Trek Picos de Europa
€780 – €799
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 limestone mountains. picos de Europa is the best destination for a short hiking holiday.
Trek Picos de Europa
Walking Picos de Europa shows 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, with 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 20th century. Consisting of a limestone massif rising from the northern coast the mountains reach 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 Spain most of us picture it, the mountains are green with forests at the base containing a massive variety of flora and fauna. It’s just like somewhere in the 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 trips to this stunning Picos national park, mixed 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!
"
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"
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!"
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 took part in a trek to Annapurna Basecamp with Namaste Nomad in April 2019. I had trekked with Mohan and his team twice before- to Langtang Valley in Nepal in March 2018 and The Picos, in Northern Spain in June 2018. This was my third trip- so I wasn’t as anxious about what awaited me in Nepal! The route to Annapurna is very accessible, the walking was tough enough, I thought- a lot of steps, which are sore on the knees! We were well looked after my our guide, Mohan, and his Sherpa team, Dowa and Mingma, as well as the rest of the team. The food, as on all the trips I’ve been on, was really superb. I loved the rice, lentils, local vegetables and of course the ginger tea! The accommodation was basic but always clean and adequate. Reaching Annapurna Basecamp was the high point of the trip for me- I will never forget it! We were part of a small group, just four hikers. I was traveling with a friend. We had both been part of larger groups on our previous two trips.I think I would prefer to travel in a bigger group if/when I go on a trip like this again. It was a great experience and I recommend Namaste Nomad.Grace M
Annapurna Basecamp trip"
Himalayas, they are beautiful, intimidating and challenging. You might think they are perhaps to hard for you? Well, they are hard, but in our everyday life we are often very comfortable. We need to be challenged from time to time to remind ourselves that we are more than our houses, jobs and what others think of us. I needed that break and challenge two years ago. I joined Mohan and his team on the journey to Everest Basecamp. And lets get the boring (but important) stuff out the way. The team is as professional as it gets. We had the nicest food, best accommodation and best guides. Mohan created atmosphere of community and support. I often looked at other groups (that probably payed 2 or 3 times as we did), and they did not had the service and the fun that we did. But apart from all of the pragmatic stuff, they are the Himalayas themselves. My choice was to abandon the internet altogether (its there if you need it) and enjoy being there. For two weeks, the world forgot about me as i forgot about it. All i cared about was walking. It was like a meditation, an it was simple. Just one foot after another until we reached the destination. Mohan does expeditions the way they should be done. He cares about your spirit, what you eat, what you drink, how you sleep. He knows that those things will get you there and help you with the altitude. His team is supportive, and very experienced. I will be a repeat customer one day, and not once.Jarek M
Everest Basecamp 2016"
I had the most amazing experience walking up to EBC and Kala Pattar with Namaste Nomad. Words cannot describe the views and euphoria. The trip couldn't have been any better from beginning to end. We were thoroughly spoilt and taken care of to the highest standards by Dawa our guide and Sudip his assistant. They were both very accommodating, flexible, helpful, polite, knowledgeable and fun to be around. Our porters were efficient and helped ease our pain! The team offered us excellent advice at all times. In preparation for our trip Ashim and his team briefed us at our hotel and answered all of our questions. I would not hesitate in recommending your highly professional team to any friend or family member (RJ from Southampton UK)_rakheejethwa
Everest base camp"
What a great trip! This trip lets you see a different side to Northern Spain and the Camino. We had a super time trekking in the Picos de Europe with an amazing bunch of people. The groups are small group so it was flexible and there was no issue with tailoring days to what people needed or required. All ages groups, singles, couples but most of all at the end great friends! Accommodation and meals for each night had been thoughtfully located and selected! Food was amazing! This trip has to be experienced and enjoyed by everyone!caite1
Picos De Europe"
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"
I went to India and Ladakh with Namaste Nomad two years ago. I absolutely loved it, particularly the Himalayas. I therefore challenged myself to trek to Everest Base Camp with them. I did this last year and I can truthfully say that it was one of the most wonderful things I have ever done in my life. I am in my sixties, but the care and attention given me made everything not only manageable but immensely enjoyable. I've now signed up to climb Island Peak with Mohan and the team - my first serious Himalayan mountain. It's a prospect that fills me with a mixture of great excitement and a healthy dose of fear - but I know that I am in the safest of hands. Mohan and the team are watching you every step of the way. Safety is their number one priority, but they manage to make every trek great fun too. Bring it on!Malachy D
Truly a high-point of my life"
I recently returned from a thoroughly enjoyable trek to EBC and Kalapathar. The trip was beyond amazing and a life changing experience. This was all made possible, largely due to our highly organised and very knowledgable Leader Mohan (and his team of local Sherpas and Porters) who educated us on all aspects of life in Nepal including environmental issues which he is very passionate about. Mohan’s attention to detail was second to none, ensuring everyone stayed healthy and safe, while also thoroughly enjoying ourselves. This is the trip of a lifetime with breathtaking views and such cheerful and welcoming locals. We had a fantastic group that supported one another throughout and the craic was brilliant. I would highly recommend travelling with this company and I for one, can’t wait here for my next trekking adventure with them. Thank you Mohan.PaulineK884
Everest Base Camp & Kalapathar
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