El Cor, the characteristic heart-shaped hole in the rock, is located along the ridge overlooking the San Lucano Valley. The spectacular views of the Pale di San Martino, the Valle di San Lucano and the imposing Pale, the Agner Group, the Val Garés and, in the distance, the Marmolada and the Civetta, are simply stunning.

The circular route is an adventure reserved for experienced trekkers, as it requires grade I and II rock climbing skills, both uphill and downhill. The path, which is not well signposted and has exposed sections, crosses some of the most evocative landscapes of the Dolomites, passing from the majestic Pale dei Balconi to the lunar dolines of the Altipiano delle Pale.

Given the fragility of the structure of El Cor, it is important to preserve the place as unspoilt as possible and to ensure its long-term preservation. This is one of the reasons why the paths leading here are not clearly signposted. However, there are still opportunities to reach and visit El Cor even for those who are not familiar with the route: several local mountain guides offer a dedicated escort service.

Photo © Riccardo Bernardi