The best MTB routes in the Aragonese Pyrenees with Edu Moreno

If you want to enjoy pedaling hundreds of kilometers of spectacular trails with your mountain bike, the Aragonese Pyrenees is what you're looking for. An authentic territory in the heart of the Puro Pirineo BTT center, which has become a national benchmark.

Today we invite you to continue learning a little more about this magical environment and the best routes that the Pyrenees offer us. That's why we have Edu Moreno, who has spent his whole life on the bike competing in practically all cycling modalities and who is also the manager of Puro Pirineo, as well as the organizer of events such as the Puro Pirineu Enduro Race or the Puro Pirineu CX festival.

Edu, tell us what aspects you highlight about the Aragonese Pyrenees as a tourist destination for bike lovers?

The Aragonese Pyrenees is one of the best national destinations for practicing any type of cycling. Without a doubt, the scenic beauty and the great differences in altitude are the common attraction of all disciplines. If we think about mountain biking, the differentiating element with other international mountain biking destinations is the large network of traditional paths that have been recovered in the last decade by the different mountain biking centers of the Aragonese Pyrenees. We could spend months traveling through them and we would not finish them. Currently we have thousands of kilometers of traditional paths recovered and maintained to delight lovers of two wheels.

And what are the characteristics of the mountain bike routes in the Aragonese Pyrenees that make them special?

If the Pyrenees are distinguished by their differences in altitude, Puro Pirineo, located in the Benasque Valley, is the ultimate expression of this. We are surrounded by mountains of more than 3000m. Our privileged environment allows us to make road and Gravel routes linking beautiful ports and with mountain bikes we can make some of the highest quality and longest descents in the country.

Speaking of routes, what are the 3 essential mountain bike routes that the Benasque Valley offers you?

It's hard to stick with three routes, we have a very extensive network of paths and you would always miss out on a 5-star route. But, if we had to choose, for me route number one is Racó del Cel by Aramon Cerler, it is a spectacular route both in terms of scenery and the path itself. We will travel through the Benasque valley along a ridge that will allow us to see both sides of the valley from a unique aerial perspective. Secondly, I suggest Rabaltueras, a route that runs along the slopes of the Sierra de Chía. Its first part runs through meadows and presents us with a spectacular landscape before we go further down into endless tunnels of boxwood and moss that will seem like something out of a fairy tale. My last recommendation, for those who don't have vertigo, is the Mina route. From the Ardonés cabin we will begin a long diagonal walk along an old, very aerial ditch with privileged views of the Cerler, Cibollés and Gallinero peaks to end up going down an old path that goes down to the Cerler mine.

And the most challenging route for the most experienced?

Integral de Galliner, is the best known route of Puro Pirineo. It has been listed as one of the 10 best trails in the world by several of the most prestigious magazines in the world. It is not a route for everyone, its level of difficulty is very high, especially at the top where we will find the famous red stone steps. But it is a route that all MTB lovers should do at least once in their lives.

What aspects would you recommend as the most important for selecting the best routes?

The most important aspects for me when cataloging the quality of a route are, firstly, the quality of the trails, secondly, the environment, the landscape that surrounds us, and finally the elevation gain and distance.

3 tips for planning our next route

• 1. Choose the route based on your physical and technical level.
• 2. Plan the route. Study the route, almost all routes are signposted, but we must not forget that we are in a mountain environment and it is never a bad idea to bring a map or GPS.
• 3. Always tell someone you trust where you are going.

In addition to being able to enjoy the valley with our bike, what other active tourism activities do they offer us?

The Benasque Valley offers a lot of active tourism activities. We can find activities in all seasons and for all audiences. From alpine, cross-country and mountain skiing to snowshoeing and dog sledding in winter. The rest of the year we can enjoy hiking, climbing peaks over 3000m, canyoning, rafting, climbing and via ferratas, paragliding...

Finally, what would you highlight about SOMMOS Hoteles for those looking to enjoy all the advantages of active mountain tourism in Benasque?

SOMMOS Hoteles are an excellent place for all those cyclists or athletes who want the best service adapted to the special needs they may have in the Benasque Valley. Their facilities have bike racks with tools, a pressure washer and everything a cyclist could need. To relax your muscles after an intense day of activity, you can enjoy the pool or spa and a massage that will leave you feeling like new for a new day in paradise. Designed for both leisure and business, SOMMOS Hoteles is ideally located in Benasque.