Trek Picos de Europa
€780 – €792
Perfect walking holiday in Spain, third highest mountain range, the Picos de Europa is a region of dramatic limestone peaks, lush valleys and stunning visual backdrops in the limestone mountains. picos de europa is the best destination for short hiking holiday.
Trek Picos de Europa
Walking Picos de Europa show some of Picos de Europa’s finest culture and mountains, including a hike to the base of the iconic peak of Naranjo de Bulnes. On a trip highlight, we trek along cliff-cut pathways through the divine Cares Gorge – over 1000m deep and twelve kilometres long, amazing views of the picos national park valley.
The Picos de Europa area was the first National Park to be created in Spain at the start of the 20thcentury. Consisting of a limestone massif rising from the northern coast the mountains reaching a height of 2648m. The mountains were primarily formed through glacial erosion; however they now form a barrier to the clouds coming off the Atlantic and are heavily eroded by rivers. The area is not like the Spain most of us picture, the mountains are green with forests at the base containing a massive variety of flora and fauna. Its just like somewhere in Himalayas. And less crowded walks them, Camino. Beautiful villages in between the valleys and nice and authentic old Spanish hospitality.
There is a great variety of walks to choose from: from leisurely strolls in the foothills to more challenging routes reaching the peaks of the Picos. However, as the impact of tourism is minimal, you may find that in some areas you don’t meet anybody all day sometimes on the route. Most routes have a history attached, there are old villages and byways tucked away in the valleys that have changed little through the years. Many of the classic routes that are now popular with walkers were once the only access to these remote villages 30 years ago. These destinations give a fascinating insight into times gone by, as well as picturesque spots for rest and refreshments. In short, the Picos are a captivating mixture of canyons, crystal blue rivers, caves, history and wildlife. It’s not less the Himalayas of Europe.
We organise yearly few trips to this stunning Picos national park, Mix with culture, food, and adventure. This group tour also gives the opportunity to meet like-minded people and become friends forever. Walks are easy and itineraries have to be planned properly with rest days and days for leisure.
It could be the best walking holiday for many adventure seekers. Join us and try how you feel.
Day 1: The Beginning
Those on the flights will be met at Santander Airport and transferred to Espenama our base camp for the Picos hiking trip. We spend the night at Hostel Navandi a guest house run by a beautiful family. First-day dinner and introduction in the evening.
Day 2: Hiking Day
First Day starts from Espenama, we have to take a drive for 5 minutes to reach a famous cable car base called Fuente De, we take a cable car which takes us 500 high to the top of the mountain, with stunning views and the amazing experience. At the top there are cafe and bathroom facilities, there we prepare our bags and gear according to the weather, then start walking. today we walk for about 4-5 hours. Our camp tonight is stores village, stay at guest house.
Day 3: Today stores to Pico Urriellu
We drive the short distance to the tiny hamlet of Pandebano. Leaving our vehicle, we walk up to Collado Vallejo (1.500 m), where the huge monolith of the Naranjo de Bulnes (Pico Urriellu 2519 m) comes into view. This rust-coloured mountain is the famous iconic image of the Picos. We walk up to the very base of the mountain (2000 m) where there is a refuge. We rest, eat packed lunch and have the chance to see climbers attempting to scale the improbable sheer face. We retrace our steps to Pandebano where our transport awaits us to return to our hotel at Stores.
Day 4: Cozy village Bulnes
Easy walking day, all the way down, however, if rains come path will be a bit difficult otherwise easy downhill, walking takes 3 hours, after we reach Bulnes we will have hot lunch in the riverside restaurant. after lunch, we have a 1-2 hour walk around the village, people can choose what they wish to do, some may wish to enjoy the village and relax. Night at a beautiful guest house.
Day 5: Bulnes- Urdón Gorge- Cain village
This gorge, with its narrow passes and gullies, is suitable in the heart of the Picos de Europa Mountains. The area’s stunning landscape affords unique views of the National Park. Getting to know this route is a unique experience. The trail is narrow, surrounded by wild vegetation, with water ever-present. The river flows along the valley floor, it’s sound a constant companion in route. Now and again the path takes you through small tunnels carved out of the rock and across bridges that hang over the abyss. All the while, rocky mountainsides tower up on either side of the trail. The itinerary runs between Poncebos, in Asturias province and Cain, in Leon province. It runs parallel to the Cares, the area’s wildest river. The route covers 14 kilometres over easy terrain. Tonight at a guest house in Cain village.
The Ruta del Cares or also known by the locals as the Garganta del Cares is one of the most popular hiking routes in the Picos de Europa.
Day 6: Cain HIke
Today we walk up to the highest point of Cain village, the walk will take nearly 6 hours, (1000mtr climb) After the hike we spend our night in Cain in the same guest house.
Day 7: Departure
Breakfast and take 2 miles drive then we start our last day of trekking back to Fuente De where we started 5 days ago, back in Espenama for our last night, evening we will take you to Pote’s market to experience, and you can also buy local products for gifts back home.
Day 8: Departure
Breakfast then drive back to Santander Airport for your onward journey to Dublin.
