Mountain refuge Cabaña Cotatuero

Cotatuero cabin it is mainly a midway stop on mountain land within the Torla-Ordesa at 1,724 meters, at a point where the environment already changes clearly from the bottom of the valley. Its position places it in a useful transition strip to share effort before entering higher and open areas of the massif, especially towards the environment of Marboré and the routes that connect with the French side. From here the relief passes from the most protected sections to a more exposed terrain, with a greater presence of slopes, pedrera and steps where the orientation and meteorology weigh most in the day. This link function is also understood by its proximity to routes of journey such as the HRP and for its relationship with the routes that seek the Rolando Brecha or the area of Gavarnie Circus without the need for the shelter to be the main destination.

The immediate environment has a marked alpine character. On a relatively close radio there are summits like Le Casque du Marboré , White Pico , Ponda dero Espaldador or Susana Mondarruego , which gives a good idea of the type of mountain that dominates the area: calcareous walls, serious levels and rapid exposure changes as you gain height. For those who use the cabin as support, it is appropriate to raise the day with margin, because the altitude and the terrain can greatly harden the progression even if the map suggests contained distances. As for water, there are sources registered from about 1.8 km, so it is not prudent to have immediate supply next to the cabin and it is more sensible to leave with sufficient autonomy. It is also interesting to anticipate sudden changes in time, something common in this sector between the Ordesa Valley and the border line, where fog, wind or storm can complicate both the continuity of the itinerary and the return.