Having just returned from another unforgettable hiking trip in the Spanish Pyrenees, I wanted to share some updated tips on one of the region’s most iconic trails – the hike to Cola de Caballo Waterfall in Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. This is not only one of the most famous hikes in the Pyrenees but also a must-stop on any Pyrenees road trip.

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Cola de Caballo Waterfall Hike: Top Trail in Ordesa Valley in Spain

Cola de Caballo is among the largest and most recognizable waterfalls in the entire mountain range of the Pyrenees. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know before hiking this trail – from how to get there to what to expect – especially if you’re planning your visit in the busy summer months.

Where Is Cola de Caballo Waterfall?

Cola de Caballo (Spanish for “Horse’s Tail”) is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Spanish Pyrenees. It’s tucked deep within the breathtaking Ordesa Valley, part of Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park – one of Spain’s oldest and most iconic national parks. This area is home to some of Spain’s most remarkable natural wonders and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reaching the waterfall involves a scenic hike through the valley, with several route options to suit different fitness levels and hiking styles.

Best Time of Year to Hike to Cola de Caballo

My favorite moments to visit Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park are May to June and September to October – these months offer ideal weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery. That said, most travelers enjoy the Cola de Caballo hike anytime from April through October.

March and November can be unpredictable in the Pyrenees. Some years bring mild, sunny weather, while others see occasional snowfalls, making hiking conditions less reliable.

My first visit to Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park was in June with the kids, and we absolutely loved it. This year, I did the Cola de Caballo hike during August, the peak of the tourist season. While it’s definitely the busiest month, it was still a great experience – especially if you venture beyond the main Cola de Caballo trail. Many of the other routes in the park are much quieter, even during peak season, so it’s easy to find more peaceful spots to explore. You can read more about my recent trip here.

Where to Stay for the Cola de Caballo Hike

If you’re planning to hike to Cola de Caballo Waterfall outside the summer season, or explore other parts of the park – like I did on my first visit – you can stay anywhere around Aínsa, one of the prettiest small towns in the Pyrenees. One hotel I really enjoyed was the Barceló Monasterio de Boltaña, a beautiful and comfortable option in the area.

During peak summer months, however, the most convenient place to stay is the village of Torla-Ordesa, so you can easily catch the first shuttle bus into the park. I recommend Hotel Edelweiss for its great location and cozy atmosphere.

The Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is divided into four main areas: Ordesa, Añisclo, Escuaín, and Pineta. Keep in mind that driving between these areas can take up to two hours. Cola de Caballo is located in the Ordesa Valley, so depending on how long you’re staying, you have a few options:

• Focus exclusively on Ordesa Valley hikes (as I did on this trip)
• Combine Ordesa and Añisclo, which is what I did during my first visit
• Or plan a longer Pyrenees road trip, staying a few days in different regions of the Pyrenees mountain range

You can find current accommodation deals on the map below to help plan your stay. For more trail ideas across the Pyrenees, feel free to explore my other posts under the hashtag #Pyrenees.

How to Get to the Ordesa National Park

The hike to Cola de Caballo begins at the Pradera de Ordesa parking area. For most of the year, you can drive there directly. However, during peak season in summer (usually June to early September), private vehicle access is restricted. Instead, you’ll need to take a shuttle bus from the nearby village of Torla-Ordesa, located at the park’s entrance.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Shuttle cost: €6 per person (round trip)
• Pets: Dogs are allowed on the bus (in designated luggage areas), but must be kept on a leash in the park
• Bus duration: ~20 minutes
• First bus: Around 6:00 AM (in peak summer months)
• Last return bus: Around 10:00 PM (in peak summer months)
• Ordesa Visitor Center: Located right at the entrance to the village of Torla-Ordesa, this is where you can pick up a trail map, park your car, and purchase shuttle bus tickets. The shuttle to Ordesa National Park also departs from this location.

Tips for Taking the Shuttle Bus

I’ve taken this bus multiple times in summer, both in June and August, and the experience varies a lot:

• In June, the trail is quieter, and I had no issue catching a bus between 9:00-10:00 AM.
• In August, things are very different. The park gets extremely busy, and even the first bus at 6:00 AM was nearly full.

