Picos de Europa hiking in the 3 Massifs
Join a UIMLA-certified mountain guide for a fun, thrilling and beautiful 5-day Picos de Europa hiking trip in the Cantabrian Mountains of northern Spain. Each day, head out to a different part of the 3 Massifs area, taking in stunning views and getting the chance to see the native wildlife along the way.
Group
Cantabrian Mountains
5 Days
Jul - Sep
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Enjoy the stunning scenery of Picos de Europa National Park.
- Get the chance to see some of the region's immense biodiversity.
- Take in spectacular views fo the famed central massif.
Description
Picos de Europa hiking is the best way to explore the stunning scenery and immense landscapes of northern Spain's Cantabrian Mountains!
Heading on a five day journey to explore the 3 Massifs region is among the best ways to get to know this incredible area.
Over the course of our time together, we will hike through thick and ancient forests, traverse rugged alpine terrain and visit idyllic villages along the way.
Each day, we will be sure to gain some elevation, heading to a scenic overlook to see out over the iconic Central Massif as well as catch glimpses of the surrounding scenery.
Each evening, we will return to a cozy mountain hut or comfortable hostel in a different part of this stunning region.
Among the highlights of the trip will be when we head to Fuente Dé. Passing by the stunning Vega de Liordes, we will leave the lush valleys behind for more rugged mountain scenery.
As we go on this leg of our journey, we will pass through the most biodiverse part of the park and may even get the chance to see some of the native and rare wildlife.
Climbing to the viewpoint at Majada Tobaos, which provides incredible views out over the Central Massif, will be the most scenic day of the trip and yet another highlight in an action-packed itinerary.
So what are you waiting for? Book now for this exciting and scenic 5-day Picos de Europa hiking tour to the Central Massif!
If you like the look of this trip then we think you may also enjoy our 4-day hut-to-hut trek through Picos de Europa National Park!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Lifts tickets
Price details
- Please note, that price is for standard shared accommodation in a hostel. To stay at a hotel, the price is €465. For a single room, there is a €60 supplement.
Itinerary
Day 1: Hike to Vegabaño Forest and Dobres Mountain Pass
After meeting up in Cangas de Onis, we will transfer to the trailhead in Soto de Sajambre and hike through a thick forest until we reach and climb up the Dobres Mountain Pass. After enjoying the views, we will hike back and transfer to Posada de Valdeon.
Distance: 14 km
Elevation: +600m, -600m
Day 2: Valcavao to Collado Jermoso Refuge
We will transfer to the Valcavao and hike by the Canal de Pedabejop on to the Collado Jermoso Refuge. Here, we will enjoy stunning views over the central massif.
Distance: 8 km
Elevation: +700m, -400m
Day 3: Callado Jermoso to Fuente Dé
We will retrace our steps and head back toward Vega de Liordes. From here, we will continue on to Fuente Dé, leaving the valleys for the high mountain terrain and alpine grasslands. From here, we will hike out to a different trailhead and transfer to Potes then Espinama.
Distance: 12 km
Elevation: +150m, -1150m
Day 4: Hike tyo Horcados Rojos Summit and Cabaña Veronica Hut
We will hike from a cable car station on to Horcados Rojos, which offers more stunning views of the Central Massif. From here, we will pass by the Cabaña Vernoica hut before returning to the cable car. We will transfer to Arenas de Cabrales in the evening.
Distance: 12 km
Elevation: +800m, -800m
Day 5: Monte Camba trail and Naranjo de Bulnes and Central Massif Peaks Panorama Route
Beginning from Sotres, we will hike trough forests and up to a scenic viewpoint known as the Majada Tobaos. From here, we will descend to the village of Tielve and return to the starting point of the trip.
Distance: 10 km
Elevation: +350m, -350m
Details
More info
Equipment required: Water Bottle. Take at least a 1-litre personal water bottle. Sun Hat, High Factor Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve (Factor 15 or more) Walking Boots or trekking shoes. Trekking poles (recommended). Waterproofs Breathable Down Jacket After sunset, Thick jumper/fleece jacket Shorts and long trousers. Shorts are very comfortable to walk in but also you must carry long trousers. Backpack 30-40 litres.
Meeting point
FAQs
What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?
Day 1: Vegabaño forest 14Km +900m -900m
Day 2: Valcabao – Collado Jermoso 8Km +700m -400 m
Day 3: Collado Jermoso – Fuente Dé 12Km +150m -1.150m
Day 4: Horcados Rojos, Cabaña Verónica 12Km +800m -800 m
Day 5: Monte Camba Trail 10Km +350m -350 m
What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
In order to join this tour, you need to be active and healthy, and possess a spirit of adventure:
• Exercise several times per week
• Feel comfortable hiking 7-8 miles per day in mountainous terrain carrying a 15-pound backpack
• Some prior mountain experience
How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?
There is public transport that can take you. You will find several buses from Oviedo to Cangas de Onis everyday.
How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?
We will have a picnic lunch which can be purchased in the hotel or local shops. Accommodation will be in twin/double rooms in hotels and a shared dormitory in a mountain hut.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?
All customers must have travel insurance. They must bring it along with them, and the guides will collect it at the start of the trip. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and travel cancellation expenses.
What is the best time of the year for this hike?
From July to October
Can I join a group?
Yes, you are welcome to join a group.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
In Picos de Europa, the weather is very changeable and rain is quite frequent, however, the activity will only be canceled if the weather conditions present a danger for the activity.
About the guide
Rumbo a Picos
Guide Agency
We are a small company founded in 1996, all the staff are local qualified guides doing what we love. We think, the quality of your guide is the single most important factor that creates a truly fantastic experience, so our extraordinary guides have the ability to turn a great get-away into an unforgettable, inspiring – and sometimes truly life changing – adventure.
Languages
English
Certificates
AEGM | UIMLA
What people are saying about Explore-Share
Man
Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!
Maxine
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