Price Includes
Price Excludes
- Flights tickets from Dublin and return
- Insurance of any kind
- Extra or early night hotels accommodation
- Drinks(alcohol)
- Cable car fare.
Testimonials
See what people are saying about us!
"
I have achieved my goals of adventure eye opening experience of pure amazing life's memories that were very special for me personally. Sometimes in life l realise ed to crab life opportunity with both hands life is short . Travelling is my passion and adventure is dream . Married to the mountains lol There is no other feeling to compare the sense of accomplishment where your own feet has taken yourself one step at a time to the summit and importantly back home safe again. Never give up on your dreams . I can't wait to begin my next adventure I have now travelled a few times with this group and will again travel to island peck 6000mtrs to see again some very good friends l have made from previous trips All ways felt very well looked after never had any worries at all . Safe and sound at all times . Food accommodation l never had any issues Enjoying the whole experience Can't wait For this adventure to start. Namaste JosephineSeoasimhin
Island peck Nepal india"
I love traveling with Nameste Nomad! This is my fourth trip with Mohan and Nameste Nomad, the reasons I keep coming back are; 1. Affordable- they are half price of most guide companies! 2. Ecologically friendly- when trekking in Nepal we take boiled water over plastic bottles, He asks that people think of their impact as travelers, leaving only footsteps not trash. 3. Quality- from transport to hotels we stayed in high quality hotels and comfortable transportation. 4. Personal touch- the guides where fantastic in looking after all sorts of details and needs. Each trip I have learned new words to use in the countries I’ve been in. 5. Humane travel- Nameste Nomad asks you to participate in the local culture by trying and eating the locally. As in Nepal you will be asked eat Vegetarian since that is the local norm. 6. As a small organization I have had the privilege to travel with the owner, Mohan on multiple trips. 7. Local impact- since I have traveled multiple times with Nameste Nomad, I have had the privilege to see Mohan do charity work while trekking. We have fed small children as we hiked and have stayed at off the beaten path locations to provide a more equitable impact in the mountains of Nepal. One group raised money to aid a village women’s group. Two years later I visited to see the final work that the money did. 8.safety- All guides with Nameste Nomad have had training in first-aid. In Nepal most of his guides have mountain rescue skills from working on Mt. Everest. 9.Multi-National groups. As an American, it is refreshing to travel with persons from all over Europe and Australia. Each time I’ve been on a trip I have met new friends. 10. Experience-each trip has been filled with wonder and delights; from my co-travelers to the knowledge of the guides. I have nothing but great memories and new friends!N2tele
Annapurna basecamp trek"
Incredible trip! My wife and I came from the states to join Mohan and a bunch of wonderful Irish people on an island peak expedition. This was our first exposure to trekking in Nepal and technical mountaineering in general. We are rock climbers and hikers, but we trained extra hard the few months before the trip to develop good fitness and strong legs for long walks uphill. We met Mohan briefly while visiting Ireland a year earlier and felt instantly that we could trust him. Mohan is extremely experienced with trekking in the Himalayas (18yrs I think). He has connections every step of the way from hotels in Kathmandu, to flights to lukla, and in even in tea houses all along the route. This allows him to offer his clients fantastic service at a great price. Nice accommodations and food the whole time - everything is included in the cost up front so the only thing we had to think about was water which we just treated with chlorine tabs. Mohan gives great guidance to help avoid getting sick either from altitude or food. He demands good hygiene from kitchen staff and always sends his Sherpas into the kitchen to help and make sure our food is clean. The whole experience felt like a private trip with friends and not commercially organized. And really that's what it is - no middle man. Mohan genuinely cares about his clients and you will quickly become his friend. He will do everything he can to keep you healthy and acclimatized so you can have the best shot possible at meeting your goal. You won't have to worry about being confused the whole time - he keeps you well informed and is always checking to make sure you are doing well. He even coordinates with a guy in Kathmandu so they can make changes for summit attempts based on weather. Because he did this, we ended up summiting a day earlier than planned which made all the difference - I think nearly everyone failed the day before and the day after us due to snowfall, but we had 5 out of 8 summit in our group thanks to Mohan's leadership. Also if you do island peak - he won't make you walk from base camp to Chukkung after a 12-15 hr summit push, we met several people who after making it back to base camp still had a few hours of walking to get to a lodge and we really felt for them. His Sherpa staff is awesome and Mohan ensures they are well taken care of in addition to the porters/yaks. These Sherpas have more than adequate experience and are some of the kindest people you will ever meet. They even threw me a birthday party with a homemade cake along the way. They are fun, happy, and incredibly humble - always working hard to support their families. They deserve a good tip when the trip is over. Whatever you're looking for in a trek/climb - Mohan is your man. He'll work with you to make it happen. He is a friend for life now and I seriously recommend his guide services. Namaste!Todd B
Experience of a lifetime!"
