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Hiking in the Picos National Park
Asturias
Spain
Join us on a special self guided hiking trip in the Picos de Europa (Asturias Province) - it is the first Spanish National Park to receive this classification. Its origin dates back to 1918, when don Pedro Pidal, Marquis of Villaviciosa, helped establish the law to create Montaña de Covadonga National Park. Since 30 May 1935, it has been called Picos de Europa National Park.
The Picos de Europa National Park is the spectacular mountain range that runs across the North of Spain through the provinces of Cantabria and Asturias - a paradise of flower-filled meadows among limestone spires, of rushing rivers and deep gorges, of quiet woodlands and tiny mountain villages. The jutted limestone peaks reach to over 2000m in places, and the three massifs of the range are also crossed south to north by sparkling, mountain rivers taking the snow melt through lush, green meadows to the Cantabrian sea close by. The area is dotted by pretty villages – some of them still very isolated – and busy market towns. This is one of the most fascinating, and still largely undiscovered, mountainous destinations in Europe.
Our 8-day trip is based in the lush green province of Asturias, on the north side of the Picos. This active yet relaxing holiday provides an opportunity to explore an incredible variety of landscapes, doing easy or optionally more difficult day walks in the Eastern and Central Massifs.
Optional ascent to the mountain refuge at the famous Picu Urriellu, world-class climbing mecca.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
• Idyllic meadows, mysterious woodlands, wide glacier valleys, clear streams and stunning limestone formations, including the impressive Picu Urriellu.
• Accommodation at pleasant family-run hotels in authentic Spanish villages in beautiful natural settings. • Tasty regional cuisine made from the freshest local ingredients, including delicious Cabrales cheese and traditional apple cider.
• An itinerary easy to combine with extra nights on the beautiful Asturian coast or at city hotels in Bilbao, Oviedo or Gijón.
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Walking Tour
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Meeting:
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Arenas de Cabrales
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Airport:
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Oviedo (Asturias), Santander or Bilbao
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Transfer:
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
Accommodations, breakfast, 4 dinners, luggage transfers, transfers according to program, detailed route description, maps, 24-hr assitance by phone
| A | 2012 | 8 day self-guided hiking trip | 8d / 7n | €450 | $605 |
| Single supplement | €150 | $205 |
| Solo Traveler supplement (incl Single room) | €225 | $305 |
| B | 2012 | 8 day (Peak) self-guided hiking trip | 8d / 7n | €525 | $705 |
| Single supplement | €150 | $205 |
| Solo Traveler supplement (incl Single room) | €225 | $305 |
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Meeting is at the hotel in Arenas de Cabrales
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Tour Dates for 2012
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| A |
2012
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04/08
- 07/09
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8d / 7n
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8 day self-guided hiking tri...
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2
/10
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Reserve
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| B |
2012
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07/10
- 09/14
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8d / 7n
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8 day (Peak) self-guided hik...
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2
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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09/15
- 10/15
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8d / 7n
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8 day self-guided hiking tri...
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2
/10
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Reserve
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Available any day of the week from May to October
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Rates do not include:
Lunches, 3 dinners, Travel Insurance. Transfers from/ to the airport
Day 1 Arrival in Arenas de Cabrales
Settle into your comfortable hotel located in the centre of the village. Time to try the local cider on one of the terraces, or to visit Santa Maria de Llas Church of Romanesque origin. For walking gear or special food items, Arenas is an excellent place to do your shopping.
Day 2 Circular walk from Arenas
Ascent to the summer meadows of Nava, situated 500m above the Cares River with excellent views of the Picos. A strenuous but very rewarding walk, especially in early summer when the meadows display a multitude of brightly coloured flowers. Option of doing an alternative shorter walk through shady countryside at a lower elevation.
9,5km. 750m ascent and descent. 5,5 hours. OR 9,5km. 380m ascent and descent. 4 hours.
Day 3 From Arenas to Sotres de Cabrales
Short transfer to Tielve, one of the most authentic villages in this part of the Picos. Walk to Valfríu, where residents still produce the famous local blue cheese, Queso de Cabrales. Gradual ascent through a fairy-tale landscape of heather, old beech woods and streams to a pass at 1240m, then down to Sotres (1050m), one of the highest villages in the Picos de Europa.
9km, 575m ascent, 250m descent, 4 hours.
Day 4 Walk from Sotres through the Andara Massif
Circular walk through the Eastern Massif of Picos, an area exploited by mining industries in the 19th century. A limestone landscape of sharp ridges, deep depressions and bottomless shafts. Brightly coloured alpine flora among the rocks. Good chance of seeing chamoix, vultures and different types of eagles. Several options to shorten or extend your walk.
challenge:
12,5km. 550m ascent, 900m descent. 5 hours.
