Tamarros de Andorra

The Tamarros are beings from Andorran folklore: mischievous, elusive, and guardians of nature in each parish. They don't let themselves be seen easily, but they do leave traces. In each parish of Andorra there is a magical portal with the figure of its tamarro, hidden in a mountain corner or forest that's worth finding for its own sake.

But the tamarros don't rest just for the sake of it: they have an enemy. Her name is Brutícia, an evil troll who attacks forests and nature with garbage — cans, plastics, waste. The tamarros constantly fight against her and need help. That's why at each portal you must leave a round stone: it's the ammunition you give them to keep defending their parish.

The mechanics are simple and that's part of its charm: you go to a tourism office in Andorra, pick up the Tamarros notebook and set out to find them. When you complete all seven, you return to the office and they give you a prize. No app, no screen, no more clues than necessary — that's how it works.

There are seven tamarros, one per parish:

Nilo looks after Canillo, Enko after Encamp, Caldes after Escaldes-Engordany, Andy after Andorra la Vella, Massa after La Massana, Lau after Sant Julià de Lòria and Dino after Ordino.

Each one is in a different setting: riverside forest, alpine meadow, viewpoint overlooking the capital, trail next to waterfalls... None is like the last and you can bring your dog to all of them. Some are found five minutes from the parking lot, others require a longer hike that's already worth the effort for the scenery.

The activity is available year-round, though in winter some access points may require snowshoes. In summer it's perfect as is.