Ascent to Paco's Spring, Trail Route through Villanúa (Huesca)

I present to you the 2nd part of the trail route through Villanúa (Huesca), which is the climb to the fuente de paco. A very comfortable and pleasant route to do with family and at any time of the year.
We start from the güixas interpretation center and go up towards the road that leads to the hostel. We continue to the end of the road and before crossing the bridge that leads to the forest track going up to the trapa shelter, we take a well-marked and signposted path to the right.

The climb to the fuente de Paco is one of the best-known Trail routes in Villanúa

The first part has quite a steep slope and a rocky terrain but not very difficult, so it will be suitable for all audiences. Although it will cost you a little. ;P
Throughout the route, you walk through a beautiful environment, surrounded by very lush pines. It’s a quiet area where the walk is very pleasant and where we will begin to enjoy the mountain landscape.

The Fuente de Paco area is a mandatory stop on our trail route

In about 3 kilometers you reach the La Fuente de Paco recreational area. There is a picnic area where hikers usually rest from the journey. Here we find the already mentioned fuente del Paco (1,250 m). The name ‘del Paco’ comes from its location since “el Paco” is how the shady slopes where the sun barely reaches are called. Did many of you not know this fact?

I love drinking from this fountain, I always stop there and refill my flasks ;p
In summer it’s very pleasant because of the mountain flavor it has and a freshness like no other. Remember the importance of hydration at all times. It’s my lifeline on this trail route through Villanúa. The “famous” fuente de Paco.

Especially in summer, it is a place where it stays very cool and you want to stay to rest and listen carefully to the sounds of one animal or another (Don’t worry… none are dangerous) and relax with the sound of the wind and its swaying leaves… like a movie!

Always check the weather forecast

There is also a shelter here that can be a good place to stop if a storm hits. I remind you that in the mountains, the weather can change often. I advise you to check the weather forecast before leaving home.

From here, you could return the same way you came up. It's an easy and enjoyable walk hehe
Or if we want, we can continue along the trail that climbs up to the bridge crossing the Bozuelo ravine. From this bridge, a trail goes up to the Espata refuge via a fairly steep and playful path.
We can cross the bridge and descend along the forest trail to Villanúa. On this descent, the path opens up more and you can enjoy more landscapes like the Bacunes, Collarada… Simply a WOWWWWWW!

It’s a very wide and easy trail. Along it, we will find the Letranz dolmen (1150m). It is well signposted and can be easily seen. Don’t forget to bring your phones fully charged. Both for safety and to be able to take photos of everything around you.

A must-stop at the Mirador de la Espeñetas

We keep descending along the trail and will see the village getting closer. We will also pass by the Mirador de las Espeñetas (1065m), from where you can enjoy great views of the Lecherines and the Blancas to our right. It’s a landscape that I am in love with.

We continue along the trail and reach the bridge where we started, where we find another picnic area to rest from this trail route through Villanúa, and from which we are already descending from Paco’s spring.

This route is a very pleasant and calm walk that can be done either running or walking with family in a relaxed mode. The area is nice, it doesn’t go up to high peaks, and it can be done both in winter and summer.

It’s about 9km with 350m of positive elevation gain, so we can bring our children and our parents and simply enjoy this mountain area of Huesca and this climb to Paco’s spring.

And as always, it is advisable to inform someone about the route we will follow, carry enough water and food for the entire journey, check the weather forecast, and go prepared and well equipped. I know, it’s a bit repetitive, but safety is paramount when we are in the mountains.

Virgina Pérez Mesonero is the 2019 Trail RFEA race champion and ambassador of sports pressotherapy Sizen