Spend 8 unforgettable days trekking in Spain’s Picos de Europa National Park
The Picos de Europa Mountain Trek is an 8-day trekking adventure in northern Spain’s Picos de Europa National Park. This condensed version of the 12-day Picos de Europa mountain trek is the perfect adventure for those looking to explore the highlights of the mountain range at their own pace over the course of a week.
The Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe), without a doubt, earn the title of Spain’s most impressive mountains. Three sensational peaks rise from the unspoiled landscapes of the Picos de Europa National Park, providing breathtaking vistas for the adventurous trekkers conquering its peaks.
Setting out from Arenas, you’ll traverse idyllic landscapes, trekking rolling pastures, sprawling glacier valleys, rushing rivers, and spectacular limestone mountains in the national park. Scenic day walks are interspersed with challenging climbs, taking you to exhilarating altitudes that afford unparalleled views.
The Picos de Europa Mountain Trek will immerse you in the stark beauty of the natural landscape of this region and pave the way for authentic local experiences in small mountain villages in the provinces of Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile and León. Discover traditional mountain culture and enjoy regional gastronomic specialties as you stay at comfortable hotels, hostels, and mountain huts.
The Picos de Europa Mountain Trek is the hiking adventure of a lifetime. The three peaks await!
Highlights of the 8-day Picos de Europa Mountain Trek
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Picos de Europa Mountain Trek
Day 1 Arrive and Unwind
The start point of your epic mountain trek in Picos de Europa begins today in Arenas de Cabrales, located in Asturias, a province of northern Spain.
After settling into your accommodations, set out on an optional walk where you’ll have the chance to visit an ancient Roman church and also peruse the local shops for any last-minute items you may need for your trek.
This evening, unwind on a cozy terrace within the town while sipping on a traditional local cider.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Arenas
Distance: Flexible
Meals: None
Day 2 Trek from Poncebos to Posada de Valdeón via the Cares Gorge
Today’s route begins with a short private transfer that will take you to the trailhead.
Setting out on a scenic footpath, you’ll tackle a steep ascent on a zig-zagging trail that eventually levels out. The scenery on this portion of the trail is breathtaking as you make your way along the River Cares, which has sculpted the spectacular Cares Gorge that cuts masterfully through the heart of the Picos.
Surrounded by jagged peaks, you’ll continue to trek through the mountains as you make your way to the remote village of Cain.
Trekkers will then have the option to continue 8km up the valley or to take a taxi to the hotel in Posada de Valdeón.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Posada de Valdeón
Distance: Regular route: 5 hours, 14 km, 650m of ascent, 650m of descent
Extended route: 6.5 hours, 18 km, 850m of ascent, 850m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Trek the Ancient Trader’s Path of el Camín del Mercadillo
Begin your day with a well-paced walk on the el Camín del Mercadillo, an ancient trader’s path that will take you from the Posada de Valdeón to Liébana.
The next stretch involves an exhilarating ascent of 800m, leading you to the meadowlands at Caben Remoña. The meadow unfolds between León and Cantabria, marking the border between the two provinces.
Once you’ve reached the meadowlands, there are two hiking options from here.
Option 1: Espinama
9 km walk and 900m of descent to the hostel in Espinama.
Option 2: Fuente Dé
Take a high route via Vega de Liordes down to Fuente Dé, and a bus or taxi 3.5km to your hostel in Espinama.
Overnight Location: Hostel in Espinama
Distance: Option 1: 6.5 hours, 16 km, 850m of ascent, 900m of descent
Option 2: 8.5 hours, 17 km, 1270 m of ascent, 1120m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4 Trek the Áliva Pass to Sotres
Trekkers have the option of beginning today’s trek with a walk to Fuente Dé, catching the cable car high into the central massif. Alternatively, trekkers can climb directly from Espinama this morning along the Áliva Pass before following a glacier moraine down the Duje River Valley that leads to Sotres.
Sotres (1050m, 3444 ft) is the highest village in the Picos, surrounded by fantastic trekking routes and short walks.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sotres
Distance: 6.5-7 hours, 17 km, 925m of ascent, 750m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5 Walk the Ándara Circuit
Today you’ll be introduced to the stunning eastern massif of the range, known as Andara.
A short transfer will take you to the trailhead, where you’ll follow a route along a historic mining track, taking you into the heart of the massif.
Ascending to a soaring height of 2215m (7267 ft), you’ll experience unfathomable views of the mountains and surrounding scenery, conquering Andara as you trek her majestic slopes.
Finally, following cattle tracks, you’ll descend Andara, returning to your accommodations.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sotres
Distance: 4-4.5 hours, 8 km, 100m of ascent, 520m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 6 Explore Vega de Urriellu
Today’s trek is brimming with highlights as you conquer the Picu Urriellu (2519m, 8264 ft). The impressive peak is known worldwide for its impeccable rock climbing, and today you'll conquer it on foot!
