Ibón de Plan Trail

There are a few options depending on your desired difficulty. The easiest and most recommended starting point for families is the Refugio de Lavasar. You can reach the refuge by car or 4x4 taxi from Saravillo, though there might be restrictions during high season. For a more challenging hike, you can start directly from the villages of Plan or Saravillo.

Yes, it can be! The route starting from the Refugio de Lavasar is considered easy and is ideal for families or occasional hikers. It's a straightforward 2-kilometer walk with minimal elevation gain, taking about 40-45 minutes to reach the lake.

The trail offers diverse and beautiful scenery. You'll pass through dense black pine forests, expansive alpine meadows dotted with flowers, and eventually reach the majestic glacial cirque surrounding the lake, featuring imposing rock formations and scree slopes. Once at the lake, a circular path of about 1.5 km allows you to explore its different perspectives.

The area is rich in biodiversity. Keep an eye out for chamois, which sometimes drink from the lake. You might also spot various amphibians, newts, small fish, frogs, and dragonflies. In summer, a small herd of cows often grazes near the water, adding to the pastoral charm.

The best time to visit is typically from late spring to early autumn (June to October) when the snow has melted, and the weather is generally favorable for hiking. During these months, the alpine meadows are vibrant with flowers, and the lake is at its most inviting.

Yes, the route from Refugio de Lavasar follows part of the GR-15. More challenging routes from Saravillo also utilize sections of the GR-15, and the route from Plan is marked as PR HU-87. The trail also overlaps with the Sendero Prepirenaico and the Ibón de Plan / Basa de La Mora trail itself.

Generally, dogs are allowed on trails in the Aragonese Pyrenees, but it's crucial to keep them on a leash, especially in protected areas like the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, to protect wildlife and livestock. Always pack out any waste.

There is no specific entrance fee or permit required to hike to Ibón de Plan or within the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park. However, as it's a protected natural space, it's essential to respect all signage, stay on marked paths, and practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve its pristine beauty.

Absolutely! The main highlight is the stunning Ibón of Plan (Basa de la Mora) itself, a crystal-clear glacial lake often cited as one of the most beautiful in the Pyrenees. The views of the surrounding peaks and forests reflecting in the water are breathtaking. The Lavasar Refuge is also a key landmark and a common starting point.

The lake is famously known as 'Basa de la Mora' (Pool of the Moorish Woman) due to a local legend. It tells of a Moorish princess who drowned in the lake while fleeing Christian troops. Folklore suggests that on the night of San Juan (St. John's Eve), those with a pure heart who wash their faces in its waters before dawn can witness the princess dancing on the lake's surface.

If you're looking for a less strenuous but equally rewarding experience, consider driving or taking a 4x4 taxi up to the Refugio de Lavasar. This significantly shortens the hike to the lake, making it accessible for a wider range of fitness levels and allowing more time to enjoy the stunning scenery around the ibón itself.