THE SIERRA DE GREDOS AND LA VERA EXPERIENCE

calendar_month 8 days trip
trip Group trip
location_on Trip to know Spain, Sierra de Gredos
THE SIERRA DE GREDOS AND LA VERA EXPERIENCE
from 1.325
public Sierra de Gredos
Sierra de Gredos
public Spring
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
public Eire
“THE SIERRA DE GREDOS & LA VERA EXPERIENCE” This tour is ideal for hill walkers with a good level of fitness & recent experience walking at level A or B

This exciting 8-day adventure through the Sierra de Gredos and surrounding regions offers an incredible mix of nature, history, and culture. From challenging hikes to serene landscapes, and from ancient historical landmarks to vibrant cultural experiences, this journey is designed to captivate outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

Sierra de Gredos is a mountain range in the Central System and is situated in the provinces of Salamanca, Ávila, and Cáceres, with easy access from Madrid. The highest point is located in the province Ávila, at the Almanzor at 2,592 metres.  Its large masses of granite characterize the Sierra de Gredos, and from the south face the mountains give a relatively steep climb. The mountains consist of five river valleys: Alto Tormes, Alto Alberche, Tiétar Oriental, Tiétar Occidental and the Vera and finally the Valle del Ambroz.

Depending on your brief, we can facilitate “A” walkers with more challenging options such as mountain hut combinations,  “B” walkers with shorter walks with more peaks & “C” walkers comfortable walks featuring areas of historic or cultural interest.   The choice is yours, just let us know in advance. 

Sierra de Gredos is a mountain range in the Central System and is situated in the provinces of Salamanca, Ávila, and Cáceres, with easy access from Madrid. The highest point is located in the province Ávila, at the Almanzor at 2,592 metres.  Its large masses of granite characterize the Sierra de Gredos, and from the south face the mountains give a relatively steep climb. The mountains consist of five river valleys: Alto Tormes, Alto Alberche, Tiétar Oriental, Tiétar Occidental and the Vera and finally the Valle del Ambroz.

Day 1. Arrival in Madrid Airport.

Transfer to El Barco de Ávila. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel, followed by a briefing on the itinerary. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in El Barco de Ávila.



Day 2. Breakfast.

LEVEL A: ASCENT TO MOREZON PEAK. Route Type: Circular | Distance:5 km | Elevation Gain: +750m
The adventure begins at the Plataforma de Gredos (1750m). We follow the path towards Laguna Grande, and from Peña Rayo, we take the Trocha Real trail, passing beneath Cuento Alto. The route leads to Morezon Bajero (2269m), after which we ascend to Morezon Peak (2389m). The panoramic views, stretching as far as Toledo, are breathtaking. The descent follows the path just below Cerro de la Cagarruta, connecting with Trocha Real, heading towards Los Colgadizos, and eventually returning to the starting point at La Plataforma.
Dinner and overnight in El Barco de Ávila.

LEVEL B: WALK TO BARRERA DE LAS POZAS. Route Type: Circular | Distance: 11 km | Elevation Gain: +500m
This route follows a similar path to Level A until Barrera de las Pozas, after which we descend to Los Colgadizos and return to La Plataforma via the Trocha Real trail. Dinner and overnight in El Barco de Ávila.



Day 3. Breakfast.

LEVEL A: ASCENT TO CALVITERO PEAK & THE TRAMPAL LAGOONS. Route Type: Circular | Distance: 13 km | Elevation Gain / Loss: +850m / -850m
This scenic hike takes place in the Sierra de Béjar, where you'll ascend several 2,000-meter peaks, including Calvitero and Salamanca's highest, Canchal de la Ceja. Starting from the second El Travieso platform (1,875m), you'll reach the summit of Calvitero Peak (2,225m) and enjoy sweeping views of the Béjar region and the Sierra de Francia. Afterward, descend to the stunning Trampal Lagoons (2,110m), three glacial lagoons. Following an ascent to the Hoya Moros valley (2,060m), observe the majestic Los Dos Hermanitos before heading back to the Travieso platform. Dinner and overnight in El Barco de Ávila.

LEVEL B: ASCENT TO CALVITERO PEAK & LA CEJA PEAK. Route Type: Circular | Distance: 12 km | Elevation Gain/Loss:+650m/-650m
Follow the same trail as Level A until the descent to the Trampal Lagoons. From here, continue towards Canchal de la Ceja, ascending to its peak at 2,428m, the highest in Salamanca. From the expansive summit, enjoy stunning views of the Trampal Lagoons, the Sierra de Francia, and Los Hermanitos. The descent follows the climber’s path used by mountaineers, passing through the Hornillo Valley before returning to the Travieso platform. Dinner and overnight in El Barco de Ávila.



Day 4. Breakfast. Free Day or Historical & Cultural Tour in Salamanca

Historical and Cultural Tour in Salamanca (Optional)


Salamanca is an essential destination, boasting 3,000 years of history. The city's rich past includes the arrival of Celtic tribes, Roman conquests, and the city's re-founding by Alfonso VI after the Moorish conquest of Toledo. Notable events include the noble wars of the 14th and 15th centuries, the War of the Commons, the cultural renaissance of the 16th century, and the impacts of the Baroque period and the Peninsular War. The city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and a European Capital of Culture in 2002.
Free dinner. Overnight in El Barco de Ávila.



