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Las Alpujarras Independent Walking Tours
Southern Spain
Spain
The Sierra Nevada, Spain is an amazing place being the highest massif in Europe outside the Alps. On the southern slopes of this great mountain range lies the valleys of Las Alpujarras; a hidden treasure of Andalucia that is full of culture and wildlife and is ideal for walking holidays and wildlife holidays. With a wonderful climate throughout the year, we offer a wide range of seasonal walking and trekking experiences for all fitness levels.
March to June brings the bloom of many beautiful wild flowers and fabulous walking at both high and low levels, July and August are the hottest time of the year but one of the best times to set your sights on Mulhacen and other stunning high level treks. September to November brings the autumn colors and again allows for both high level and low level walking holidays. December to February is stunning with bright blue skies against a wintery backdrop of the snow-covered mountains of the Sierra Nevada allows for fabulous low level walking holidays. Also, through February to March, the almond groves are full of purple, pink and white blossom and Ibex can be seen throughout the year.
Whichever season and level of walking you choose, we cover the whole region using the best routes and walks that cater for an extraordinary walking holiday.
We have chosen these beautiful areas for their great walking routes, outstanding wildlife and amazing landscapes. We cater for small groups and individual walking and wildlife holidays. Any level of walking can be undertaken from strenuous trekking up to the amazing 3000 meter Ridge and Spain's highest peak, Mulhacen in the Sierra Nevada, to ambling through the beautiful, tranquil white washed villages of Las Alpujarras.
The independent (self guided) Walking Holidays are fully catered - all you do is walk from one inn to the next with detailed maps and route descriptions ... we arrange your accommodations, transfer your luggage and are available 24/7 should the need arise.
These trips are also available as guided tours on set dates or for groups of 6+. We pride ourselves on our excellent hospitality and skill for catering for every individual's and groups needs. We strive to make our walking and wildlife holidays include everything you need for a memorable holiday, with our fantastic walking and guiding through breathtaking landscapes laced with fabulous wildlife and flora, great food, accommodation and company.
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Rates include:
7 nights accommodations, breakfasts and dinners, luggage transfers from hotel to hotel, a packed walk pack with everything you need, clear and descriptive walk notes, clearly marked maps, guide books about the areas history, flora and fauna. 24hr assistance if needed.
| A | 2012 | 8 days La Taha&Trevelez - Easy Route | 8d / 7n | €545 | $730 |
| Single supplement | €90 | $125 |
| 3.000 meter Ridge guided walk supplement pp (min 2) | €45 | $60 |
| Guided Trip Supplement | €100 | $135 |
| B | 2012 | 8 days Alpujarra Valley - Moderate Route | 8d / 7n | €545 | $730 |
| Single supplement | €90 | $125 |
| 3.000 meter Ridge guided walk supplement pp (min 2) | €45 | $60 |
| Guided Trip Supplement | €100 | $135 |
| C | 2012 | 8 days Sierra Nevada&Alpujarras - Altitude Route | 8d / 7n | €545 | $730 |
| Single supplement | €90 | $125 |
| 3.000 meter Ridge guided walk supplement pp (min 2) | €45 | $60 |
| Guided Trip Supplement | €100 | $135 |
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Transfer from Malaga or Granada, per group (1-5) with return
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
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€
100
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$135
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If you would like to make your own way to the start point of your self guided walking holiday then the local bus company is at www.alsa.es , it is a reliable and good service or if you wish to hire a car then we use www.amigoautos.com which we have found the best price comparison site around.
Trips are available any time with a minimum of 2 hikers.
Guided trip options are available at set dates. Check Itinerary.
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Rates do not include:
Lunches, airport transfers, Granada & Alhambra excursion (to be taken on a nominated free day) costs 35 Euro per person and includes ticket to Alhmabra (min 2 people)
Sample Itinerary (Option B)
Day 1 After being met at the Airport we transfer to Capileira, Hotel Finca los llanos.
Day 2 Hotel –Villages of the Poquiera Gorge 5-6 hours
We will walk from the hotel and descend to the river below Capileira and carry on don the river to the lowest of the villages, Pampaniera. From here we follow the Gr7 up to Bubion before carrying back to Capileira.
