I am Mercè from Turismo Canino, and in this article I want to introduce you to a perfect place to enjoy with your dogs: La Vall d’Incles.
Andorra, in itself, is an ideal destination to travel with your dog in the summer thanks to its moderate temperatures, spectacular natural environment, and the wide range of dog-friendly activities it offers. La Vall d’Incles, in particular, offers many hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, all accessible without the need to constantly drive around. Additionally, you will find accommodations and restaurants where your dogs will be welcomed.
Getting to know La Vall d’Incles
La Vall d’Incles is one of the most beautiful natural spots in the Pyrenees. Located between the towns of El Tarter and Canillo, its characteristic shape already gives us clues about its glacial origin.
The best time to visit is from June onwards, when the snow is practically melted (although you may encounter some ice remnants on certain routes). In fact, summer is the peak season for visitors, which is why vehicle access is closed. You should park your car in the blue zone in front of the Kione Deusol apartments reception (or even better, stay there) and explore the entire valley on foot from there.
Camí de l’Obac
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When traffic is limited, there is an electric train that covers the stretch between the parking lot and the Interpretation Center, but unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on it. Nevertheless, it is a short journey, about 3 kilometers, that can be comfortably done by walking along the paved road or along the Camí de l’Obac d’Incles (a route that I will talk about later on). If you visit at a different time of year, you can drive to the Interpretation Center.
In Vall d’Incles, it is mandatory for dogs to be kept on a leash and for their excrement to be picked up at all times.
Hiking trails for all audiences
What I like most about Vall d’Incles is that it is an ideal place to enjoy nature, regardless of your physical condition or that of your dogs, and it is even recommended for going with young children (we went with two children aged 4 and 1 year old; and Futt was 11).
Here are some of the most popular routes in the area for you to take note of and be able to do them on your next trip to Andorra.
Camí de l’Obac d’Incles, an easy route bordering the river
This route of less than 3 kilometers (not even 6 kilometers round trip) starts at the blue zone parking lot in front of the Kione Deusol Apartments and reaches near the Interpretation Center. The trail runs parallel to the river and intersects at some points, so your furry friends can wet their paws (although it’s possible that some areas may be muddy as well).
The route is simple and short, although the path is not flat, but rather has quite a few ups and downs (but of low intensity). Along the route, you will come across different informational panels describing the ancestral trades of the area, such as livestock farming, fishing, agriculture, and even smuggling.
La Vall d’Incles in Andorra is the perfect destination to go with your dog in the summer
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The views from the road are beautiful, and during the journey, you will be accompanied by the sound of water and lush green vegetation.
At the end of the trail, you can choose to have a picnic, grab a drink at the L’Ovella Negra Restaurant, and/or continue hiking.
Route to Estany de Juclà, the largest in Andorra
The excursion par excellence in this area is to climb up to the Estany de Juclà. But beware! It is a challenging route, not suitable for all dogs. For example, I tried to do it with Futt and I stopped a couple of kilometers short of finishing it, as the end was quite steep (Futt had to jump in some sections) and he made it very clear that he did not want to continue: he plopped his butt on the ground and refused to go any further. I also saw other dogs turning back halfway through the route and others that did make it to the end.
My recommendation is to give it a try, but without pushing yourselves too hard. Because if you don’t make it all the way to the lake, it’s okay, as the route is beautiful and there are more points of interest along the way. For example, we made it to Font del Travenc with Futt and our two young children. Keep reading as I give you all the details!
The excursion par excellence in this area is to climb up to the Estany de Juclà
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The route starts at Pont de la Baladosa (where the Camí de l’Obac ends), and from here, it is 4.57 km to Lake Juclà (approximately 2 hours 10 minutes uphill and 1 hour 40 minutes downhill). The first part, up to Font del Travenc, is easy and you can follow a forest track or a narrower path through vegetation (both paths are marked). Here you will come across a bridge, and right after crossing it, there is an area with tables for a picnic.
From this point on, the trail continues to ascend, but it already starts to get complicated. If it has rained in the previous days or if there is thaw, it is possible that the path is wet and a constant stream of water falls, making some sections somewhat slippery. The slope will become increasingly steep (this is the difficult part I mentioned and where we stopped) until you reach Pleta de Juclà, where the path will become flatter.
Font del Travenc
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In the final stretch, it is necessary to cross the Juclà River, where the new weather station is located. After overcoming some gneiss blocks again, you will reach Estany de Juclà, the largest lake in Andorra. From mid-June to mid-September, the shelter is open, where meals and drinks are served.
More hiking routes to other lakes in La Vall d’Incles.
From Vall d’Incles, you can also access the Siscaró and Cabana Sorda lakes. The former is reached via a route that also starts at Pont de la Baladosa, the same point used to reach Estany del Juclà, and diverges before reaching Font del Travenc.
On the other hand, the route to reach Estany de Cabana Sorda starts at kilometer 1.5 of the road in La Vall d’Incles, which goes from the Kione Deusol apartments to the Interpretation Center (and which is closed to traffic in the summer).
Accommodations and restaurants ‘dog friendly’ in the Vall d’Incles
If you come to spend a few days in this valley, you will find accommodations where dogs are welcome in the towns of Soldeu and El Tarter. Some of them are: Kione Deusol, Hotel Bruxelles, Hotel Austria, Hotel Llop Gris, El Floc Apartments, Pierre & Vacances El Tarter, and Pierre & Vacances Alba.
And for eating something with your furry friends, we recommend the L’Ovella Negra Restaurant, near the Interpretation Center of Vall d’Incles, LAMONT Restaurant, La Cabaneta, and the Borda del Rector Restaurant.
Road to Vall d’Incles
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Other plans to do in Andorra with a dog
As I mentioned at the beginning, for me, Andorra is a dog-friendly paradise, and choosing it as a vacation spot, especially in summer, is a guaranteed success.
In addition to discovering Vall d’Incles, you can also explore the old town of Andorra La Vella, go shopping in Escaldes-Engordany, take a trip to Lago de Engolasters, or hike up to Estanys de Tristaina.
If you are traveling with children in Andorra, you will find a lot of themed hiking trails designed by Macarulla. We did On són els bolets? (Where are the mushrooms in English) and we loved it. Additionally, it is a fascinating adventure to visit the giant sculptures of the tamarros, the protectors of the Principality.
Route, On són els bolets?
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If you’re eager for more, you’ll find many more dog-friendly clues to discover Andorra with your dogs in our latest travel guide Dog Trip: Exploring Southern France and Andorra, published with Anaya Touring.
Have a fantastic summer in the company of your furry friends!
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