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Tour Overview

Explore a mountainous landscape ruled by golden eagles and griffon vultures on a walking adventure through the Picos de Europa in northern Spain. Guided by an expert tour leader, we trek through limestone peaks and lush valleys, summiting mountains to gaze over the oldest national park in the country. In the evenings, we return to our welcoming base: the family-run Hotel Torrecerredo, where we can marvel at the highest peaks from the bar and restaurant.  



If you want to test yourself, join one of our Activity Level 5 (Challenging) departures. See the Itinerary and Dates & Prices tab for more details. 
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Highlights

  • Diverse walks in and around the oldest national park in Spain

  • Incredible wildlife including chamois, golden eagles and griffon vultures

  • Traditional mountain villages in the valleys of Green Spain

  • Family-run hotel with stunning panoramic views

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Start Arenas De Cabrales

Location: Arenas de Cabrales

Meals Included: Dinner

The small but endearing town of Arenas de Cabrales acts as a major gateway to the Picos de Europa. It’s here we gather at the hotel. When everyone’s arrived, we’ll have a welcome briefing – an excellent chance to meet the group and leader.



Alternatively, if you'd like a little time to settle into the adventure, speak to us about booking hotel nights before the trip begins ...more ...less

Day 2 : Visit The Arenas De Cabrales Valley; Pastures Of Vanu And Spectacular Views – Level 3 (Moderate) Departure

Location: Arenas de Cabrales

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The walk begins directly from our hotel. After leaving the village, a path leads us up to the pastures of Vanu with the most famous peaks of Picos de Europa visible on sunny days.



We continue onwards where the scenery changes and we can view across the main valley of Cabrales. In spring, it’s possible to see a large variety of flowers. Looking skywards it is also possible to spot some vultures soaring above.



For lunch, we will approach the village of Inguanzo before completing the final part of the walk. This section is more undulating and provides us with fresh views; a comfortable last mile takes us back to Arenas de Cabrales.



Most of this first day’s walk follows wide easy tracks for warming up with some steep ascents. There is only a short section of downhill walking.



Distance: 10mi (16km); ascent: 2,395ft (730m); descent: 2,395ft (730m); duration: seven hours; highest point: Los Fresnos col at 2,362ft (720m) above sea level

Day 3 : Ascent To Pandescura Peak With Superb Views Of The Western Massif – Level 3 (Moderate) Departure

Location: Pandescura Peak

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A short transfer takes us to the village of Canales. The first part of the day follows farm tracks before a short climb up to the Collado de los Buitres. If you are lucky, you may see griffon vultures soaring above. We then follow open terrain, slowly ascending to the base of the Pandescura peak. A simple ascent to the top will lead us to an ideal lunch spot with superb views of the western massif peaks. We then descend through green hills to the village of Demues.



Distance: 9mi (14km); ascent: 1,804ft (550m); descent: 1,903ft (580m); duration: six hours; highest point: Pandescura peak at 3,281ft (1,000m) above sea level

Day 4 : Classic Cares Gorge Walk, One Of The Most Popular Trails In Spain – Level 3 (Moderate) Departure

Location: Cares Gorge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Cares Gorge trail has been described as the jewel in the crown of Spanish hiking. For 7.5mi (12km), the engineered path has been blasted into the rock face. Originally built in the 1940s as part of a hydroelectric scheme, it is now one of the most popular walks in the country. In places, the surrounding peaks rise more than 6,562ft (2,000m) above the path and, if we're lucky, we glimpse the rare and beautiful wall creeper bird.



The path eventually emerges in the village of Cain, where we lunch before returning along the same path to Puente Poncebos. Transport will be waiting here to take us back to our hotel in Arenas. The walk is relatively flat with a gradual ascent of just 1,148ft (350m) from Puente Poncebos to Cain.



Distance: 15mi (24km); ascent: 1,804ft (550m); descent: 1,804ft (550m); duration: seven hours; highest point: Los Collaos at 1,673ft (510m)

Day 5 : Free Day. Optional Activities Include Self-Guided Canoeing, Canyoning, Or A Trip To The Coast – Level 3 (Moderate) And Level 5 (Challenging) Departures

Location: Picos de Europa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is free for you to visit the coast, self-guided canoeing, or canyoning. Our local staff can help organise any of these activities.