Day 3 Capileira - Trevelez 18km 6-8 hours
Walking from the hotel we walk from the Poqueira Gorge over to la Taha and on into the rio Trevelez valley. Taking in the beautiful views of the Sierra Nevada behind us and the Contraviesa in front. We walk through varying landscapes before finally coming to Trevelez.
Day 4 Siete Lagunas 7-8 hrs
A high mountain walk using the track that goes to Mulhacen (the highest peak in mainland Spain). A hard but thoroughly rewarding walk, with great views and an amazing sense of wilderness. The Siete Lagunas is the glaciation cirque defined by Loma del Mulhacen and the Alcazaba.
Day 5 Free Day Or Trip to Granada and the Alhambra A visit to the Alambra and then to the moorísh baths for pampering, if you wish(30 Euro extra) or just some free time in the historic city of Granada, eating, drinking and shopping.(35 Euros)
Day 6 Trevelez - Alquiera de Morayma 19km 6-8 hrs
A great walk from Trevelez all the way down into the Cadiar Valley, walking through Juviles, Timar and Lobras before finally coming to the beautiful hotel of Alquiera de Morayma. Our base for the next two nights.
Day 7 3000 meter ridge walk 5-6 hours
Drive up to 2650 meters, where we leave the vehicles and descend to Acequia Berchules, which we follow whilst enjoying the amazing views of Mulhacen and the Trevelez valley. We continue up a narrow valley to the spectacular 3000 meter ridge before following another ridge back through Plaza de los Lobos and back to the vehicles. A stunning walk with plenty of chance to see herds of Ibex.
Farewell Drinks
Day 8 Transfer to Airport
--- only a sample itinerary ... each trip can be customized for your Fitness Level
Self guided trip are available all year.
Guided option dates for 2011:
Level: Itinerary: Dates:
HIGH Alpujarras & Sierra Nevada Sept 17
MEDIUM Alpujarras & Sierra Nevada Oct 5
LOW Las Alpujarras Valley Walk Oct 15
MEDIUM Autumn Walking Special Oct 29
Guided option dates for 2012:
Level: Itinerary: Dates:
HIGH Alpujarras & Sierra Nevada May 26, June 23
MEDIUM Alpujarras & Sierra Nevada April 7, May 12, Sept 8
LOW Las Alpujarras Valley Walk Feb 23, March 23, April 21, May 19, June 9, Sept 29
MEDIUM Autumn Walking Special Oct 20
A. Easy Walking Route
Las Alpujarras Valley Walk
A leisurely walking itinerary which gives the walker a great taste of the region and stays in some beautiful hotels. This week takes in the beautiful la taha region for two days before transferring to Trevelez the highest village in Spain and famous for its air cured ham, and the lesser walked area around Berchules and Cadiar.
This itinerary has some transfers involved to keep the walking distances down.
A free day in Berchules.
Length of walking per day
6km - 14km about 4-8 hours of easy walking with no steep ascents or descents.
Paths are all well walked and easy to navigate.
No walking experience necessary.
Route of walk
2 Nights in Mecina - 1 Night in Trevelez - 2 Nights in Berchules - 2 Nights in Cadiar
B. Moderate Walking Route
Las Alpujarras Walk
Walk from one end of the valley taking in some of the best bits of the Alpujarran valley.
Starting in the stunning Poquiera gorge before walking to la taha region and onto to Trevelez before a long walk to Cadiar.
This itinerary allows you to spend two nights in each hotel, one day walking and returning to the hotel and the next day walking to the next hotel.
A Free day in Trevelez.
Length of walking days
12 km - 19 km about 4 - 9 hours of easy to medium walking.
Some walking experience would be beneficial.
Route of walk
2 Nights in Capileira - 2 Nights in Mecina - 2 Nights in Trevelez - 1 Night in Cadiar
C. High Altitude Walks
Sierra Nevada & Las Alpujarras
Walk up to the Sierra Nevada and Mulhacen before descending into the more tranquil alpujarras.
A great walking week for those that want to get right up into the Sierra Nevada and experience its beautiful wilderness and also get to walk in the tranquil valleys of Las Alpujarras.
Length of walking days
All walks are at least 6-10 hours in length and are of a medium to hard in walking ability.