Following farmer's tracks from Sotres to Pandébano Col, you'll trek a footpath up into the heart of the central massif.
Fully immerse yourself in the mountain landscapes in a unique stay at a remote mountain hut tucked away in the core of the Picos de Europe National Park tonight.
Overnight Location: Hut at Picu Urriellu
Distance: 5.5 hours, 12 km, 1085m of ascent, 180m of decent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 7 Trek to Bulnes via the Camburero Gorge
Today you’ll be introduced to yet another fascinating aspect of the Picos, setting out on a footpath through the Camburero Gorge, which will lead you to the remote villages of Bulnes (not accessible by road).
Traversing the plunging Teju Gorge, you’ll then descend to reach Poncebos, taking you back to the place where your epic journey began just a week ago!
A short transfer will then take you to your hotel in Arenas.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Arenas
Distance: 5-6 hours, 9.5 km, 50m of ascent, 1900m of decent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Depart Arenas
The time has come to depart Arenas as your mountain trek in the Picos de Europa comes to an end. Enjoy one final breakfast before making your way to the airport to depart!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Picos de Europa Mountain Trek Price and Dates
This self-guided hiking tour of Picos de Europa is run as a custom tour for your group and the price per person depends on the number of people staying in one room, as well as the season.
The best time to travel to Spain for this tour is June-September when the weather is warmest and driest.
Private Self-Guided Picos de Europa Mountain Trek
Have your own private tour with just your group! Prices below are per person:
Departures on May 25th - June 30th:
- Price per person staying in single room (min 1 traveler): $775 USD
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $725 USD
- Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $550 USD
- Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $525 USD
Departures on July 1st - July 25th:
- Price per person staying in single room (min 1 traveler): $825 USD
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $775 USD
- Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $550 USD
- Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $550 USD
Departures on July 26th - August 31st:
- Price per person staying in single room (min 1 traveler): $875 USD
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $825 USD
- Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $575 USD
- Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $550 USD
Departures on September 1st - September 12st:
- Price per person staying in single room (min 1 traveler): $825 USD
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $775 USD
- Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $550 USD
- Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $550 USD
Departures on September 13th - October 15th:
- Price per person staying in single room (min 1 traveler): $775 USD
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $725 USD
- Price per person staying in double room (min 2 travelers): $550 USD
- Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $525 USD
Accommodation on the Picos de Europa Mountain Trek
This tour is based in 2-star hotels and hostels and a mountain hut. The hotels and hostels offer private rooms and basic amenities. The mountain lodge offers shared dorms in a spectacularly unique and remote setting.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
See pricing details for pricing if you are a solo traveller or require single rooms in your group.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel La Rivera in Arenas de Cabrales ★★
Enjoy this stay on the edge of Picos de Europa National Park in a scenic, remote setting. A warm atmosphere welcomes guests to this pleasant property that boasts lovely views of the surrounding landscapes.
Hotel Cumbres de Valdeón in Posada de Valdeón ★★★
This comfortable hotel surrounds guests with the impressive summits of the Picos de Europa and beautiful views of the River Cares.
Hostal Nevandi in Espinama ★★
This charming hostel is located in the picturesque town of Espinama, which is one of the main access points to the central massif of Picos de Europa.
Hotel Sotres in Sotres ★★
Enjoy a cozy stay at this family-run hotel that offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy traditional specialties at the hotel’s authentic restaurant and take advantage of the amenities offered here.
Refugio Veg Uriellu in Arenas de Cabrales ★★
This unique stay at this rustic mountain refuge will charm you with its authenticity and proximity to the natural landscapes. Guests will enjoy a comfortable stay in a dormitory with shared washrooms.
Hotel La Rivera in Arenas de Cabrales ★★
Enjoy this stay on the edge of Picos de Europa National Park in a scenic, remote setting. A warm atmosphere welcomes guests to this pleasant property that boasts lovely views of the surrounding landscapes.
What’s Included in the Picos de Europa Mountain Trek?
Meals
7 breakfasts and 4 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights is included.
Transportation during the Tour
Private transfers on Day 2 are included. On this day, the transfer will take you to Poncebos and your luggage will continue on to Sotres where it will be kept until Day 4.
Private transfers on Days 5 and 7 are also included. Luggage transfers on Day 2 (Arenas to Sotres) and Day 7 (Sotres to Arenas) are included. Luggage transfers on Days 3 and 4 can be booked in advance as a supplement (please see ‘Optional Extras’).
Also Included
- Detailed route maps and notes
- 24-hour telephone assistance
Not included
- Flights to and from Spain
- Cable car ticket on Day 4
- Bus ticket on Day 4
- Optional taxi transfers
- Visas if required
- Travel insurance
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Fees not mentioned as 'included'
- Guide services
Optional Extras
- Activities and excursions unless otherwise mentioned as included
- Luggage transfers not already included: $525 USD per person
- Airport transfers
- Any additional nights before or after the tour
Frequently Asked Questions about 8-day Picos de Europa Mountain Trek
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