advanced users can download hiking apps with the exact route.
 * Head torch
 * Energy bars
 * Protein bars
 * Mobile phone for safety; the emergency number is 112. Andorra is not a member of the EU and mobile phone roaming is not usually included in call plans.
 * Phone charger, European plug adapter, external battery back. Camera.
 * Survival bag
 * Insurance

Optional

 * Brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt and trousers, sunglasses.
 * Walking poles.
 * Detergent for clothes (or just a bar of soap)
 * Moisturiser, shampoo, body wash

Cope

 * Bring cash along. The refuges are cash only. You can pay for dinner and breakfast in advance but for a packed lunch you must bring cash.