Ordesa

Ordesa is a valley in the Pyrenees of Aragon, Spain, and the namesake of the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. The park lies in the province of Huesca, near the town of Torla-Ordesa, and encompasses the Ordesa Valley and surrounding peaks, including Monte Perdido, one of the highest summits in the range. The landscape is characterized by deep limestone canyons, sheer cliffs, and a network of waterfalls, among which the Cola de Caballo is particularly noted.

Geologically, the area features limestone karst and glacially carved valleys; ecologically, it contains beech forests at mid elevations, pine and fir in higher zones, and alpine meadows. The park supports a variety of Pyrenean flora and fauna, including chamois, marmots, and several raptor species.

History and protection: Ordesa was established as a national park in 1918, making it one of Spain's earliest protected areas. It is administered jointly with the surrounding Monte Perdido massif and is a key site for conservation and scientific research.

Access and tourism: The main access point is the village of Torla-Ordesa, with a network of marked trails into the valley. Visitors engage in hiking, canyoning, and climbing, and the area is subject to seasonal restrictions to protect habitats.