Day 5. Breakfast

LEVEL A & B: HIKE TO LA GARGANTA DE LOS INFIERNOS (The Hell's Gorge). Route Type: Circular | Distance: 16 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +550m / -550m
Today’s hike takes us to the southern face of the Sierra de Gredos, towards Jarandilla de la Vera. Both groups will trek along the remarkable path to La Garganta de los Infiernos, located in the Valle del Jerte. The area is renowned for its dramatic waterfalls, streams, and natural pools stretching across several kilometres. The circular route traverses the heart of the nature reserve, offering a glimpse into the diverse flora and fauna of this stunning region. In the afternoon, we arrive in Jarandilla de la Vera. Dinner and overnight in Jarandilla de la Vera.



Day 6. Breakfast

LEVEL A: HIKE TO LOS GALAYOS. Route Type: Linear | Distance: 12 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,250m / -1,250m
The hike begins in Guisando, a village on the southern side of the Sierra de Gredos. After a visit to the Sierra de Gredos Interpretation Centre, we start the route at Nogal del Barranco (1200m). Following the PR AV-43 path along the Vertiente de Los Galayos, we gradually climb until reaching Las Zetas, at the Canal de la Mira. From here, the route takes us up a steep rocky gradient to the Refugio Victory (1970m), bringing us face-to-face with the towering Galayos formations. Those seeking an additional challenge can ascend further to the crest and even continue to La Mira Peak (2343m). We return via the same route. Dinner and overnight in Jarandilla de la Vera.

LEVEL B: HIKE TO LOS GALAYOS. Route Type: Linear | Distance: 10 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +850m / -850m
Follow the same route as Level A up to the Refugio Victory, with a gradual climb to the viewpoint near Los Galayos. We return along the same path. Dinner and overnight in Jarandilla de la Vera.



Day 7. Breakfast.

LEVEL A: HIKE TO TRABUQUETE, MESAS ALTAS & REFUGIO DE LAS NIEVES. Route Type: Semi-Circular | Distance:5 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,150m / -1,150m
Starting 2 km north of Guijo de Santa Bárbara, the hike begins at the Chinarral viewpoint. We ascend the Jaranda gorge to the Trabuquete Lagoon, a popular summer swimming spot. Crossing the Jaranda River, we continue through the Campanario Gorge to the Portillo del Cogorzal, where spectacular views await. From here, we follow the mountain ridge to the Mesas Altas peak. After a rest, we descend to Refugio Las Nieves for lunch, then follow a grassy path through oak forests to our starting point. Dinner and overnight in Jarandilla de la Vera.

LEVEL B: HIKE TO TRABUQUETE & REFUGIO DE LAS NIEVES. Route Type: Circular | Distance: 12 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +650m / -650m
This route follows the same path as Level A up to Trabuquete Lagoon and Campanario Gorge, eventually leading to Refugio Las Nieves, where we enjoy lunch and rest. The descent passes through oak forests, returning to Guijo de Santa Bárbara. Dinner and overnight in Jarandilla de la Vera



Day 8. Breakfast.

Breakfast and transfer back to Madrid airport.

  IT INCLUDES:
  • 4 nights at Hotel Puerta de Gredos in Barco de Ávila.
  • 3 nights at Parador de Jarandilla in Jarandilla de la Vera.
  • 7 Breakfast.
  • 6 dinners.
  • 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.
  • Dinner on day 4.
  • Drinks.
  • Extra optional Tour Salamanca (€50)
  • Flights.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

 

TOUR GROUPS 

The minimum number necessary to complete a tour is 8 clients.  They may all be from a Walking Club or a group of friends or just a number of individuals who wish to book a tour.  To ensure the safety of each member of the tour & their enjoyment of the walks, clients must inform the tour company of their competence level A or B.  This should be done at the time the client is discussing the reservation with the tour company.  Each route has been designed to the commonly used competency standards of hillwalking clubs members of Mountaineering, Ireland. 

 

WALKERS LEVELS

Tour groups may be composed of walkers of all similar levels or a mix of different levels both of fitness & experience. As indicated above, clubs & individuals should make their level known to the tour company well in advance so that the walks offered in the tour fit the appropriate levels.  While minor adjustments may be made during the tour, it is best for the enjoyment of all to divide the group into different competence levels & walk the route best suited to their abilities.  Clearly dividing groups into levels requires a dedicated guide to each group & there is an associated cost.  In that regard, it is necessary to have a minimum number of 4 for each such group.  If individuals are making up less than four wishes to undertake the route, the tour company will charge them the cost of the Guide, which will be divided among them.     

 

TOUR STRUCTURE

The tour company reserves the right to make changes to the structure of the tour program in advance of the tour start date where it considers it necessary to do so & will consult with the clients in advance. The circumstances where changes may be required may include weather conditions, flight/airport connection changes, cost increases of hotels, transport, guides or such other events that are material to the company not incurring a financial loss.

  

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 are not the 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 Majure, 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.