Walking the Picos de Europa

8 days
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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...
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$2,525
From$1,870
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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 transportN/A
Start CityArenas de Cabrales
End CityArenas de Cabrales

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Spain

Activities

  • Hiking

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
05 Apr 2025
12 Apr 2025
$1,870
$2,245
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

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.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Walking The Picos De Europa - INCREDIBLE!

A definitely must- see/do trip! Each day you see the most incredible and breath taking views! Overall it is one of my favourite holidays, thanks to the wonderful to...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

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...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

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

Provided byExodus Travels

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

Provided byExodus Travels

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...

Write a Review

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Very professional organisation

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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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 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.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels 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
  • Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Hotel Torrecerredo)
  • Five days centre-based walking; one free day
  • Group normally 4 to 15, plus local leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Altitude maximum 7,264ft (2,214m); average: 3,281ft (1,000m)
  • Challenging departures available on selected dates
  • Reasonable fitness required
  • Option to travel by train to your adventure
Trip ID
exodus-TSQ

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