Day 5-6 Several walks from Sotres
Choose from among 4 different walks to do from Sotres, depending on the weather or your personal conditions and preferences. To the Vega de Urriellu mountain refuge and back, reaching an elevation of 2000m at the foot of the imposing Picu Urriellu. Through meadows and woods of the neighbouring village of Tresviso, where the very rare Urugallo, or local Capercaille, lives. Up to 1650m through an interesting glacier valley surrounded by sheep, horses and cattle, all closely watched by vultures. Or a quiet stroll along farming tracks near the hotel.
6 to 18,5km. 325m to 875m in ascent. 2,5 to 7 hours.
Day 7 From Sotres back to Arenas
Along farming tracks up to Pandebano Pass (at 1245m), leaving Sotres behind. Descent along an ancient footpath through natural meadows and low vegetation to Bulnes, a truly authentic mountain village accessible only on foot or by funicular railway (since 2001). Ride the train down through a tunnel to Poncebos or extend the walk through an impressive gorge where vultures nest. Taxi transfer from Poncebos to your hotel in Arenas. If the weather is not the best or you wish to rest your knees, taxi transfer to Poncebos in the morning to walk into the famous Cares Gorge. Return to Arenas by public bus or taxi.
11,5km. 335m ascent, 950m descent. 5,5 hours.
Day 8 End of program
After breakfast your arrangement ends.
Meeting:
Arenas de Cabrales
Airport:
Oviedo (Asturias), Santander or Bilbao
Train station:
Unquera or Llanes
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Walks of 4 - 5.5 hours, average ascent/descent of 550m (if you choose the easier walks) or 750m (if you opt for the more difficult routes)
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Level:
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(2
to
2.5
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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Trip Grade:
Walks of 4 - 5.5 hours, average ascent/descent of 550m (if you choose the easier walks) or 750m (if you opt for the more difficult routes)
Activity characteristics:
The hikes cover varied terrain following jeep tracks, wide paths, narrow footpaths and animal trails, with some steep ascents or descents. You will walk on gravel, loose rock, grass and dirt. When wet, paths may be muddy and slippery.
Extra Overnight:
Additional night/s can be booked at any of the accommodations along the way, at any other nearby destination, such as the cities of Oviedo, Gijón or Bilbao or at charming rural accommodations along the Asturian coast.
Picos de Europa National Park
The Picos de Europa consist of three important massifs that go by the names of the Eastern Massif or Andara, Central Massif or Urrielles and Western Massif or Cornión. The climate is characterized by humidity and constant rainfall, a fact that is determined by its proximity to the sea (barely 20 kilometres). The presence of snow is accentuated during the winter months, however, it is not unusual for there to be perpetual snow. The Park's special climate means that there are frequent fog banks, something that is greatly feared by mountaineers.
Type of area: Biosphere reserve, National park
Information
Area: 64.660 Hectares
Information for visits: Unrestricted access to the Park. There are Visitor Centres at Posada de Valdeón, Cangas de Onís and Buferrera. To get to the park take the Oviedo to Santander motorway (N-634) or, if coming from Riaño, take N-625 to Cangas de Onís.
Environmental information:
In Picos de Europa National Park, Spain's best Atlantic forest can be found. Beech, oak, hazel, maple, chestnut and walnut trees abound.... The valley is inhabited by numerous species of animals, from wild boars, roe deer, wolves and several bears, a multitude of small birds (robins, coal tits or black woodpeckers), and even the emblematic capercaillie.
Cultural information:
The Picos de Europa spread over three provinces: Asturias, Cantabria and León. They are areas in which you can enjoy excellent cultural tourism. For example, in the district of Liébana (in Cantabria province, but bordering Asturias and León) you can visit the churches of Sant María de Bedbana and Santa María de Piasca and Santo Toribio de Liébana
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 summer weather from mid June until mid September is usually excellent with midday temperatures in the high 20s although it can rain.
Vegetation and Flora of the Picos de Europa .
Just below the limestone in the drier areas, forests of beech and ancient holm oak predominate while lower down ash, lime and Pyrenean oak are the more common tree species. Hillsides of scrub or "monte"are crisscrossed by networks of ancient tracks A hugely varied and rich variety of flora is to be found in the Picos, many of which are endemic to Northern Spain . As the snows melt on the alpine pastures, the first spring flowers appear including three species of narcissi, Narcissus bulbocodium, Narcissus triandrus and Narcissus asturiensis along with spring gentians, Gentiana verna , later giving way to an abundance of alpine plants such as saxifrages, flaxes and stonecrops. The area is home to over forty species of orchid. Thanks to centuries-old land management practices, the lower hay meadows are awash with flowers in spring. In these are found the majority of orchid species such as the first early purples, Orchis mascula , and pyramidal orchids, Anacamptis pyramidalis. A subspecies of black vanilla orchid, Nigritella angustifolia and pasque flowers, in particular Pulsatilla rubra, are examples of rarer flowers to be found at high altitudes.
