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Ratings Explained
Trip Rating
8 days (begins and ends in Oviedo)
6 days moderate to strenuous hiking on varied, sometimes rocky, terrain (maximum elevation 8,300'); Optional rock scrambling
7 nights hotels or paradors
2008
Jul 06-Jul 13
Sep 21-Sep 28
2009
May 31-Jun 07
Jul 05-Jul 12
Sep 20-Sep 27
Can be done back-to-back with Spain: Across the Pyrenees.
2008 Prices
$3045 (2-16 members)
$700 single supplement

2009 Prices
TBA


SPAIN: Hiking the Picos de Europa

Views of the Picos de Europa in Spain.

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The Picos de Europa, a mountain range soaring to nearly 9,000 feet just 20 miles from the Atlantic coast, is an area of impressive limestone spires, cavernous gorges, and rugged trails that lead to isolated villages untouched by the hand of time. This is an unexpected - and totally captivating - side of Spain (you won't find castanets or flamenco music here!). But you will find beautiful mountains with challenging trails and an enchanting Celtic culture that's a world away from the rest of Spain.

Our unique itinerary is exclusive, and you'll see it all through the eyes of our own native son Erik Perez, who loves introducing hikers to places that mean the world to him. Besides enjoying the local culture and hiking the mountain trails, you can also try some optional rock climbing under his caring, expert tutelage. Erik is one of the finest guides you'll find anywhere - just ask anyone who's been on one of his trips!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Challenging hikes in a hidden corner of Spain with comfortable lodging each night (including a parador)
  • Explore ancient mountain villages accessible only by foot
  • Witness the rich Asturian culture that includes ancient Spanish and Celtic traditions
  • Discover the delights of sidra (a local fermented apple drink), fine Spanish wines, and locally made Cabrales cheese


map of route taken on our Hiking the Picos de Europa adventure. Itinerary: Hiking Picos de Europa, Spain

Day 1 - Meet in Oviedo, Spain, and transfer to a beautiful parador near Cangas de Onis, home of King Pelayo, who started the Christian reconquest of Spain in the 8th century.

Day 2 - Warm-up hike, with an optional ascent of Peña Santa de Enol (8,000') for views of an ocean of saw-toothed peaks. Visit the neo-Romanesque basilica of Covadonga before returning to Cangas de Onis.

Day 3 - Hike across a pass to Valdeon, a valley between the two large massifs of the Picos de Europa.

Day 4 - Hike through the dramatic Cares Gorge and then up to Bulnes, a town reached only by foot. Continue across an open valley to Sotres.

Day 5 - Hike across the central massif of the Picos, ascending rocky trails to the base of several limestone peaks. Optional scramble up Pico Tesorero (8,300'). Descend to a well-appointed mountain hotel in Aliva.

Day 6 - Hike through local villages or optional scramble up Pico de la Padiorna (7,500').

Day 7 - Return hike through the Duje River Valley to Sotres. Drive to seaside Ribadesella and view the Paleolithic rock art at the caves of Tito Bustillo.

Day 8 - Transfer to Oviedo and depart.



Detailed Itinerary - SPAIN: Hiking the Picos de Europa

1. Download detailed itinerary in a PDF format
2008 Detailed Itinerary


(PDF files require that you have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. This program can be downloaded for free from the Adobe Website.)

2. Or email us your itinerary request at sales@mtsobek.com

3. Or call us at 1-888-831-7526 (USA and Canada) or (510) 594-6000

We’ll email you a copy (Word or Acrobat document), fax, or mail you the itinerary as you prefer.
For more information and reservations, please contact:

Mountain Travel Sobek
1266 66th Street, Suite 4
Emeryville, CA 94608 USA
Toll Free (USA and Canada): 1-888-831-7526
Phone: +1-510-594-6000
Fax: + 1-510-594-6001
Email: info@mtsobek.com




Photo Credits
©Camilla Hvalsoe (MTS guide); ©Frank S. Balthis/MTS