Walking the Picos de Europa

8 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
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Small Group Tour
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 fami...
$2,525
From$1,870
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

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

What's this trip about?

    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. Discover a hiker’s paradise in northern Spain, where golden eagles soar among towering mountains 

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 15 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityArenas de Cabrales
End CityArenas de Cabrales

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

Activities

  • Hiking

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 15

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, five picnic lunches and six dinners
    • All accommodation

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Arenas de Cabrales

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

Day 2 Visit the Arenas de Cabrales valley; pastures of Vanu and spectacular views – Level 3 (Moderate) departure

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...

Day 3 Ascent to Pandescura peak with superb views of the western massif – Level 3 (Moderate) departure

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...

Day 4 Classic Cares Gorge walk, one of the most popular trails in Spain – Level 3 (Moderate) departure

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...

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

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

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

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 ...

Day 8 End Arenas de Cabrales

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.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,870
Price per day$234
Last Updated: 5/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
19 Apr 2025
26 Apr 2025
$1,870
$2,245
03 May 2025
10 May 2025
$1,870
$2,245
10 May 2025
17 May 2025
$1,870
$2,245
17 May 2025
24 May 2025
$1,870
$2,245
24 May 2025
31 May 2025
$1,870
$2,245
31 May 2025
07 Jun 2025
$1,870
$2,245
07 Jun 2025
14 Jun 2025
$1,870
$2,245
14 Jun 2025
21 Jun 2025
$1,870
$2,245
28 Jun 2025
05 Jul 2025
$1,870
$2,245
05 Jul 2025
12 Jul 2025
$1,945
$2,320

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Exodus Adventure Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,502
Great
3,265
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
190
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Wonderful holiday

The Picos are a beautiful part of Spain, lush and green with limestone peaks and very quiet. Apart from on the gorge walk we saw very few people when we were walki...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Picos de Europs - Stunning Scenery

This was a week in the hills that I will never forget! The scenery was absolutely stunning - every day different - and we got marvellous views on all the walks, wh...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

A hidden gem

These mountains are not well known outside Spain but are well worth a visit. Verdant valleys of trees and meadows give way to dramatic and soaring limestone peaks....

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Spectacular limestone scenery

This was a very interesting walking holiday with spectacular views, wildlife, flora and fauna. The trails took us into some very quiet valleys away from the main t...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

A refreshing trip

A very well organized trip and very good value for money. The scenery was breathtaking Our group leader was very professional and friendly Do make sure you under...

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Other Exodus Adventure Travels Reviews

S

Sheila Bissell

Apr 2025

Written on
Exodus Adventure Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Adventure Travels

Excellent service

Excellent service

R

Roger hil

Apr 2025

Written on
Exodus Adventure Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Adventure Travels

Roger

They were very helpful, polite and knowledgeable

G

Gill Barber

Apr 2025

Written on
Exodus Adventure Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Adventure Travels

Quick invoice receipt sent...prompt

Quick invoice receipt sent...prompt, good service

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Visas and vaccinations
    • Single supplement

Accommodation

5 days centre-based walking; 1 free day Altitude maximum 2214m, average 1500m Reasonable fitness required Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader. Min age 16 yrs Special challenging departures available 7 nights at the family-run Hotel Torrecerredo All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches and 6 dinners included
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.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Adventure Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

Period before departure in which you notify us

From the date your Booking Confirmation is issued up to, and including, 90 days prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.

  • 89 to 52 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
  • 51 to 31 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
  • 30 days or less prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation, or after the booking has started

Cancellation charge

Deposit can be transferred to a new booking which must be made within 3 months of the date the original booking was cancelled, and depart within 12 months of the new booking date. If a new booking is not made within this period then the deposit will be forfeited. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.

  • 50% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
  • 75% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
  • 100% of the total holiday cost.

For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made:

Cancellation period (before departure) - Cancellation Fee (per person)

Outside of 180 days - No fee if cancelled within 15 days of booking date. US $1,250 cancellation fee if cancelled 16 days or more of booking date.

179 to 120 days - Loss of deposit.

119 to 90 days prior to departure - 50% of the holiday cost.

89 to 60 days prior to departure - 75% of the holiday cost. 

59 to 0 days prior to departure - 100% of the holiday cost.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of Exodus Adventure Travels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
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.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
exodus-TSQ

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