Saravillo Between Hiking Trails, Geology and Village History

Saravillo appeals to travelers who want to include hiking, mountain scenery and local culture in their trip plans. The GR 15 runs from the village to Refugio de Labasar and on to Ibón de Plan, also known as Basa de la Mora; the return follows the same route. Other highlights include a short out-and-back hike from Refugio de Lavasar, an audio guide route to the Labasar stone circles, local history and cheesemaking.

Hiking Trails and How to Reach Ibón de Plan

The route from Refugio de Lavasar to Basa de la Mora is an easy out-and-back hike. It covers 3.5 kilometers, takes about two hours and involves 80 meters of ascent and descent. Part of the GR 15 from Saravillo follows the same route. The time estimate applies to the hike from Refugio de Lavasar, not the entire route from Saravillo. When considering both routes, distinguish between the starting point and the stated hiking time. Conditions at this altitude can vary depending on the season; check conditions before setting out.

To drive to Ibón de Plan, a toll forest track suitable for passenger cars runs from Saravillo to the lake. Fees and access conditions may change, so check the current rules before driving. The hiking trail and the forest track offer different ways to reach Ibón from Saravillo: one on foot, the other by car.

Landscape and Geology at the Lake

Ibón de Plan lies in the Cotiella Massif and is surrounded by striking limestone cliffs. Basa de la Mora refers to the same lake; you’ll also encounter both names in descriptions of the different routes. The short hike from Refugio de Lavasar leads to Basa de la Mora, while the GR 15 leads to Ibón de Plan.

The area’s geological history is also part of its landscape: four glacier tongues once converged at Ibón de Plan. The ice in the area of the present-day lake was about 300 meters thick. The approximate thickness of the former ice and the surrounding limestone cliffs add a geological perspective to the hike.

Village History and Stone Circles

Saravillo’s compact village center preserves buildings characteristic of the Pyrenees. The Mosén Bruno Fierro Interpretation Center is also in the village and is dedicated to the priest who lived in Saravillo in the 19th century. Mosén Bruno Fierro was a well-known figure in Alto Aragón at the time; he died at Casa La Plaza in Saravillo. The village itself and the center offer two distinct ways to connect with local history: its historic buildings and the biography of a person associated with Saravillo.

Another tour starts in Saravillo: the audio guide route leads to the Labasar stone circles and can be completed by car or on foot. Its destination differs from that of the routes to Ibón de Plan, and the route also offers two ways to get around. You can plan accordingly, depending on whether you want to visit the stone circles or the lake and whether you want to take the audio guide route on foot or by car.

Cheesemaking in Saravillo

Visitors to Quesería de Saravillo can learn about the artisan cheesemaking process, observe goats in their natural surroundings and sample different cheeses. For generations, the dairy has made goat’s and cow’s milk cheeses using milk from its own herd. The cheesemaking process, animals and tastings each offer a tangible connection to the local cheese tradition: see where the milk comes from, learn how it is processed and try different varieties.

For the broader trip overview: Plan.