Day 6 : Summit Of Peña Main, One Of The Classic Viewpoints Of The Picos; Continue On To Collado De Pandebano – Level 3 (Moderate) Departure

Location: Picos de Europa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Starting close to the village of Tieve, we walk up into the Main range and summit Peña Main, one of the classic viewpoints in the Picos. We walk to Collado de Pandebano and then begin our descent.



Distance: 7mi (11km); ascent: 3,445ft (1,050m); descent: 2,428ft (740m); duration: seven hours; highest point: Cabeza la Mesa at 5,288ft (1,612m)

Day 7 : Walk Up To The Twin Summits Of Mancondiu For Fantastic Views Of The Central And Eastern Massifs – Level 3 (Moderate) Departure

Location: Picos de Europa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

At 6,562ft (2,000m), the twin summits of Mancondiu are the highest point we reach during the week. Most of the walking, apart from the last 656ft (200m), is on disused mining tracks. The top offers fantastic views of the central and eastern massifs and is a fantastic end to a diverse week of walking.



Distance: 7mi (11km); ascent: 2,411ft (735m); descent: 2,411ft (735m); duration: five hours; highest point: Macondiu peak at 6,562ft (2,000m)

Day 8 : End Arenas De Cabrales

Location: Arenas de Cabrales

Meals Included: Breakfast

After one final breakfast, you’ll begin your return journey home. Of course, if you’d like to continue the adventure, you can always speak to your sales consultant and extend your hotel stay.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, five picnic lunches and six dinners

  • All accommodation

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Visas and vaccinations

  • Single supplement

Accommodation

Hotel Torrecerredo is a 19-room, family-run hotel in the rural village of Arenas de Cabrales. It is ideally situated for our adventure: a 30 minute drive to the Picos de Europa mountains and a five-minute walk from the village centre.



It has a garden terrace attached to the cafe-bar and the restaurant has views of the Picos mountains. The hotel also has a residents lounge with lots of comfortable seating, where you can enjoy more mountain views. Every evening, owners Pilar and Jim serve home-cooked traditional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, which you can enjoy with a glass or two of local wine.



Amenities



Restaurant serving traditional Asturian dishes

Bar/cafeteria for light snacks and drinks (open every day)

Residents lounge to relax in the evenings



Worth knowing



Single accommodation is available on request. Paying for a single supplement only guarantees a room for single use and does not under normal circumstances mean a twin or a double for sole occupancy will be provided.
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Food

All breakfasts, five picnic lunches and six dinners are included.



The region has several delicious specialities to try. The area is known for producing gold medal-winning blue cheese, queso Cabrales, which is matured in some of the thousands of deep limestone caves that dot the hills. Lesser known, but equally appealing, is the local lamb cordero al la menta and a wholesome bean stew, fabada Asturiana. Fresh fish comes from the coast at Llanes and Ribadesella, a 30-minute drive away. The local wine is very drinkable, though a glass of local cider can be more refreshing.



Breakfast: fruit juice, tea, freshly ground coffee, cereals, bread, cold meats, cheeses and a selection of local fruit (depending on season) offered buffet-style. There are also eggs cooked to order, sponge and anise cake.

Lunch: generally includes a large bread roll, with a choice of fillings daily, chocolates and fresh fruit.

Dinner: a homemade four-course meal usually consists of soup or salad to start, a choice of three main courses (meat, fish or vegetarian) and a homemade dessert.

Wine: to accompany the evening meal, the hotel has a reasonably comprehensive wine list.



Over the years, the hotel has developed tasty vegetarian alternatives. Please let us know in advance if you are vegetarian or have any other special dietary requirements.
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Check out our Q&As

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide. ...more ...less

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

I would do it all again...

