THE PICOS DE EUROPA EXPERIENCE

calendar_month 8 days trip
trip Group trip
location_on Trip to know Spain, Picos de Europa
THE PICOS DE EUROPA EXPERIENCE
from 1.200
public Picos de Europa
Picos Europa 
public Spring
public Summer
public Autumn
public Hiking trips
Viajes de Senderismo
public Easy Level
Baja
public Moderate Level
Media
public Guided Inn-based hiking tours
De hotel en hotel
“THE PICOS DE EUROPA EXPERIENCE” This tour is ideal for hillwalkers with a good level of fitness & recent experience walking at grade A or B.

This trekking adventure takes you deep into the breathtaking landscapes of the Picos de Europa National Park. Discover its rugged beauty by walking through the wild terrains of its western, central, and eastern massifs.

Located along Spain’s northern coast near Santander, the Picos de Europa is a limestone mountain range that spans the provinces of Asturias, Cantabria, and Northern Castille y León—Spain's largest province. As one of the earliest National Parks in Europe, this eco-destination offers unspoiled nature, free from mass tourism and the infrastructure that often accompanies it. Here, humans and nature coexist harmoniously.

The towering peaks, reaching up to 2,600 meters, the deep valleys, and the green pastures where livestock graze at heights of up to 2,000 meters provide a stunning backdrop. This region has many wildlife, including bears, wolves, eagles, vultures, chamois, deer, and alpine plants. The Picos de Europa is also steeped in history, with traces of ancient civilizations such as the Celts, Romans, and early humans evident throughout the park.

Only 40 minutes from the Cantabrian Sea, the mountains offer spectacular views of the ocean and their distinctively sculpted peaks. Dotted with charming villages nestled in valleys and scattered across the massifs, this region offers an authentic taste of rural life, where local culture and gastronomy thrive.

This tour promises to immerse you in everything the Picos de Europa offers, combining scenic walks with cultural and environmental experiences.

 

Day 1. Arrival

Arrive in Santander with a transfer to Cangas de Onis. Check-in at Los Lagos Nature Hotel, followed by a briefing. Enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation.



Day 2. Breakfast

LEVEL A. HIKING TO VEGA DE ARIO & CABEZA LA VERDE (16KM, +750m/-750m) You begin your hike from Ercina Lake. Vega de Ario offers panoramic views of the Central Massif, including peaks like Torrecerredo and Picos de Los Cabrones. The hike leads past shepherd huts to the Marqués de Villaviciosa Refuge before ascending to Cabeza La Verde peak (1,719m). After a packed lunch with stunning views, descend via Majada de Belbin, known for its famous Gamonedo cheese, and return to Ercina Lake. Transfer back to Cangas de Onis for dinner and accommodation.

LEVEL B. THE ROUTE OF THE MAJADAS (12KM, +400m/-400m) From Lake Enol, this moderate hike takes you through high mountain meadows called "majadas." Follow paths past La Reblagas, Toyeyo Majada, and Vega de Ario, enjoying views of the Cantabrian Sea and the Picos. The route also passes through Belbin, known for Gamonedo cheese. Return to Cangas de Onis for dinner and overnight stay.



Day 3. Breakfast

LEVEL A. NARANJO DE BULNES ADVENTURE (13KM, +900m/-900m) Drive to Sotres Village and then to Pandebano hamlet, where the hike begins. Ascend to Collado Vallejo (1,500m), revealing views of the iconic Naranjo de Bulnes (Pico Urriellu, 2,519m). Reach the mountain base at 2,000m, where a refuge offers the chance to witness climbers on this legendary peak. Enjoy a packed lunch before retracing your steps back to Pandebano and returning to Cangas de Onis.

LEVEL B. MONTE CAMBA TRAIL (10KM, +200m/-530m) Starting in Sotres, this trail offers spectacular views of the Duje Valley and the Central Massif peaks. The path descends through beech forests, offering chances to spot eagles and vultures. Reach the viewpoint of Majada Tobaos for commanding views before returning to Cangas de Onis.



Day 4. Breakfast

FREE DAY. Relax or enjoy a coastal walk along the Coastal Path & Llanes. Discover stunning beaches, cliffs, and the unique "Bufones" (seawater geysers). Explore a hidden cave with spectacular stalactites and conclude with a visit to the vibrant coastal town of Llanes.



