a0306 - Aigüestortes Sant Maurici Lake and Ratera Waterfall

Estany de Sant Maurici is the largest lake in the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici Parc Nacional and is fed by a river waterfall called Cascada de Ratera and Estany de Ratera. This is an easy 12Km linear hiking route with an elevation gain of over 500 metres over a distance of six kilometres. The route is via the Río Escrita river valley from Espot to Sant Maurici lake.

The route starts fromAparcament de Prat Pierró | Sant Maurici about 3Km from the village of Espot. Follow theCamí a Sant Maurici forestall path parallel to the river along the long wooden walkways and cross Río Escrita via the footbridge.

The Camí a Sant Maurici footpath turns zig zags via some stone steps to reach a mountain meadow with views up the valley. It is best to keep dogs on a leash here because this meadow is often full of wild horses. Follow the path crossing the road. Note that to the left where the road crosses the river there is an ornate stone bridge.

The path soon enters the forest and a gradual climb commences where the path crosses the river via wooden bridges several times. After several kilometres in the forest the path transitions into a gravel track and arrives at a small plain with the Ermita de Sant Maurici d'Espot chapel and fountain.

Continuing along the gravel path through some zig zag curves the path continues to ascend until a hard hairpin bend. On the corner of this bend there is a fantastic viewpoint looking over the valley. Follow the gravel path up to arrive at Estany Sant Maurici. Here is a great spot to admire the enormous lake with the high granite mountain peeks in the background. I recommend eating a snack here.

To visit the Ratera waterfall and lake take the path parallel to the lake and continue the forestall path along the wooden walkways until reaching Cascada de Ratera viewpoint. The waterfall has an additional viewpoint further up the path. From here keep walking up the path until it joins the gravel road and leads to Ratera lake. This is the point where I turn back. However to do this route as a two day adventure this path can be continued further up to Refugi d'Amitges.