This holiday was so much more than I expected. More challenging, more fun, more mountainous! I don't know why but I didn't equate a mountain region with so much ascending. I am a regular hiker and was surprised to find that I could walk for up to two hours uphill and still maintain a conversation. Alvaro the guide was inspiring and motivational, and the group were encouraging and fun to be with. We really bonded over the tough uphills and the shared experiences of the magnificent scenery. I was sad to leave the group at the airport and I think part of me is still in the mountains. ...more ...less

A fantastic week of walking

We had a great week of walking in what felt like a very unspoilt part of Spain. We enjoyed the variety of walks (although one foggy day so can’t comment on that one too much) The weather last week of May was perfect for walking. The hotel is great, all food is very tasty and plentiful. We also thoroughly enjoyed the company of our fellow walkers. ...more ...less

Paradise in Asturias

Having never heard of the Picos, but liking the pictures, I was pleasantly surprised at the grandeur of the mountains. A stunning location, you won't go hungry nor will you be disappointed.

Walking the Picosde Europa

Really excellent walking in a surprisingly quiet area of Spain, good food, very good guide and great company.

Perfect holiday

This was a great week from start to finish. Each walk was different and always through a stunning landscape and the walks were challenging enough to feel a sense of achievement at the end of the day. Jim and Pilar and the rest of the team at the hotel were great; welcoming, friendly and experts about the local area. Nothing was too much trouble for them. It was the best holiday I've been on in ages. ...more ...less

Picos de Europa

This is an excellent trip for the moderate walker. It combines fantastic scenery in which to hike, a well informed, diligent and capable tour leader, excellent rural village accommodation with superb food and incredible local hospitality. The Picos de Europa is a beautiful region of Spain and rivals the better known ranges in Europe for scenery and grandeur. It is well worth the visit. The Hotel Torrecerredos is a perfect base from which to enjoy the daily hikes. It provides suitable rural hotel style accommodation but it also provides superb food, wine and hospitality. The local value for money was phenomenal, the last night night team meal in the Cafe Restaurant Cares was just 15 Euros for three huge courses with wine included. ...more ...less

Picos de Europa

Walking the Picos de Europa in Northern Spain

Walking in the Picos de Europa

The holiday was better than expected. The Picos are a spectacular range of mountains, and the Hotel, Hotel staff, and Group leader made the holiday one of the most memorable we've had.

PICOS PEAKS & GORGES

The Picos Peaks and Gorges was a great trip. We were picked up by Jim in Bilbao and transferred by private mini-van to the Hotel. Rooms were allocated quickly and the bar was open ready for a much needed refreshing drink. Overall the walks were suitably challenging and and the weather was varied. Our guide, Victor was awesome. The food was very sufficient. The breakfast meals were all you could eat, packed lunches were a large bread roll, fruit and chocolate and the evening meals mostly cooked by Pilar were nothing short of excellent, hearty local food. The rooms were clean, well serviced and there are laundry and drying facilities which I put to use. The local village was worth a visit or two and there are plenty of gift shops. The group I was with was mixed, all ages and all managed to keep up with the moderate pace. I had a fantastic time. ...more ...less

PICOS PEAKS & GORGES

Our 4th Exodus holiday and as always it met our expectations and we would highly recommend it. Lovely hotel, small and friendly in a beautiful location with great views. The rooms are simple but very clean and and the food is really great with lots of choice and plentiful. Nobody will go hungry. I do not eat meat and was impressed with the variety of choice of meals that I could eat. We enjoyed sitting on the terrace having a beer after a day walking. The barman is really friendly and provides peanuts or crisps with your drinks. The walking was great not too strenuous but a decent length. We started our walks at 9.00 and were usually picked up in the mini-bus around 4 - 4.30. The people in our group were great, very friendly and chatty which added to the enjoyment of our holiday. The ages of our group were mixed and as usual for an August holiday many were teachers. ...more ...less

Read all 148 reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
$1780 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

Walking the Picos de Europa

8 Days Starting and ending in Arenas de Cabrales

Visiting: Arenas de Cabrales, Pandescura Peak, Cares Gorge, Picos de Europa

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

TSQ

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 15

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1780 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 23-Feb-2025 but subject to change.