Mammals of Picos de Europa
Of the mammalian species found in these jagged limestone peaks, the most symbolic is the endemic sub species of chamois the Rebeco ( Rupicapra rupicapra parva ). In fact a bovine species, these agile goat-like athletes can be regularly seen leaping around the precipitous rock. Snow voles (Topillo nival ) are less obvious, though their mounds of earth left from tunnelling are evident in the high pastures. Brown bears still cross the Picos occasionally on their passage between the enclaves in the Cordillera Cantábrica, (see Ski station threat to brown bears). Grey wolves ( Canis lupus (signatus) ) continue to roam in search of prey including red and roe deer. Other noteworthy species found in the Picos include wildcat, Eurasian badger, genet, wild boar and various bats.
Birds of Picos de Europa
Over 160 species of bird have been recorded in the Picos. Raptors include large populations of Griffon vulture ( Gyps fulvus ), aided in their existence by feeding stations set up by conservation groups while lammergeier ( Gypaetus barbatus) are being encouraged to return from the Pyrenees . Egyptian vultures ( Neophron percnopterus ) are summer visitors. Of eagle species, there are a few pairs of resident Golden ( Aquila chrysaetus ) , joined by Bonellis' ( Hieraaetus fasciatus ), Booted ( Hieraaetus pennatus ) and Short-toed ( Circaetus gallicus ) in summer. Common buzzards are abundant. Among other species of interest are eagle owl ( Bubo bubo ), capercaillie ( Tetrao urogallus (cantabricus) ), black woodpecker ( Dryocopus martius ) and wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria).
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Lodging is in two comfortable family-run hotels. Spacious rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Tasty regional food served at breakfast and dinner.
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Tack:
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--
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Horses:
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|
--
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Pace:
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Walks of 4 - 5.5 hours, average ascent/descent of 550m (if you choose the easier walks) or 750m (if you opt for the more difficult routes)
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2
to
2.5
out of 5) Easy to Moderate
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|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
10 riders
|
|
Trip Grade:
Walks of 4 - 5.5 hours, average ascent/descent of 550m (if you choose the easier walks) or 750m (if you opt for the more difficult routes)
Activity characteristics:
The hikes cover varied terrain following jeep tracks, wide paths, narrow footpaths and animal trails, with some steep ascents or descents. You will walk on gravel, loose rock, grass and dirt. When wet, paths may be muddy and slippery.
Extra Overnight:
Additional night/s can be booked at any of the accommodations along the way, at any other nearby destination, such as the cities of Oviedo, Gijón or Bilbao or at charming rural accommodations along the Asturian coast.
Picos de Europa National Park
The Picos de Europa consist of three important massifs that go by the names of the Eastern Massif or Andara, Central Massif or Urrielles and Western Massif or Cornión. The climate is characterized by humidity and constant rainfall, a fact that is determined by its proximity to the sea (barely 20 kilometres). The presence of snow is accentuated during the winter months, however, it is not unusual for there to be perpetual snow. The Park's special climate means that there are frequent fog banks, something that is greatly feared by mountaineers.
Type of area: Biosphere reserve, National park
Information
Area: 64.660 Hectares
Information for visits: Unrestricted access to the Park. There are Visitor Centres at Posada de Valdeón, Cangas de Onís and Buferrera. To get to the park take the Oviedo to Santander motorway (N-634) or, if coming from Riaño, take N-625 to Cangas de Onís.
Environmental information:
In Picos de Europa National Park, Spain's best Atlantic forest can be found. Beech, oak, hazel, maple, chestnut and walnut trees abound.... The valley is inhabited by numerous species of animals, from wild boars, roe deer, wolves and several bears, a multitude of small birds (robins, coal tits or black woodpeckers), and even the emblematic capercaillie.
Cultural information:
The Picos de Europa spread over three provinces: Asturias, Cantabria and León. They are areas in which you can enjoy excellent cultural tourism. For example, in the district of Liébana (in Cantabria province, but bordering Asturias and León) you can visit the churches of Sant María de Bedbana and Santa María de Piasca and Santo Toribio de Liébana
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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Hiking in the Picos National Park
Tour Code:
ZZ-HKSPPICO
8 days /
7 nights
~$605.00
Dates :
April to October
Level :
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
--
Horses:
--
Pace:
Walks of 4 - 5.5 hours, average ascent...
Airport:
Oviedo (Asturias), Santander or Bilbao
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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