The park's diverse ecosystems support a rich variety of wildlife, including emblematic species like the Pyrenean chamois (sarrio), bearded vulture (lammergeier), and Alpine marmot. Other notable species include golden eagles, griffon vultures, red deer, and the Pyrenean desman. The park serves as a vital refuge for several endangered species and plays a crucial role in conservation efforts. The reintroduction of certain species and careful management has helped maintain healthy populations of mountain wildlife.
The park hosts over 1,500 plant species, showcasing remarkable biodiversity across its various elevation zones. Lower valleys feature beech and silver fir forests, while higher elevations transition to black pine and mountain pine. Alpine meadows above the tree line display colorful wildflowers including edelweiss, Pyrenean iris, and numerous endemic species. The park's varied aspects and elevations create distinct microclimates, supporting both Mediterranean and Alpine vegetation. Several plant species found here are endemic to the Pyrenees, making the park a crucial botanical conservation area.
The park showcases spectacular limestone karst formations shaped over millions of years. Monte Perdido massif, part of the larger Pyrenees range, was formed during the Alpine orogeny when the Iberian and European plates collided. The landscape features dramatic glacial valleys, including the iconic U-shaped Ordesa Valley, deep canyons, towering cliffs, and extensive cave systems. The distinctive layered appearance of the mountains reveals different geological periods, with sedimentary rocks predominating. The area continues to evolve through ongoing erosion and karst processes.
Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, established in 1918, was Spain's second national park and represents a crucial milestone in Spanish conservation history. The park was initially created to protect the Ordesa Valley and was later expanded in 1982 to include Monte Perdido and surrounding valleys. The area has a rich cultural heritage, with centuries of traditional pastoral activities shaping its landscapes. The park and its surroundings were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, recognizing both its natural significance and the cultural importance of its ancient transhumance pastoral system.
The park's most striking features include Monte Perdido (3,355m), the third-highest peak in the Pyrenees, and the spectacular Ordesa Canyon with its 800m vertical walls. The Cola de Caballo (Horse's Tail) waterfall, numerous glacial cirques, and the dramatic Añisclo Canyon are other highlights. The park contains several glacial lakes, extensive cave systems, and unique geological formations like the Faja de las Flores, a natural ledge carved into the canyon walls. The combination of these features creates some of Europe's most dramatic mountain scenery.
The park experiences a diverse mountain climate characterized by significant variations due to its dramatic elevation changes (from 700m to 3,355m). Summers are mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20-25°C, while winters are cold with frequent snowfall and temperatures often dropping below freezing. Spring and autumn bring variable conditions with potential for sudden weather changes. The southern slopes receive more sunshine and Mediterranean influences, while the northern faces experience more Atlantic weather patterns with higher precipitation. Visitors should always be prepared for rapid weather changes typical of mountain environments.
Spain
42.6410°, 0.0320°
August 16, 1918
156.08
A dramatic landscape in the Pyrenees featuring deep canyons, towering waterfalls, and the massive Monte Perdido peak. The park is known for its exceptional geological formations and diverse alpine flora. It contains some of the most spectacular hiking trails in Spain.