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The Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley is a glacial valley located in the eastern part of Andorra, a small landlocked country in the Pyrenees mountains of Europe.
Andorra la Vella’s parish hosts the valley, spanning around 4,247 hectares.
Recognized for rare wildlife, this secluded valley is considered Andorra’s “spiritual heart.”
The valley is characterized by lush forests, alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and high mountain peaks.
The glacial landscape of the valley, encompassing high pastures, craggy cliffs, and steep wooded valleys, is delimited by mountain ridges to the south, east, and west.
The southern border aligns with Spain, and an escarpment descends north into the Valira valley.
Accessible solely by foot-passable tracks, the valley stands in isolation from the rest of Andorra.
Over a span of more than 700 years, local inhabitants utilized its natural resources—illustrated through dwellings, field terraces, tracks, and remnants of ironworking—adapting to changes in climate, economic conditions, and social structures.
Centuries of cultural habitation define the valley, showcasing traditional practices, terraces, and ancient irrigation.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, the valley benefits from conservation measures preserving cultural and natural assets.
Transitioning to modern efforts, restoration initiatives have revived neglected structures such as huts, trackways, and field walls in recent years.
Committed to preserving its character, the valley focuses on livestock farming and limited human impact.
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Contents
Settlements in the Valley
The narrow valley floor hosts two small settlements, Entremesaigües and Ramio, which were once year-round communities but have transitioned to seasonal habitation exclusively in the summer over the last 50 years.
Consisting of 12 houses crafted from local granite with schist roofs, each dwelling features a spacious barn for storing grain and hay.
The privately owned areas encompassing the houses and nearby enclosures constitute about 1% of the valley’s total area.
Transformation of Land Use in Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley
Terraced fields, once cultivated for wheat and rye, surround the settlements; however, they are now predominantly utilized for grazing.
Gradually, forests are claiming the higher fields and areas on the slopes, where grapevines flourished during the Middle Ages.
Moreover, these communal forests, historically managed for charcoal production, ceased this practice in the 19th century.
In the valley along the Madriu River, iron smelting, utilizing local iron ore, occurred, and the Catalan-style forge, characteristic of the Pyrenees, was abandoned in 1790.
Additionally, during the summer, sheep, cows, and horses graze on the high pasture, owned communally since the Middle Ages.
Notably, shepherds inhabit borders—small stone huts with turf roofs—during the summer, utilizing the animals’ milk to produce cheese.
Diverse Flora and Fauna
The valley’s diverse ecosystems are a testament to its ecological importance.
Diverse plant species, from alpine flowers to fir and pine forests, thrive in the valley.
Additionally, the area is home to various wildlife, including chamois, marmots, and golden eagles.
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Experience Hiking in the Valley
For adventure seekers, the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley offers a plethora of recreational opportunities.
Additionally, hiking trails wind through the valley, including sections of the GR 7 and GR 11 footpaths, providing access to its most breathtaking viewpoints and natural wonders.
Moreover, hikers find several refuges for overnight stays, some of which are staffed during the hiking season.