Transhumance trails of Ribagorza

Set in the heart of northern Aragon, this horseback trail through Ribagorza offers an unforgettable journey across one of Spain’s most remote regions. Over the week, you will ride through abandoned villages, follow ancient transhumance paths, and cross limestone ridges overlooking the Pyrenees.

This programme also provides several opportunities to explore different cultural and natural landmarks, from Mont-rebei Gorge to Roda de Isábena, home to Spain’s smallest cathedral!

Amid striking landscapes and centuries of history, this is an authentic riding holiday that captures the essence of wild and unspoiled Aragon.

Book now Print the details for this ride
Trail Riding
8 days (6 days riding)
From £2,627
  • Transhumance trails of Ribagorza
  • Transhumance trails of Ribagorza
  • Transhumance trails of Ribagorza
  • Transhumance trails of Ribagorza
  • Transhumance trails of Ribagorza
  • Transhumance trails of Ribagorza
  • Transhumance trails of Ribagorza
  • Transhumance trails of Ribagorza
  • Transhumance trails of Ribagorza
  • Transhumance trails of Ribagorza
  • Transhumance trails of Ribagorza
  • Transhumance trails of Ribagorza
  • Transhumance trails of Ribagorza

Itinerary

Highlights

- Visit several natural landmarks including the “Chinese Wall” of Finestres, Mont-rebei Gorge, and many more!

- Explore the Montsec and Sis mountain ranges and enjoy panoramic views of the Pyrenees.

- Learn about the region’s rich Roman heritage, from hidden chapels to the smallest cathedral in Spain.

- Ideal for riders seeking an equestrian adventure combining culture, nature, and history in one of Spain’s least populated areas.
  • Day 1 1: Arrival Day

    Palacio Del Obispo
    Fly to Barcelona. Flights are not included but can be arranged upon request. Please make sure to book a flight landing before 3pm.

    Upon arrival, will be transferred to your hotel in Graus. After settling in your room, you will have a short briefing session with the local team.

    Dinner and overnight in hotel Palacio del Obispo.
  • Day 2 2: Uninhabited Ribagorza - 5h riding

    Albergue Mont Falco
    Today you will ride towards the abandoned village of Finestres. Along the way, you will stop by a geological formation known as the “Chinese Wall” of Finestres, which provides sweeping views over the Canelles reservoir. From there, you continue across hills to another forgotten village, Fet, before following the trail on to the Montfalcó refuge, where you will stop for lunch.

    In the afternoon, you will ride towards Santa Quiteria, a small historic chapel with panoramic views over the valleys. Later, you will leave the horses and set off to explore the dramatic Mont-rebei Gorge, either by boat or on foot (water-level dependent).

    Dinner and overnight in Albergue Mont Falco.
  • Day 3 3: Montsec Range - 4h riding

    Casa Domenc
    After breakfast, you will climb the limestone mountains of the Montsec range. As it is not possible to ride through the Montrebei Gorge itself, you will ascend through the base of Montgai and then descend towards the striking Chiriveta tower. From here, you continue on to a small hillside chapel, located on a narrow ledge between limestone cliffs. The Nuestra Señora del Congost chapel, dates back to the 11th century and provides panoramic views of the gorge.

    You then ride towards the village of Chiriveta to visit the ruins of the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Piedad. After crossing the river, you will leave the horses and enjoy lunch in a nearby village.

    In the afternoon, you will go on a guided visit of the medieval village of Montañana, whose beautifully preserved buildings and cobbled streets offer a real journey back in time.

    Drive back to Aren for dinner and overnight in Casa Domenc.
  • Day 4 4: Sis Mountain Range - 5h riding

    Hospederia de Roda de Isabena
    Today you will set off from Montañana and follow a trail that climbs gently between old olive groves, almond trees and vineyards. Eventually, you will arrive at the small village of Cajigar, where you stop for lunch. There will be enough time for you to take in the views over the Sierra de Sis before saying goodnight to the horses.

    In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the historic village of Roda de Isábena, officially listed among the most beautiful in Spain. You will spend the night in this village, in a charming guesthouse set around what is known as the smallest cathedral in the country.

    Dinner and overnight in Hospederia de Roda de Isabena.
  • Day 5 5: Crossing the Sis Range - 5h riding

    Hospederia de Roda de Isabena
    Today you will set off on a steady ascent into the dramatic Sis Mountain range. The trail narrows between rocky outcrops so, for safety, you dismount to lead the horses on foot for about 15 minutes. After this section, you will continue to ascend towards the high points of the ridge, where you will witness sweeping views of the snow-capped Pyrenees.

    After taking in the views, you will follow the ridgeline before descending on an old bridle path to the small village of Denuy, where you stop for a picnic in the shade of oak trees.
    In the afternoon, you drive to the nearby Obarra Monastery for a guided visit.

    Dinner and overnight in Hospederia de Roda de Isabena.
  • Day 6 6: Isábena River - 6h riding

    Hospederia de Roda de Isabena
    Today you will follow the course of the Isábena river. In the narrower sections of the valley, the trail climbs towards the small villages of Pardinella and Biascas de Obarra, offering panoramic views over the surrounding hills. The route then picks up the river once more, leading you to the village of La Puebla de Roda for lunch.

    In the afternoon, you continue on towards Roda de Isábena, crossing a beautiful old stone bridge dating back to the Roman period before reaching your accommodation.