I travelled with a group from Ireland to Nepal where we started our joureny to Everest Basecamp. This trek was very special to me as I was doing it for charity in memory of my late brother who was a keen hillwalker. Our group was made up of 9 people from Ireland, Scotland and USA. Such a fantastic group it turned out to be. We all supported each other and made new friends, having alot of fun along the way. Oh From start to finish Mohan our leader, did everything in his power to ensure that our trek was 100% successful. The trip was very challenging but very rewarding. He supported us all even when we were struggling and was there at our beck and call at all times. I would like to give a special mention to the 3 sherpas who accompanied us during our trek, Tshering, Pimba and Paldene. Such fantastic support to all of us and true gentlemen. I would highly recommend this group for anybody contemplating a similar experience.Kieran McCli to k
Trek to Everest Basecamp 20th September 2019"
Namaste NOMAD organise the epic trip to Everest Base Camp from Ireland. One of the best service with very experiance guide, sherpa and rest of the team is so friendly. Price is so much reasonable then many company. In service is even better then price. Koi g another tour in 2018 with Namaste Nomad to Island Peak in Nepal.Trek H
Epic trip to Everest Base Camp."
After meeting Mohan briefly in Donegal I soon signed up to join him his team and 10 other travellers to trek Nepal's Langtang valley. Best decision ever! From the get go when we all met at Dublin airport the level of organisation and planning Mohan had put into this trip became clear. After hassle free flights Mohan had arranged for a local taxi company to meet us at the airport keeping the group together making for stress travel to the hotel, the hotel selected also was to a high standard with everyone's needs catered to. As part of our trip Mohan had arranged for Cultural shows, dinner booking and buses to Kathmandu's heritage sites including a local guide. Allowing us to make the most of our time in this culturally intriguing city. Then it was on to the trekking bit! after the 8 hour bus journey to the mountains we where treated to dinner cooked that the hotel by our guides and porters this was to be the case daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food was excellent and more importantly the level of food hygiene Mohan requires these guys work to more than meets any western standards, out of 11 people no one got any food related sickness unlike some people we met on the way who where travelling with other companies if only for this reason alone I couldn't recommend Namaste Nomad highly enough. While on the trek the scenery was simply stunning where the true beauty of the Himalayas is apparent. Making the trek all the more enjoyable was the level knowledge our guides had on the area, plants and animals, and they where only to happy to impart this on us. While being the real professionals they where also great company through out. For most of the group including myself it was our first team at high altitude, and the focus on everyone's safety from Mohan and team was very evident. Something we all found extremely reassuring allowing you to enjoy the trek knowing that you are in good hands. In turn giving us the confidants to make the optional climb to 4800m an experience that will simply leave you gob smacked with a real sense of achievement. After this we made the trek back down through the valley which was an absolute delight with everyone on a high after what had been an unforgettable experience and achievement. With another couple of days to spend in Kathmandu it was a great way to round off the trip. I have already signed up to trek to Everest base camp in September 2019 and that in it self is properly best recommendation I could possibly give.Eamonn C
Langtang valley trek March 2018"
This was my first time on a hike abroad thumbs up to mohan for his attention to detail, the trip was well planned and organized the views where amazing . Thanks mohan for some great memories I can't wait for my next trip.BBeno
Trip to picos"
I am a professor at George Mason University. Namaste Nomad arranged our study abroad trip to Nepal (Conservation Storytelling). We had used another company the year before and have spent many years in Nepal. This company out performs anyone else in Nepal and anywhere globally. Mohan (the CEO) is extraordinarily knowledgable and works very hard to make sure everything is exactly as you need. The people that work for him are the absolute best available in country. Our guide had led multiple tours up Everest and I 100% trusted him with our lives. Our drivers were the same. In addition, Mohan cares very much about the world, the environment and the ability to share cultures and beliefs. And this is how his company is run. With responsibility and heart.JennLewDC
Great for Student Learning Trip!"
What can I say about Namaste Nomads, just Excellent. From start to finish, everyone that we dealt with were helpful, professional, caring and accommodating in what we wanted for our adventure. Itinerary changes were no problems. The advice we were given before we flew out to Kathmandu and all through the trek were invaluble in making the trek a success. We were picked up at the airport and taken to our hotel and met by Ashim who checked us in and explained about the rest of the trip. We met our guide Dawa (5 times Everest summitier). So much experience from all the Namaste Nomad staff. The trek was fantastic and Dawa (guide) and Sudip (sherpa) looked after us throughout. Nothing was too much trouble for them. Their advise from what to eat and how to cope with the altitude was invaluble. The porters who carried our bags were efficient and our bags were always at the lodge well before we arrived. When we got to EBC a change to the itinerary was discussed with us. Dawa suggested we climb Kala Patthar that afternoon and see the sunset over Everest rather than seeing the sunrise early in the morning. What a brilliant suggestion as we saw Everest on fire. If you want to do trek in Nepal then check these people out. I would not hesitate to go with them again. Already planning a trip in 2020 with them.Kaushal
Everest Base Camp Trek"
I couldn't recommend this trip enough, I highly recommend Mohan as a guide. Trip was so enjoyable. I can't wait to go on another . From scenery to accommodation , everything was top class.S C
Picos De Europa
