Challenging hikes in a hidden corner of Spain

Explore another side of Spain on this trek through the Picos de Europa, a beautiful mountain range soaring to nearly 9,000 feet, 29 miles from the Atlantic coast. See impressive limestone spires, wander through cavernous gorges, and traverse rugged trails leading to villages accessible only by foot. You won't find castanets or flamenco in this unexpected side of Spain, but you will find challenging mountain trails, a rich Asturian culture combining ancient Spanish and Celtic traditions, and all under the guideance of native Asturian Erik Perez, who has been hiking these trails since his childhood. Erik is our 20+ year guide for this exclusive trip - no other company takes hikers on this itinerary - and his native expertise will initiate you into to a captivating landscape and a little known local culture.

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Activities

6 days moderate to strenuous hiking on varied, sometimes rocky, terrain (maximum elevation 8,300')

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Challenging hikes (with shorter, easier options on most days) in a hidden corner of Spain—the path less taken! (And an MTS exclusive!)
• Enjoy endless views of dramatic limestone spires, deep gorges, and lunar landscapes
• Explore ancient mountain villages accessible only by foot with comfortable lodging each night (including a parador)
• Discover the delights of sidra (a local fermented apple drink), fine Spanish wines, and locally made Cabrales cheese
• Witness the rich Asturian culture that includes ancient Spanish and Celtic traditions

Duration: 8 days Start Location: Oviedo End Location: Oviedo

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Oviedo, Spain

  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 : Posada de Valdeón

  Visit the neo-Romanesque basilica of Covadonga before returning to Cangas de Onis.

• Day 3 : Day hike

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

• Day 4 : Cares Gorge – Sotres

  Hike through the dramatic Cares Gorge and then up to Bulnes. Continue across an open valley to Sotres.

• Day 5 : Hike to Aliva

  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 : Aliva

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

• Day 7 : Ribadesella

  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 : Departure

  Transfer to Oviedo and depart. (The September departure can be done back-to-back with our Across the Pyrenees trip.)

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  Parador de Cangas de Onís

  Cangas de Onís

  Luxury four star hotel in a twelfth century monastery which was declared a National Monument in 1907
  This former monastery on the banks of the river Sella has been extended by a recent wing blending harmoniously with the architectural and constructional qualities.

  The Parador hotel, with its modern and comfortable installations, is the ideal place to admire the Asturian landscape. From here enjoy the characteristic fiestas, the ancestral folklore, and taste the best and most genuine of its rich gastronomic recipes.
  
  From this National Monument, the San Pedro de Villanueva Monastery, you can reach many wonders such as the Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe) range of mountains, the Covadonga Mountain and the nearby river Sella.

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  Hotel Cumbres de Valdeón

  Posada de Valdeón
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  Gran Hotel del Sella

  Ribadesella, Spain

  Situated right on the Santa Marina beach, the Gran Hotel del Sella is an open gallery to all the beautiful natural surroundings. The hotel is divided in two parts, reflecting Ribadesella's past and present. It has the prestige of its history as it was the former summer palace of the Marquises of Argüelles.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Erik Perez

  Erik was born and raised in Asturias, Region of Northern Spain, with the big range of Mountains called Picos de Europa and Cordillera Cantabrica. He is an accomplished climber (climbing Mont Blanc numerous times), backcountry and downhill skier. Erik has been with MTS since 1989 and has received his certification to be a IFMGA/UIAGM guide which is the highest professional award attainable in mountaineering. He has written two guidebooks on hikes and climbs in the Picos de Europa. Erik studied Humanities at the University of Oviedo, Capital city of Asturias and received a Masters degree in History.

photo credits: ©Tara Starr-Keddle