    Dinner and overnight in Hospederia de Roda de Isabena.
  • Day 7 7: Old Transhumance trail - 5h riding

    Hotel Vilas del Turbón
    For your final riding day, you will follow an old transhumance trail once used by shepherds and their herds. Along the way, you will pass a prehistoric monument – the menhir of Merli. From here, you cross the El Chordal range with sweeping views of the Turbón Massif – often called the “magical mountain” of Huesca. Local legend says that Noah’s Ark came to rest here after the flood, and that it was once a gathering place for witches of Upper Aragon.

    The ride finishes in the village of Padarniu, on the southern slopes of Turbón. You will have lunch in Casa Fumenal, a farmhouse dating back to the 16th century.

    Dinner and overnight in Hotel Vilas del Turbón.
  • Day 8 8: Departure day

    After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Barcelona airport for your return flight. Please book a flight departing after 12:00pm.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights or transportation to your destination (international/domestic) are not included but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Rates are per person, based on riders sharing a twin/double room.

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 4 riders and a maximum of 8 international riders.

- Please note the departures will also confirm for fewer riders on payment of a supplement:
2 riders: €625/£545/$745 per person
3 riders: €225/£195/$270 per person
Once the group has reached 4 people, we will remove this supplement from your invoice and refund you if you have already paid it.

- If you sign up to the ride as a solo rider and there are no other riders likely to share your room, you will be charged a single room supplement of approx. €180/£160/$215. You will then be reimbursed if a sharer is found for you at a later date.

- Transfers are not included and are invoiced before departure. The cost is €235 per person based on a minimum of 2 riders (pick up from Barcelona airport 4pm, drop off around 12:00pm - midday).

- Accompanied minors are welcome from 14 yo, provided they match the riding requirements.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide
1 backup guide (for groups of 5+ riders)

Logistics

1 vehicle and driver
1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider

Accommodation

6 nights in twin/double room at the different overnight locations
1 night in a shared room (dormitory-style)

Meals

Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8

Extras

Guided tours mentioned in the itinerary
Access to thermal bath on day 7

Price doesn't include

Transport

International flights
Airport transfers

Extras

Small group supplement - see "Dates&Prices"
Tips to the local team

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation
Visas and personal purchase
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    21/04/2026 28/04/2026 £2,627 €2,995 $3,389
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    Book now
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    03/05/2026 10/05/2026 £2,627 €2,995 $3,389
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    Book now

Equestrian info

Horses

The herd has a total of 17 horses. Most of them are Andalusian or Spanish crosses. Their heights are between 15-16hh.

They are kept out all year-round and are very well-used to the area’s mountainous environment.

Guide & local team

Àlvar worked as a geographer before become a certified trail guide, and loves to share his passion for horses and nature. He has also trained racehorses in Ireland and guided in Iceland, before founding the stables in the Benasque Valley.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

You need to be a competent rider, capable of riding at all paces in the outdoors, over steep and technical paths. Previous trail riding experience is recommended.

Rider weight limit: 95kg / 210 lbs / 15 st

Pace

The main pace is the walk, with trots and canters every day, when the terrain allows it.

Tacking ability and participation

The horses will be tacked and untacked for you each day.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You should have experience riding outdoors on trails and be confident riding in open spaces. You need to be fit enough for this trail and cope with up to 6 hours in the saddle. On some occasions you will be asked to dismount and lead your horse on foot over steep hills and rocky terrain so you must be in good physical condition.

At the end of certain riding days, the horses will stay put for the night whilst the riders will be transferred to the accommodation. You will rejoin with the horses in the morning and pick up the trail where you left off.

Equestrian equipment

English tack (endurance-style).
Saddlebags are provided.

Helmets are mandatory. We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit. Some helmets available on location.

Travel info

Comfort

Accommodation on this trail is varied, ranging from characterful historic hotels to simple mountain lodges and village guesthouses. You stay mostly in small, family‑run properties where the focus is on authenticity. Some locations have small spas or thermal facilities.

Standards are clean and welcoming throughout, but rooms and services can be more basic on certain stages, which reflects the remoteness of the areas you will be riding in.

Meals

Meals are hearty and inspired by Mediterranean or mountain tradition cooking, with delicious locally sourced meats.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Lunches are carried by the support vehicle.

Climate

Ribagorza is located in northeastern Spain, in the province of Huesca, within the autonomous community of Aragon.
The climate is usually sunny, with mild and pleasant temperatures, as it is a mid-mountain environment. In spring and autumn, when this ride takes place, the temperature is warm during the day but cool at night. In the mountains, it is advisable to be prepared for possible weather changes.

Tips

Tips are not mandatory but very welcome if you are pleased with the service provided.

Packing list

Please pack carefully and sensibly: the following guide is here to give you an idea of what to bring. This list must be adapted depending on the season and individual needs.

Head
- Riding helmet
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding

Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun or extra warmth
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Rain jacket – the rains can be hard to predict and it can be cold when it rains in the mountains.

Lower body
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Casual clothes for the evenings (jeans or walking trousers)
- Non-irritant cotton or synthetic underwear

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend half-chaps with sturdy riding boots (or even hiking boots as you may need to walk over steep trails)
- Lightweight shoes for the evenings
- Several pairs of warm socks
- Gloves

Night
- Pyjamas

Other useful items
- Water bottle
- Toiletries
- Ear plugs

Medical kit
- Painkillers
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhea medication
- Vitamin C tablets
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Eye drops
- Hydrating/ soothing cream
- Plasters
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc..
- 10cm wide bandage
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

Our Recommendations
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (passport, camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- You should also bring a copy of your passport/insurance in case you lose your documents. You can also save a copy into your mobile phone.

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.