Here’s my advice for peak season:

• Buy your ticket the day before at the Visitor Center in Torla-Ordesa (although it was open at 6:00 AM during my last visit, it’s safer not to risk it).
• The bus driver won’t sell tickets, and you won’t be allowed to board without one.
• If you go later in the morning (around 9 – 10 AM), expect long lines in August – sometimes over an hour.
• Best strategy: Catch the first bus at 6:00 AM or wait until around lunchtime when the rush slows down.

Cola de Caballo Waterfall: What to Expect on Arrival

If you’re taking the earliest bus, expect darkness upon arrival at Pradera de Ordesa. It’s smart to bring a headlamp or flashlight to help navigate the first section of the trail safely. I usually take advantage of the quiet by having a quick breakfast or sandwich and wait for daylight around 6:45 – 7:00 AM, which gives you better visibility to start hiking comfortably and safely.

For your convenience, I’ve marked everything directly on the same map they hand out at the Ordesa Visitor Center – you can check it out below.

How Long Does It Take to Reach Cola de Caballo Waterfall?

The time it takes to reach Cola de Caballo Waterfall depends on the trail you choose. The most popular route – Trail #3 (marked in orange on the map) – takes at least 6 hours round trip. This is a relatively easy, family-friendly option that follows a wide, scenic path through the Ordesa Valley.

My personal favorite is Trail #4 (Senda de los Cazadores, marked in purple on the map), which takes around 7–8 hours to complete. It’s more challenging but incredibly rewarding, offering a full range of landscapes and views. You can find it on Wikiloc here.

Best Way to Get to Cola de Caballo Waterfall

Both trails lead to the same stunning destination – the Cola de Caballo waterfall – but the hiking experiences are very different:

• Trail #4 Senda de los Cazadores (marked in purple)
  This is a tougher hike with a steep, rocky ascent through the forest. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to climb to the viewpoint at the top. From there, the rest of the hike is mostly flat or downhill, making it an enjoyable and scenic route with panoramic mountain views. It’s best suited for hikers in good shape.
• Trail #3 (marked in orange)
  This is the most popular and accessible trail – perfect for families or casual hikers. It starts at Pradera de Ordesa parking area and follows a well-marked, flat path along the valley to the waterfall. Simply follow the signs to “Cola de Caballo.” It’s usually quite busy in summer, but quite straightforward to follow.

After reaching Cola de Caballo, you have the option to continue on to the Refugio de Góriz. However, this part is optional – you can also choose to head back after the waterfall.

Trail Direction: Which Way to Hike Trail #4?

During my recent hiking weekend, I followed Trail #4 toward the Senda de los Cazadores and noticed many people hiking this trail all the way around. You can hike Trail #4 in either direction, but here’s what I recommend:

• Best option (my way):
  Start with the steep climb via Trail #4 (via Senda de los Cazadores) early in the morning when you’re still fresh. After reaching the top and enjoying the views, continue along the upper trail until you descend to Cola de Caballo, and then return along Trail #3 (orange).
  This way, you get to see the waterfall from afar first, which adds to the anticipation and gives you incredible photo opportunities.
• Alternative (reverse loop):
  Some people prefer to take Trail #3 to the waterfall first and then return via Trail #4, tackling the steep climb on tired legs along the Senda de los Cazadores. Personally, I find this route much harder and less enjoyable. Basically, you spend most of the hike going uphill slowly and finish with a sharp descent. Also, the waterfall comes as a surprise at the end – approaching it via Trail #3 means you don’t see it until you’re almost there, instead of spotting it from a distance and hiking toward it, which for me was part of the magic.

Spanish Pyrenees Travel Guide: Ultimate FAQs & Planning Tips

Planning your first trip to the Spanish Pyrenees? In the video below, I’m answering the questions readers ask me most frequently, including where to stay, how to get around, my favorite walking routes, and the best season to visit. Feel free to leave any additional questions in the comments.

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For more Spain travel tips and itineraries check my Pinterest boards Best of Spain and Spain Travel Collection.

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