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Hiking in Picos de Europa
Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: ZMXU
Overview
Destination:
Spain,
Duration:7 days
Type:Group tour (max 15)
Travel Period
May 2027 - October 2028
Walk this way, right to northern Spain’s Picos de Europa – a spot just under the radar enough to be peaceful, but still convenient to access. From your base at a family-run hotel in a mountain village in northern Spain, you’ll spend a week walking the region’s best routes. Your trip leader can adapt daily plans to suit the weather and make the most of this unspoiled environment. Follow farm tracks through the Cabrales Valley, look for griffon vultures near Collado de los Buitres and walk the Cares Gorge to Cain. Climb to Pena Main, Cabeza La Mesa and Pico Macondiu for big views across the central and eastern massifs and unspoiled Asturian landscapes beyond. Come see where your legs can carry you!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1. FIRST DAY: Your adventure begins with a group transfer from Bilbao airport. The transfer must be pre-booked, please speak to your travel agent. Please see Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.
2. This trip ends on Day 7 after breakfast. Group departure transfer to Bilbao airport will be provided.
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip ends on Day 7 after breakfast. Group departure transfer to Bilbao airport will be provided.
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Highlights:
- 1. FIRST DAY: Your adventure begins with a group transfer from Bilbao airport. The transfer must be pre-booked, please speak to your travel agent. Please see Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary. 2. This trip ends on Day 7 after breakfast. Group departure transfer to Bilbao airport will be provided. 3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Standard inclusions
- Meals: Meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner.
- Transport: On foot, Private vehicle.
- Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights).
- Arenas de Cabrales - Welcome meeting.
- Arenas de Cabrales Valley guided hike.
- Picos de Europa - Pandescura peak guided hike.
- Picos de Europa - Cares Gorge guided hike.
- Picos de Europa - Peña Main and Cabeza La Mesa guided hike.
- Picos de Europa - Pico Macondíu guided hike.
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 1: Arenas de Cabrales
Hola! Welcome to Spain. When you arrive at Bilbao airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred with the rest of your group to the hotel. Enjoy the scenic ride to Arenas de Cabrales – a charming mountain village in northern Spain and your home base for the next week of walking and trekking in the dramatic Picos de Europa. Settle into your small, family-run hotel known for its warm welcome and exceptional location, then connect with your group for a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight.
Day 2: Arenas de Cabrales
Get your fill at breakfast before setting off on your first hike, straight from the hotel. Follow a peaceful path that leads to the meadows of Vanu. On clear days, this route rewards you with sweeping views of the striking peaks of the Picos de Europa. As you walk, the landscape gradually opens to vistas across the wide Cabrales Valley, where spring brings an abundance of wildflowers. With a bit of luck, you may even spot vultures gliding high overhead. After a well-deserved lunch break in the village of Inguanzo, continue through gently rolling hills along wide, easy‑to‑navigate trails, with just a few short, steep sections. By late afternoon, you’ll make your way back to Arenas de Cabrales.
Day 3: Arenas de Cabrales
After breakfast today, take a short drive to the village of Cabrales. From here, you’ll set off along traditional farm tracks toward the Collado de los Buitres. This area offers excellent opportunities to spot griffon vultures gracefully circling overhead, so keep your eyes peeled. The route continues through open terrain as you gradually climb toward the summit of the Pandescura – an ideal spot to pause for lunch while taking in panoramic views of the western Picos de Europa massif.
Day 4: Arenas de Cabrales
Begin the day with a short drive to the starting point of one of Spain’s most famous hiking routes – the Cares Gorge. Originally constructed in the 1940s to service a hydroelectric project, this dramatic gorge has since become an iconic trail in the Picos de Europa. The narrow 12 km (7.5 mi) path, carved directly into the rock walls, leads through deep chasms, tunnels and bridges. Soaring peaks – some rising over 2000 m (6561 ft) – surround you on all sides. At the end of the gorge, you’ll arrive in the mountain village of Cain and enjoy a well‑earned lunch break. After, follow the same route back toward Puente Poncebos, where you’ll get a ride back to the hotel.
Day 5: Arenas de Cabrales
After a short drive this morning, reach the mountain village of Tielve – the starting point of today’s challenging hike. From here, begin a steady ascent toward Pena Main, one of the classic viewpoints of the Picos de Europa. At the summit, you’re rewarded with a panorama of sweeping views of the range’s highest peaks. Continue toward the Pandebano Pass, following scenic mountain paths on the way to the day’s main objective – Cabeza La Mesa, rising to 1612 m (5288 ft). After taking ample time to catch your breath and take photos of the outstanding vista, you’ll begin your descent into the valley.
Day 6: Arenas de Cabrales
Today you’ll tackle the highest point of the week: the twin summits of Pico Macondiu, reaching an impressive altitude of 2000 m (6561 ft). Much of the ascent follows old mining tracks, making the route technically straightforward. However, the final stretch – around 656 m (2152 ft) – requires a bit more effort as the terrain steepens. Once you reach the summit, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking panorama spanning both the central and eastern massifs of the Picos de Europa. It’s a spectacular viewpoint and the perfect finale to a varied and unforgettable week of hiking.
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast and a final look at the mountains, drive to Bilbao Airport with your group. Your trip comes to an end here. If you would like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Dates
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Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid is a small group tour travel company with humble beginnings that now sends over 100,000 travellers a year on grassroots and responsible travel tours.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
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