Enjoy an incredible journey in Picos de Europa, Spain crossing the Central Massif while staying in cozy mountain huts!
We start the trip in Asturias (this trip can also start from Santiago de Compostela or Madrid) in Puente Poncebos, between the central and western Massif crossing the Cares Valley. We will ascend to Urrieles through Cordiñales enjoying beautiful places like Jermoso Col, Puertos de Avila and Vega de Urriello, where the famous Naranjo de Bulnes is located. We will finish the tour in the picturesque village of Bulnes.
This incredible trek is the best way to enjoy Picos de Europa, its staggering peaks and awe-inspiring geological contrasts.
NOTE: This itinerary can also be done based from a single hotel and doing day hikes. Contact us for more details.
OVERVIEW:
- Day 1: Puente Poncebos – Cares Route – Caín – Cordiñanes (D)
- Day 2: Cordiñanes – Jermoso Col hut (BD)
- Day 3: Jermoso Col hut – Hotel Refugio de Aliva (BD)
- Day 4: Hotel Refugio de Aliva – Vega de Urriellu hut (BD)
- Day 5: Vega de Urriellu hut – Bulnes – Puente Poncebos (B)
DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1: Puente Poncebos – Cares Route – Caín – Cordiñanes (D)
Start of the trekking. There is nothing like starting our trip in one of the most famous routes in Picos de Europa: The Cares Route. It is a deep gorge with huge limestone walls eroded by the force of the river.
Distance: 13 km. Elevation gain +600 m. – 100 m descent. Time: 5 hours
Meals included: Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mountain Hut/ Hiker’s Inn
Day 2: Cordiñanes – Jermoso Col hut (BD)
We will ascend through Canal de Asotín to reach Jermoso Col. The Friero Tower (2440 m) will accompany us in our ascent and the amazing views will compensate our effort.
Distance: 7 km. Elevation gain +1.200 m. – 50 m descent. Time: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mountain Hut/ Hiker’s Inn
Day 3: Jermoso Col hut – Hotel Refugio de Aliva (BD)
We will move towards Colladinas, Llagu Cimero, south of Madejuno Tiro Llagu passing through Vega Liordes. We will flank the top of Fuente Dé to reach the southern Wall of Peña Olvidada and Peña Vieja.
Distance: 12 km. Elevation gain + 700 m. – 800 m descent. Time: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mountain Hut/ Hiker’s Inn
Day 4: Hotel Refugio de Aliva – Vega de Urriellu hut (BD)
Leaving this landscape of Green pastures we will ascent towards Horcados Rojos to contemplate the rocky landscape, a desert of rocks, chasm and sumps which will guide us to Vega Urriellu. From this point we could see the west and north face of the Naranjo de Bulnes, and we could enjoy the good atmosphere of hikers and climbers that take place in this emblematic place. If there is snow in Horcajos Rojos we could decide to pass through a more accessible col.
Distance: 11 km. Elevation gain +800 m. – 500 m descent. Time: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mountain Hut/ Hiker’s Inn
Day 5: Vega de Urriellu hut – Bulnes – Puente Poncebos (B)
We will finish the route descending towards the village of Bulnes, which can only be reached by foot or by rail from Puente Poncebos. End of the trip.
Elevation gain + 50 m. – 1.300 m descent. Time: 5 hours
**Should arrive in Bulnes by 3PM-4PM.
Meals included: Breakfast
This trip combines amazingly well with the following Camino de Santiago itineraries:
Want to book your next Spain adventure? Contact us!
Your friendly Spain expert,
Gretchen