Alta Ribagorça is a newly created county at the Northwest end of the Catalan Pyrenees. Divided into only 3 municipalities (Vilaller, La Vall de Boi and El Pont de Suert, the capital), the region is now the smallest and less populated county in Catalonia. These small dimensions do not prevent it from possessing an invaluable natural, scenic, historical and cultural heritage.
With a rough relief and very small plain stretches and valleys, Alta Ribagorça is closely related to water, being full of beautiful lakes and rivers. The natural environment of the region hosts the western part of the National Park of Aigüestortes and Lake Sant Maurici, as well as thermal resorts and mineral sources, constituting an ideal setting for all kinds of sports and activities all year round. Its highest cultural expression is the heritage of Romanesque churches (UNESCO World Heritage). In addition to this historic and artistic ensemble, the region is also rich in popular traditions, festivals and renowned cultural events.
Alta Ribagorça has traditionally based its economy on stock breeding and agriculture, sectors that waned in interest and participants by mid 20th century, after the onset of mining and especially with the construction and operation of dams and hydroelectric plants. Currently, tourism and leisure activities play a key role in the economic life of the region. With regards to cuisine, the region offers gourmet dishes based on mountain cuisine (lamb, pork and meats), drawing on the best products of our land (mushrooms and ewe’s milk cheese).
By car
From Barcelona there are two options. By motorway A2 heading towards Lleida up to Cervera (exit 517), and then towards Agramunt (L-303) and Artesa de Segre (L-512) up to Isona and Tremp by route C-1412b. Once in Tremp, follow route C-31 up to La Pobla de Segur and continue along route N-260 up to El Pont de Suert. The second option is to follow motorway A2 up to Lleida (exit 461) and from there head north along route N-230 up to El Pont de Suert.
In both cases, in order to access Vall de Boí you must take route L-500, located 1,5 Km north of El Pont de Suert (right turn).
From the county of Pallars Sobirà, take route N-260 from La Pobla de Segur up to El Pont de Suert.
From the province of Girona there are several options. You can take motorway AP-7 down to Barcelona and then continue along motorway A2. A second alternative is to use the axis known as Eix Transversal (C-25) up to Cervera, towards Agramunt (L-303), via Artesa de Segre (L-512) up to Isona and Tremp along route C-1412b. Once in Tremp, take route C-31 up to La Pobla de Segur and follow route N-260 up to El Pont de Suert. The other option is to take motorway A2 up to Lleida (exit 461) and there head North along N-230 up to El Pont de Suert.
Coming from the South (Tarragona) take motorway A2 up to Lleida, and there head North along route N-230 up to El Pont de Suert.
From Aragón (Zaragoza or Huesca), by route N-240 up to Pont de Montanyana and from there along route N-230 up to El Pont de Suert.
From France, head South via Val d’Aran by route N-230 starting at Vielha.
By bus
The bus company ALSA www.alsa.es has several regular lines from Barcelona and Lleida to Alta Ribagorça.
By train
There is no railway station in the county. The nearest one is located 40 km away, in La Pobla de Segur, and it is serviced by RENFE line Barcelona-Lleida-La Pobla de Segur, known as Tren dels Llacs (The Lake Train). (www.trendelsllacs.cat)
By taxi
Taxi service to the National Park of Aigüestortes and Lake Sant Maurici.
Taxi association of Vall de Boí. Plaça del Treio, s/n (25528 Boí)
Phone numbers: (+34) 629 205 489 and (+34) 973 696 314