Paths can be steep and rough.
Walking experience essential.
Route of Walk
2 Nights in Capileira - 1 Night in Poquiera Refugio - 2 Nights in Trevelez - 2 Nights in Cadiar
add on: 3.000 meter Ridge
If you want walk at altitude and experience the Sierra Nevada ridge and its stunning scenery and wildlife, then you can include the 3000 metre ridge into your itinerary.
The walk can be from 9km to 16km in length and we can do the walks at anytime of year, weather depending. The 9km is not a difficult walk but you will be walking at altitude all day which does make your body work that bit harder. The 16km walk is harder but not there are no long steep ascents or descents, as we have gained the altitude by vehicle.
The cost is ~45 Euro per person, based on two people with lunch provided.
The walk is guided by one of our guides and involves a 1 hour 4X4 transfer to the start point which is the highest point in the Sierra Nevada you can get a vehicle.
add on: Granada & the Alhambra
A visit to this region of Spain would not be complete without a day in the historic city of Granada and a trip to the amazing Alhambra palace. All our guided week itineraries include a free day where this cultural day out with tickets to the Alhambra can be taken for 35 euro.
We can organize a relaxing couple of hours in the Arab baths for 40 euro or you could explore the rambling streets and bazaars of the Albacin or simply sit and enjoy the historic surroundings with a refreshing drink drink and tapas.Granada & Alhambra Excursion (to be taken on a nominated free day) 35 Euro inc ticket to Alhambra per person (min 2 people)
Meeting:
Narila
Airport:
Malaga, Granada
Transfer:
Malaga or Granada
If you would like to make your own way to the start point of your self guided walking holiday then the local bus company is at www.alsa.es , it is a reliable and good service or if you wish to hire a car then we use www.amigoautos.com which we have found the best price comparison site around.
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Itineraries are available for all fitness levels. Dependent on the level you choose (low, medium or hjgh) you will cover 12 to 19 km per day / 4 to 10 hours per day.
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Level:
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(2
to
3
out of 5) Easy to Moderate
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Sierra Nevada represents the highest massif in Europe after the Alps, with Mulhacen at 3482m is the highest peak in the Iberian peninsular.
The highest peaks can remain snow capped for the much of the year which is unusual seeing as its only 33km from the Mediterranean coast.
The Sierra Nevada, designated Andalucia's second national park in 1999 after Donana. Extends over a range of 2000km2, through the regions of Granada and Almeria.
History
The cultural interest of the region lies in its fifty-odd villages,
which were the last stronghold of the Spanish Muslims, or Moors. Soon
after the Castilians took Granada in 1492, all the city´s Moors were
forced to convert to Christianity. Those who refused took to the hills,
settling in this remote, inaccessible area. Constant pressure from the
Christians led to a bloody uprising, the morisco rebellion of 1568,
which was ruthlessly crushed , with the public execution of the leader,
Ben Humeya, in the main square of Granada. Soon there followed a royal
decree expelling from the Kingdom of Granada all people of Arab descent,
since the "new Christians", as the converts were called, were all
suspected of being "crypto-Muslims" in secret...The villages of the
Alpujarra were resettled with some 12,000 Christian families brought by
King Philip II from Galicia and Asturias in north-western Spain.
However, these unique hamlets have retained their traditional Berber
architecture - terraced clusters of grey-white box-shaped houses with
flat clay roofs - which is still common in the Rif and Atlas mountains
of Morocco
Our self guided holidays include:
Your choice of start and finish dates
Great hotel accommodation and food
Transport of luggage (hotel to hotel)
A packed walk pack with everything you need to enjoy your holiday.
Clear descriptive walk notes, clearly marked maps, guides about the areas history, flora and fauna
24hr assistance if needed.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.Note: EU nationals are onl. more
The climate is classified as Mediterranean, due to a dry period of about two months during the summer but also due to the gain in altitude and the southerly and northerly aspects several micro-climates can be found in the region. These micro climates coupled with altitude and the complex geological history lead to the formation of many different ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
The habitats found in this diverse region range from sub-desert, flower rich meadows, riverine systems and grazed pastures, oak woodland, pine woodland leading to cold deserts of sub-tundra and alpine like plateaus.
