Astrotourism in the Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park
We often like to share with our followers some suggestions of places where we can retreat and observe the stars away from light pollution . As we well know, the light of large cities is an inconvenience for sky lovers and there is nothing better than getting away from light pollution to see objects in the sky that are difficult to observe from urban centers. This time we are going to talk to you about astrotourism in the Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.
Location of the Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park
The region is an area that brings together various municipalities in Catalonia, Spain, it has an area of 1,448.5 km2 in total, it is a protected area and its main attraction is to enjoy nature, observe wildlife, waterfalls, rivers, mountains and astronomical observation .
The most popular destinations where you can find accommodation without problems are the towns of Esterri d´ Àneu, Alt Àneu, Espot, La Guigueta d´Àneu, La Torre de Capedella, La Vall de Boí, Naut Aran, Sort, Taüll, Vielha e Mijaran and Vilaller.
The Aigüestortes National Park and Estany de Sant Maurici are considered a Starlight Destination. A Starlight Destination is a certification granted by the Starlight Foundation, an entity dedicated to the protection of the night sky and the promotion of astronomical tourism. This certification recognizes places that have exceptional conditions for observing stars and other celestial phenomena due to low light pollution. Starlight Destinations are characterized by offering a quality night sky that allows you to enjoy contemplation of the stars and nature in a protected environment.
The car is the easiest means of transport to get to the area, once there if you want to go up to the lake region you cannot do it with your car, you must park it and follow a route on foot of approximately 2 minutes, it is not It is recommended to do it with children, however, there is a transport/taxis service that can take you to the top without problems.
To enjoy the stars you do not need to go into the lake area, you can look for a viewpoint that is easily accessible with your vehicle or follow our instructions below the recommended location.
Astronomical viewpoints
Sant Quirc de Durro Hermitage
According to user ratings on Google and studies carried out by the Starlight Foundation, it is one of the best viewpoints in the area. If you go up there you will not be alone and you will surely share your hobby with other enthusiasts.
Sant Quirc viewpoint. On the right the hermitage of Sant Quirc , on the left a star map and an arrow that indicates the location of the polar star, very useful for beginners of astronomical observation. Credit: Image from Google Maps, made by Marc Moncunill Rovira.
With an exceptional panoramic view, it allows us to see practically all the towns that extend from the entrance in Cóll or Saraís to the Cavallers reservoir.
It is very easy to get to, since the area where the hermitage is located has a parking area and can be reached from the town of Durro, going up the Camino de Durro to Sant Quirc.
Viewpoints in Taüll
As we have explained before, the area that enjoys the Starlight seal is very diverse, you can find other viewpoints in its different towns and areas, you have to look for the most convenient one and the one that can best be combined with the day's activities. Mainly if you travel with children.
In the town of Taüll , one of the most charming in the region, you will have some very popular and easy-to-access viewpoints, these are:
- Santeta Viewpoint
It is easily accessible from the town of Taüll, a 10-minute walk is enough.
- Cuirilles Viewpoint
Also about 10 minutes walk from the town, it is easy to get to, but keep in mind that it is at night. Bring appropriate equipment, which we will recommend below.
In the area there is a rural Hotel, attention this is not advertising we just want the experience to be as comfortable as possible for you. From El Hotel de Taüll you can walk to the two viewpoints and contemplate the town and its surroundings as if it were a postcard.
Recommendations for spending a night under the stars
The first thing we recommend is that you visit the place during the day, so you can get an idea. Bring your binoculars or spyglass to observe nature and a camera or cell phone to take amazing photos.
Check the weather forecast, it matters a lot in astronomical observation. Remember to check the weather forecast to make sure that the sky is clear, that humidity levels are low and that it is not too windy. There are some applications that help you, such as the Good To Stargaze App .
The third thing is to prepare the appropriate equipment, we are not just talking about the observation equipment, but what you will use for your comfort and thus enjoy more. Prepare warm clothes, even in summer, the nights can be cold. Wear warm, comfortable clothing. Bringing a reclining chair or a blanket to lie on the floor can make the experience more comfortable. Use a flashlight with red light so as not to affect your night vision. Red light better preserves your eyes' adaptation to darkness. Have a star map nearby or an astronomy app on your phone can help you identify constellations and planets, we recommend Stellarium.
Very important, decide the time you will go out to observe, you can go during dusk, remember that the best time is during midnight and the early hours of the morning. It is also important to note that if you like to observe nebulae and galaxies, choose a new moon night.
Last but not least, it is recommended that you go accompanied for a better experience and greater security.
Equipment for observing nature and the sky
For the daytime experience, the use of binoculars or spotting scopes is recommended. These may not be as efficient at night, but if you only have them, they are a very light and comfortable option to transport.
Smaller and ground-based telescopes are also good options for combining day and night. A location away from light pollution is beneficial to get the most out of these small optical instruments.
Remember that for deep sky you should use eyepieces with lower magnifications, that is, those with a focal length of 20, 25 or less millimeters. For planetary and Moon observation we recommend eyepieces with higher magnifications, between 6 and 12 millimeters in focal length. If you have any questions, contact us .
If your goal is only to observe the stars, we recommend a telescope with at least 130 mm aperture and 650 mm focal length or 1000 mm depending on the objects in the sky you would like to see. If you can or have the space to take a larger telescope, the better. For this type of excursions, catadioptric telescopes are often used; they use a system of lenses and mirrors that makes them more compact and transportable. Some of them are automatic and are more convenient for those who do not have much time.
If you still don't have a telescope and don't know where to start, contact us for free advice, our team is waiting for you. The place where you buy is very important, try to purchase your astronomy products in a specialized store like ours.