Top 20 Lakes around San Juan De Plan

The Aragonese Pyrenees near San Juan de Plan are home to stunning glacial lakes, known as "ibones." Among the most beautiful are Ibón of Plan (Basa de la Mora), renowned for its serene waters and local legend, and Ibón del Sen, located at 2,360 meters with magnificent clear turquoise-blue waters in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park.

Yes, Ibón of Plan (Basa de la Mora) is famously known for a local legend. It's said that a Moorish princess, fleeing Christian troops, drowned in its waters. Tradition holds that on Midsummer's Eve (San Juan), those with a pure heart who wash their faces with the lake water can see her dancing on the surface.

The region offers a variety of hiking trails to its lakes. For instance, the hike to Ibón del Sen often starts from Puen Pecadó near San Juan de Plan, following the PR-HU 115 trail. Access to Ibón of Plan (Basa de la Mora) is possible via trails like the PR-HU 87 and GR 15 from Plan, or a track from Saravillo. Many trails, like those to Ibones de Barbarisa, offer spectacular high-mountain Pyrenean scenery.

While many trails in the high mountains can be challenging, some sections of the routes to the Ibones de Barbarisa are considered suitable for families, offering a good option for visiting high-mountain ibones without excessive difficulty. Always check specific trail details for suitability.

All Aragonese lakes, including those near San Juan de Plan, are protected as Singular Wetlands. To preserve their pristine condition, activities that could alter the quality of their waters, such as bathing with chemical products like sunscreen, deodorants, or perfumes, are prohibited.

The best time to visit the high-mountain lakes for hiking is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (June to September), when trails are generally free of snow and weather conditions are more stable. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Ibón del Sen, despite its relatively easy access, is often less frequented than some other Pyrenean lakes, offering a sense of solitude and pristine nature. Its clear glacial cirque and deep turquoise-blue waters provide a tranquil setting.

Beyond the immediate vicinity, you can also explore Lac d'Oô, known for its impressive 275-meter waterfall, and Lake Espingo, which offers a superb setting and is a popular stopover for hikers.

Yes, some lakes have nearby shelters. For example, near Ibonet de Batisielles, you'll find the Batisielles cabin, which can serve as a shelter. Lake Espingo also has the Espingo Refuge, offering beds in high season and non-custodial beds in winter.

The area around San Juan de Plan offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including challenging routes like the "Ibon de Plan (Basa de la Mora) from San Juan de Plan" or the "Puen Pecadó - Ibón del Sen Trail." For running enthusiasts, there are trails such as the "Ibón de Plan Trail via GR 15." Cycling routes, like "Valle de Benasque — riding around the Sierra de Portiello," are also available. You can explore more options in the hiking, running, and cycling guides for the region.

Experienced hikers looking for a challenge might consider routes leading to higher altitude lakes such as Ibón del Sen, located at 2,360 meters, or the Ibones de Barbarisa at 2,315 meters. These trails often involve significant elevation gain and offer rewarding high-mountain Pyrenean scenery.

The lakes in this region are primarily glacial lakes, or "ibones," formed during the Quaternary period. They are characterized by their location in deep valleys or cirques, which are amphitheater-like valleys carved by glacial ice. This geological history contributes to their stunning beauty and unique formations.