Itinerary
- Day 1
Bilbao to Arenas de Cabrales
You'll arrive in Bilbao and get transferred to your hotel in Arenas de Cabrales, a small mountain town tucked into the region. After checking in, the day is yours to settle into the place however you'd like, whether that means resting up or wandering around on your own. Later in the evening, you'll meet your English-speaking Spanish guide who'll go over what to expect and welcome you with a traditional dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional Spanish welcome dinner)
Included Activities
- Traditional Spanish welcome dinner
Optional Activities
- Independent exploration of Arenas de Cabrales
- Day 2
Covadonga Lakes and Picos Hike
This morning starts with a 15km hike from Covadonga Lakes up to Vega de Ario, climbing 610m as you take in views across the Central Massif. You'll break for lunch at the Marques de Villaviciosa Refuge, which overlooks the Cares Gorge and Penas Santas. The route back down passes through Majada de Belbin, known for Gamonedo cheese production, and finishes at Ercina Lake. After returning, you'll head to the Royal site of Covadonga in the afternoon to tour the Cathedral, where Christian Spanish forces started their resistance against Moorish rule in 722.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Scenic lunch at Marques de Villaviciosa Refuge with views of the Central Massif), Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided hike from Covadonga Lakes (15km, +610m, -610m)
- Visit Covadonga Royal site and Basilica de Santa Maria la Real de Covadonga
Landmarks Covadonga Lakes Basilica de Santa Maria la Real de Covadonga Cares Gorge Penas Santas Marques de Villaviciosa Refuge 
- Day 3
Aliva Glacier Valley to Potes
You'll hike 15km through Aliva Glacier Valley, following the GR-202 'Route of the Reconquest' trail. Starting from Sotres, you'll pass red-roofed mountain buildings and walk alongside the Duje River through old glacier terrain. At Hotel-Refugio Aliva, there's time to grab snacks and see Pena Vieja and Pena Olvidada peaks rising over 2600m. From there, you descend through high pastures and small hamlets before transferring to the medieval town of Potes in the afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Snack (Snack at Hotel-Refugio Aliva), Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided hike through Aliva Glacier Valley (15km, +650m, -600m)
Optional Activities
- Independent exploration of Potes
Landmarks Aliva Glacier Valley Pena Vieja Pena Olvidada Sotres Potes 
- Day 4
Picos High Mountain Trek to Collado Jermoso
You'll transfer to Pandetrave mountain pass and start an 8km hike that gains 700m, heading to Collado Jermoso refuge at 2064m. The route follows scenic trails along Canal de Pedabejo with views toward the Massif of Llambrion and the Colladinas cliffs. By evening, you'll settle into the refuge, set high up with modern facilities and views across the Valdeon valley and Western Massif as the sun sets.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Hearty dinner at Collado Jermoso Refuge)
Included Activities
- Guided hike from Pandetrave to Collado Jermoso (8km, +700m, -400m)
Landmarks Massif of Llambrion Vega de Liordes Colladinas Collado Jermoso Refuge - Day 5
Collado Jermoso to Urriellu Refuge
Starting from Collado Jermoso, you'll hike 8km and climb 800m toward Urriellu Refuge at the base of Naranjo de Bulnes' Western Face. You'll pass through Collada Ancha and Tiro Casares before reaching Cabana Veronica Refuge. Then comes the descent to Horcados Rojos, where views of Naranjo de Bulnes dominate the landscape, followed by a steep and exposed drop through the moonscape terrain of Jou de Los Boches. You'll arrive at Urriellu Refuge for dinner and overnight.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Hearty dinner at Urriellu Refuge)
Included Activities
- Guided hike from Collado Jermoso to Urriellu Refuge (8km, +800m, -850m)
Landmarks Collada Ancha Cabana Veronica Refuge Horcados Rojos Naranjo de Bulnes (Picu Urriellu) Jou de Los Boches Urriellu Refuge - Day 6
Urriellu Refuge to Cabrones Refuge
Leaving Naranjo de Bulnes behind, you'll hike 8km and gain 750m to reach Cabrones Refuge, one of the wildest spots in the Picos. The trail climbs Corona del Raso, then scrambles through Brecha de los Cazadores to Horcada Arenera at 2283m. You'll navigate complex terrain with karstic holes where limestone has eroded away, reaching the heart of the Picos where this striking refuge sits with modern facilities.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided hike from Urriellu Refuge to Cabrones Refuge (8km, +750m, -550m)
Landmarks Corona del Raso Brecha de los Cazadores Horcada Arenera Cabrones Refuge - Day 7
Cabrones Descent to Llanes and Cider Factory
Today's a big day with a 1750m descent on a technical route. You'll pass through aerial cornices with fixed ropes and careful steps to Cuesta del Trave, then descend steeply toward Majadas de Amuesa and into the town of Bulnes. After resting and eating there, you'll make the final descent down Canal del Tejo to Poncebos. Later, you'll transfer to the coastal town of Llanes, stopping at a cider factory to sample local cider before a typical Asturian dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Meal in Bulnes village), Dinner (Typical Asturian dinner with cider sampling at cider factory)
Included Activities
- Guided descent from Cabrones Refuge through Bulnes to Poncebos (8.5km, -1750m)
- Cider factory visit with cider sampling
Landmarks Cuesta del Trave Majadas de Amuesa Bulnes Canal del Tejo Poncebos Llanes - Day 8
FAPAS Conservation Project
You'll spend the day with FAPAS, a non-profit working to protect Cantabrian species like Iberian wolves, griffon vultures, and brown bears. Based at their headquarters outside Oviedo, you'll learn about conservation challenges in the Picos de Europa and contribute a few hours to one of their projects. It's a way to give back to the region before you head home.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- FAPAS conservation project participation
- Educational session on Picos de Europa conservation
Landmarks Picos de Europa National Park - Day 9
Departure
After breakfast, you'll take your transfer to Bilbao for your flight or ferry back home. Time to start planning your next trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast
