Tristaina Lakes (Estanys de Tristaina) from La Coma

Start at La Coma, the car park beside the top station of the Tristaina gondola and the Borda de la Coma restaurant, at about 2,230 m. Take the Camí dels Estanys de Tristaina up the hillside on a stony path to the first lake, Estany Primer, the smallest of the three and the bluest. The path climbs past Estany del Mig along the side of the cirque to the south shore of Estany de Més Amunt, the largest and highest lake, below Tristaina peak (2,878 m). Come back down the west side of Estany del Mig and rejoin the first path.

It is 4.2 km round with 163 m of ascent by our count (Visit Andorra gives 4.39 km and 210 m); allow about 1½ hours on the move, though Visit Andorra allows up to three hours for the circuit. The grade is Moderate: Visit Andorra rates it Moderate and suitable for walkers of all levels, the path is mapped as mountain hiking, and the whole walk is above 2,200 m. Visit Andorra says the first lake is about 40 minutes from the car park and suits families, and that the route is well signposted.

Mountain weather can change quickly, so wear proper footwear and clothing. Visit Andorra advises routes above 1,700 m between the end of June and the end of September. It says bathing is permitted at Estany de Més Amunt in summer.

In summer vehicles cannot drive the road to Coma del Forat (cyclists bound for Port d'Arcalís excepted): you go up by the Tristaina gondola from L'Hortell, by bicycle or on foot. Ordino Arcalís says all its car parks are free of charge in summer, and its 2026 timetable runs the gondola from 08:30 to 17:00 at weekends from 14 September to 1 November and on 12 October.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.