Trekking in Picos de Europa. The Circular Route of Central Massif 5 Days
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Place
Picos de Europa, Asturias España
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Duration
5 days
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Season
Summer
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Level
***
⤤See table
Scheduled departures
GALLERY
THE TRIP
Exploring Spain presents a 5 days circular tour in Picos de Europa crossing the Central Massif, also called Urrieles.
The Picos de Europa are a big secret for mountaineers from outside Spain. And we want it to keep it that way… Because as travellers and mountaineers, we have the greatest respect and affection for the principality of Asturias and the mighty mountains that are Picos.
This trek will take you to one of the most spectacular alpine landscapes of the Cantabrian Mountains. Where between dramatic limestone landforms, you will find verdant green meadows, and the echoes of a rural life reluctant to disappear.
First, we want you to relax in the beautiful village of Arenas de Cabrales, one of the main entrances to the Picos de Europa. Here you will be able to confirm the delights of the famous Asturian cuisine in a traditional “sidrería”, and of course, to rest before the mountain days that await us.
It was in 1918 that Picos de Europa was first declared National Park, the first in Spain, and one of the first natural protected areas in the world. Since then, the National Park has grown to cover 67.000 hectares distributed between Asturias, Cantabria and León.
Our itinerary follows valleys, gorges, crags and mountain passes, with villages, refuges, and the Cantabrian Sea to be seen from the highest points… And a trek where we promise an exhilarating experience in one of the most beautiful terrains of the Spanish mountains.
As the icing on the cake, once we have finished the trek, we visit the beautiful and picturesque town of Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the medieval old town and its Gothic cathedral, and to enjoy the gourmet gastronomy that waits for you at specially selected restaurants. On your return, all we ask is that you keep our secret of the wonderful Picos de Europa…
THE DESTINATION
Picos de Europa is a fantastic limestone massif next to the Cantabrian Sea, that spreads across Asturias, Cantabria and Castilla y León. They were the first European land that sailors used to see when they were returning from America in the past, and therefore its name Picos de Europa.
To tell the truth, Picos de Europa or just “Picos”, is not just one massif but three: The western massif or Cornión, the central massif or the Urrieles and the southern massif or Ándara.
It is in Urrieles where we find the highest peaks of Picos de Europa. Torre de Cerredo or Torrecerréu (2.650 m) is the roof of Picos and Naranjo de Bulnes or Picu Urriellu (2.519 m) the most emblematic peak, specially its spectacular west face, that plays a main role in the history of the Spanish alpinism.
Regarding the other two massifs, Cornión is the biggest one in extension highlighting Torre Santa or Peña Santa de Castilla (2.596 m), and Ándara is the modest one in height and extension, with Morra de Lechugales (2.444 m) being its highest peak.
MORE INFORMATION
Equipment required
It is important to carry little weight in the backpack to walk comfortably, so it is recommended to take only the essential material and clothing. Each day you may wash some laundry by hand and you do not have to carry food. We will inform you so you backpack weighs no more than 6-8 kilos.
- Backpack (between 30-40 liters).
- Trekking boots or shoes depending on the trekking.
- Folding trekking poles.
- Clothing:
- Socks.
- Long and short trekking pants
- Thermal shirt (first layer). A spare change.
- Fleece jacket or similar (second layer).
- Gore-Tex type jacket and pants (third layer).
- Primaloft jacket or light down insulated jacket.
- Fleece, light type of gloves.
- Hat and cap.
- Sunglasses.
- Head lamp (extra batteries).
- Travel liner sleeping bag and very light towel.
- Water bottle or water bag Camelback type of minimum capacity 1 litter.
- First aid kit and essential toiletries.
- Sunscreen and protection lip balm.
- Camera.
In the event there is snow crampons and ice axes should be necessary.
Notes
- No need to take sleeping bag though silk or cotton bivvy bags are required.
- A good physical condition and being used to walk in the mountain is required to confront the demanding slopes.
- It is recommended to bring very little food since it can be purchased in the accommodation of in the towns along the way.
- The selected accommodations may undergo some changes depending on the availability when reservations are made and according to the booking and cancellation conditions.
Date Flexibility
Aside from the regular travel trip dates, we are flexible to reconsider new dates if those are more convenient to the client’s leisure plans. Do not hesitate to contact us should you have any different dates in mind.
Time and meeting point
One week prior to the trip departure date, an email will be sent to each participant to give away the meeting point and time along with the guide contact information. At this point any information considered essential to the trip organization will be shared.
Plane tickets (if applicable)
If case you wish us to handle you plane ticket, please contact us with airport arrival and departure details and number of needed luggage. Before issuing any ticket, Price and details Will be send to the client for its approval.
Muntania fee for plane ticket management is 20€ per person.
If, otherwise, you handle your plane tickets, please coordinate with us before hand to check on arrival and departure information.
Please take into consideration getting with you on your carry-on luggage some set of clothing in case of checked luggage lose.
Trekking Backpack
Very important to carry out just indispensable material and clothing to walk at ease. You would not need to take food supplies and clothing can be hand-wash daily. We recommend backpack weight between 6 to 10 kg.
Insurance policy
This activity includes a basic insurance policy; however, we highly recommend to add, for wider coverage, an extra specific travel policy. This extra policy can be contracted exclusively for the activity dates or annually (flexible starting coverage date), covering not just Muntania Outdoors trips but any other sport activity you may carry out throughout the year.
Extra insurance coverage with cancellation option, will allow you or a family member, in case of incident, to get back the total paid amount (or a percentage if you are already travelling) either for plane tickets or any trip service you might have hired. Moreover, through this coverage home return expenses will be taken care of.
Intermundial insurance company is our supplier for extra coverage insurances; thanks to the signed agreement between parties, Muntania gets to offer lower prices than handling directly with them. The travel insurance with cancellation option offered by Muntania will covered up to 900€ for national trips and 2000€ for abroad travel. In case your total trip cost is higher than the given coverage limit, an extension is always possible (please consult).
PROGRAM
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9 days