Picos da Europa

The first day is reserved for your excursion to the Picos de Europa National Park, where our trekking guide will be waiting for you. This trip is the responsibility of each traveler, but you can contact us if you are interested in shared transportation – see the FAQ for more details. After you have settled in, the guide will help you prepare the backpack that you will carry during the trek to ensure that you choose only the essential and recommended gear.

It is the day on which the crossing begins. In the morning we took the cable car up to the starting point of the hike. The green of the forests gives way to a rather barren mountain landscape. The first steps of this adventure follow a path surrounded by dizzying peaks and an inhospitable mountain landscape. We spend the day in the foothills of these peaks and then cross the heart of the Massif Central, the Urielles. We end at the refuge of Naranjo de Bulnes, also known as Urriellu, where we can watch climbers on the famous west face with more than 500 meters of altitude. Distance: 9 km (5 to 6 hours) Difference in altitude: 660 m positive + 550 m negative

After breakfast we continue our journey, now towards a greener landscape. We lose altitude and enter the valleys, through forests and pastures. The rock monoliths give way to a greener environment made up of forests and pastures. Bulnes is the most remote village in the Picos de Europa, which is not accessible by car but has nevertheless preserved a picturesque mountain landscape. We are welcomed there in a small hostel by Alfonso, who lets us taste a delicious chorizo a la cidre, accompanied by goat’s cheese and a glass of cider. Distance: 9 km (5 to 6 hours) Difference in altitude: 67 m positive + 1300 m negative

This is the most unique route of the entire crossing and it is no coincidence that it has become the most visited route in the Picos de Europa. The views over the valley carved into the rocks along the Cares river are unique and make this day’s hike quite different from the others. You finish this incredible hike in a small mountain village, Caín, which is less isolated, accessible by car and has other amenities such as a snack bar and a grocery store.
Distance: 15 km (5 to 6 hours)
Height difference: 350 m positive + 400 m negative

After two days in the valleys, we return to an alpine landscape. This is the high point of the crossing and also the moment that requires the greatest effort. The steep path takes us to one of the most remote places in the Picos de Europa, off the beaten track, which brings us into deeper contact with the mountain. We have completed the demanding climb, which rewards us with a place of legendary beauty and gives us the privilege of experiencing a magnificent sunset with the lights of the villages at our feet.

Distance: 5 km (6 to 8 hours)
Difference in altitude: 1089 m positive + 40 m negative

Last day of the trek, which takes us back to the starting point, Fuente Dé. It is a long and demanding descent that leads through rocky outcrops and alpine meadows. As the route draws to a close, you will feel the satisfaction of having surpassed yourself and having walked the impressive paths of the Picos.
Distance: 9 km (4 to 5 hours)
Difference in altitude: 281 m positive + 1090 m negative

Back in Potes, where the crossing is now complete, the journey comes to an end after the last breakfast together. Just as on the first day, each traveler is responsible for the return, now with the tranquility of the mountains in their memories.