The stunning botanical biodiversity of the Sierra Nevada which boasts over 2000 species of plant of which over 80 are exclusive endemic species and over 300 endemic to the Iberian peninsular. Further to this the Sierra Nevada has over 100 endemic species of fauna. Moreover, the isolation of surrounding ecosystems there are undoubtedly more species yet to be discovered.
Flora And Fauna
Most of the Alpujarras falls within the Sierra Nevada National Park, which holds almost one third of the total flora of mainland Spain and with its climate range it is not surprising. There are over 50 species of wildflower, including the sandwort and the Nevada clover, the Nevada violet and the Sierra chamomile as well as more rare varieties, including the blue gentian. Spring is one of the best times to come walking in the Las Alpujarras if you have an interest in wildflowers. There is also a fantastic array of other wildlife to be seen, most notably the Cabra Montes, the Spanish ibex, seen on rocky outcrops, which is a common occurrence and great to see on any walk.
The seasons
We have been recording climate details since 2002: temperatures, humidity, sunlight, rainfall, windspeed and direction from the meteorological station situated among the fig trees above the driveway. There are 14 weather stations in Granada Province and if we examine the data it gives the lie to the well known saying “anything is possible in Granada” where on the same day in the same province one can enjoy temperatures of 20 degrees on the coast (Costa Tropical) and – 10 degrees in the Sierra Nevada.
Summer is the busiest season in the Alpujarra when the local population works and often lives on the land. In winter everyone is back in the village and returns to communal life. Spring and Autumn are intense with agricultural preparation and preoccupation. Most notable is the marked difference between the seasons, and the variety of human activity strongly tied to the demands of nature.
SPRING:
In March we start to feel the heat of the sun, the trees are in full bud and the scent of almond blossom still lingers: but it is said “Cuando marzo mayea, mayo marcea” when March is like May, May will be like March. The agricultural cycle starts again in earnest; weeding the broad bean seedlings, sowing potatoes, peas and pruning the vines.
The first swallows usually arrive around the 6 March with the warmer air, although in 2008 they came over a week later.
At the Alqueria the silk worms emerge around about el dia de San Jose (St Joseph’s Day), at the same time as the soft mulberry tree leaves, on which they feed, come out.
April sees the arrival of solitary bees, honey bees, lilies, and swifts, but in 2002 the swifts came unusually early on 18 February due to a very mild winter with almost no snow remaining in the Sierra.
In 2006 Spring seemed to have arrived on 8 March when the almond trees were in late full blossom so joining the plum trees in swathing the countryside in a sweet scented pink and white blanket of flowers.
By the beginning of April the headwater of the Guadalfeo river is noticeably diminished as water is taken off upstream to irrigate the recently planted seedlings.
SUMMER:
Summer starts with the first cherries. July, August and September is the hottest time of year when the bulk of the agricultural produce of the Alpujarra is collected; figs, tomatoes, almonds, grapes, walnuts, soft fruit, etc.
Wheat is threshed in August and the rye grass is sythed; chick peas and early potatoes are gathered. The grape harvest is in September – we pick in the early mornings and start pressing in the early evening after a hearty lunch.
The summer of 2003 was one of the hottest on record, on a couple of days the temperatures reached 38.5 degrees. Thankfully 2004 was cooler and wetter.
On 13 September, but sometimes later, the swallows depart, leaving behind their laboriously built nests – no matter that the mean temperatures are still as hot as Summer, nature tells them to go.
AUTUMN:
Autumn is the most spectacular season in the Alpujarra, when the leaves of the many poplars, maples, elms, chestnuts and vines at the Alqueria turn red, honey, gold and yellow. Sunsets are magnificent with their rich pink light.
Smoke is seen swirling from the chimney pots and folk sit around their hearths roasting chestnuts. But the kitchen gardens are still productive giving red and green peppers, tomatoes, aubergines, and pumpkins, strawberries and kiwifruits. There are green beans in the Sierra and and almonds on the dry lands.
When the soil releases its summer heat and combines with the fresh airs wafting down from the Sierra it produces a delightful sensation of enchantment in the golden air.