Day 5. Breakfast

LEVEL A & B. THE CARES GORGE PATH (13KM, +250m/-150m) Experience the heart of the Picos de Europa by trekking through the renowned Cares Gorge. Walk along narrow passes and gorges, crossing bridges and tunnels carved into the rock. The trail follows the Cares River from Poncebos (Asturias) to Caín (León), offering dramatic views throughout. Transfer to Espinama for dinner and accommodation, with a stop in Potes.



Day 6. Breakfast.

LEVEL A. HIKING TO HORCADOS ROJOS SUMMIT & CABAÑA VERONICA HUT (12KM, +800m/-800m) After breakfast, take a cable car to the starting point of your hike. Ascend to the summit of Horcados Rojos (2,506m) for breathtaking views of the Central Massif and the surrounding peaks. On the way back, visit the unique Cabaña Veronica hut before returning via cable car. Dinner and overnight in Espinama.

LEVEL B: GLACIER VALLEY OF ÁLIVA (14KM, +150m/-950m) Take a cable car to the top station and begin your walk through the glacier valley of Áliva, where vast mountain pastures stretch between the Central and Eastern Massifs. Stop at a Refugio for refreshments before returning to Espinama for dinner and accommodation.



Day 7. Breakfast

LEVEL A: CRUZ DE LA VIORNA PEAK & RETUMBIA WATERFALL (12KM, +800m/-800m) A scenic route that offers a mix of waterfalls, forest trails, and spectacular views from the peaks of La Viorna and Alto de San Martín. Marvel at the panoramic vistas of the Ándara Massif and other stunning landmarks. Return to Espinama for dinner and accommodation.

LEVEL B: ILCES BEECH FOREST ROUTE (10KM, +400m/-400m) This trail showcases the beauty of the upper Camaleño valley, passing through preserved beech and oak forests, where elusive wildlife like Cantabrian bears may reside. Complete the loop through the charming village of Las Ilces before returning to Espinama.



Day 8. Departure

Enjoy breakfast before transferring back to Santander for your departure.

  IT INCLUDES:
  • 4 nights at Hotel Los Lagos Nature in Cangas de Onis.
  • 3 nights at Hostal Remoña in Espinama.
  • 7 Breakfast 
  • 6 dinners to experience the gastronomy (food & wine) of the towns/villages.
  • All transport and listed activities. Airport transfers
  • Guides – English-speaking qualified/certified/approved guides
  • Insurances and taxes
  DOES NOT INCLUDE:

- Picnic lunch.  It can be purchased in the hotel or local shops.
- Drinks.
- Dinner on day 4.
- Extra optional activities on day 4.
- Flights

TERMS & CONDITIONS

  
DEPOSIT
A deposit of €300 is required to reserve a place on tour.  The Deposit should be paid immediately to ensure that the tour company Rumbo a Picos can confirm your reservation & to ensure that the minimum number required to run the tour has been reached. 


FINAL PAYMENT
Final payment must be made not later than 30 days before the tour start date.

CANCELLATION POLICY
- The tour company Rumbo a Picos reserves the right to cancel the tour if there is not a minimum number of participants up to 30 days prior to the tour start date.  In the event of such cancellation, participants shall be refunded 100% of the payments they have made to the tour company Rumbo a Picos. The refund shall be made by Bank Transfer to the client’s bank account within 7 days of the notified cancellation. 
- If the client cancels his/her booking prior to the tour start date,  to cover the tour company’s costs & administrative expenses the company will retain for a  cancellation prior to 90days/€50, 60days/€100, 30days/€150 and will refund to the client all other payments received by the company from the client.
- If the client cancels his/her booking within 30 days of the tour start date, the tour company will not make any refund to the client.
- The tour company reserves the right to modify the tour program & the itinerary in the event of circumstances outside of its control such as Force Majeure, severe or unsuitable weather or any other circumstances it considers necessary to ensure the safety of the tour participants. 
- If a participant decides to abandon the tour for whatever reason, he/she should inform the Guide in writing of their decision.  Any related expenses must be paid by the participant.

 
INSURANCES
 
INSURANCE INCLUDED IN THE PRICE.

This insurance covers exclusively the risks related to your hiking activities with us and as a passenger in our company transport foreseen in the trip. It does not cover travel insurance.  
All customers must have travel and medical insurance. They should bring a copy with them, and give it to the Rumbo a Picos leading guides 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.