WINTER:
The first snowfalls are usually mid December. This year has been exceptional with three heavy snowfalls since the beginning of the year. The nearby Sierra Nevada directly opposite the Alqueria is still thickly covered.
In January we collect the olives which are then milled in our own press, and we plant garlics in the kitchen garden.
Some years the almond trees blossom in early January, as in 2003, but the flowers are usually at their most impressive mid to late February. The willows, elms and ash trees are now beginning to bud.
In March the first flowers start to come out, such as batchelors buttons, violets and purple flowering cabbage. Although not in 2003 which was cold and rainy, it even snowed at the Alqueria – although we took advantage of the wet to plant another hectare of vines as well as our annual planting of trees and shrubs.
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The hotels we use have been used by us for years and we use them because they are excellent quality with good comfortable en-suite rooms and great food. Swimmming pools are open from end of May till the beginning of September.
Alqueria de Morayma : A beautiful hotel based in Cadiar. It has been developed over the years keeping all the local architecture and building techniques. Excellent food with wine from there own vine yards. With swimming pool.
Hotel la Fragua : A traditional hotel based in Trevelez, the highest village in Spain. Excellent food in their own separate restaurant.
Hotel Mecina Fondales : A charming hotel based in the la taha region. Wonderful views and excellent rooms. With swimming pool.
Hotel Finca los llanos : A beautiful hotel in Capileira. Great rooms with views down the poquiera gorge. With swimming pool.
We also have use of a beautiful house in the small village of Narila. It has 3 en suite twin rooms, private kitchen, terrace, lounge.
It is only 10 mins walk from Cadiar where there are shops, bars and restaurants.
Food And Drink
The local specialties include freshly caught trout, beautiful goat and ewe cheeses, and with the area being so close to the Mediterranean sea, an abundance of fresh sea food. Also the dry cured hams,’jamon’, from the highest village in Spain, Trevelez, is a delicious and popular tapas.
Local wines are some of the best of the up and coming Spanish wines, with the hills of the Contraviesa covered in ‘copa’ vines. Any beer, wine or grape juice ‘mosto’ is served with excellent tapas, making each drink that little bit more special.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
|
Tack:
|
|
--
|
|
Horses:
|
|
--
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Itineraries are available for all fitness levels. Dependent on the level you choose (low, medium or hjgh) you will cover 12 to 19 km per day / 4 to 10 hours per day.
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2
to
3
out of 5) Easy to Moderate
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
10 riders
|
|
Sierra Nevada represents the highest massif in Europe after the Alps, with Mulhacen at 3482m is the highest peak in the Iberian peninsular.
The highest peaks can remain snow capped for the much of the year which is unusual seeing as its only 33km from the Mediterranean coast.
The Sierra Nevada, designated Andalucia's second national park in 1999 after Donana. Extends over a range of 2000km2, through the regions of Granada and Almeria.
History
The cultural interest of the region lies in its fifty-odd villages,
which were the last stronghold of the Spanish Muslims, or Moors. Soon
after the Castilians took Granada in 1492, all the city´s Moors were
forced to convert to Christianity. Those who refused took to the hills,
settling in this remote, inaccessible area. Constant pressure from the
Christians led to a bloody uprising, the morisco rebellion of 1568,
which was ruthlessly crushed , with the public execution of the leader,
Ben Humeya, in the main square of Granada. Soon there followed a royal
decree expelling from the Kingdom of Granada all people of Arab descent,
since the "new Christians", as the converts were called, were all
suspected of being "crypto-Muslims" in secret...The villages of the
Alpujarra were resettled with some 12,000 Christian families brought by
King Philip II from Galicia and Asturias in north-western Spain.
However, these unique hamlets have retained their traditional Berber
architecture - terraced clusters of grey-white box-shaped houses with
flat clay roofs - which is still common in the Rif and Atlas mountains
of Morocco
Our self guided holidays include:
Your choice of start and finish dates
Great hotel accommodation and food
Transport of luggage (hotel to hotel)
A packed walk pack with everything you need to enjoy your holiday.
Clear descriptive walk notes, clearly marked maps, guides about the areas history, flora and fauna
24hr assistance if needed.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/2 |
| USA |
No/2 |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Las Alpujarras Independent Walking Tours
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