Picos de Europa National Park, Hut to Hut Hiking & Via Ferrata

Hut to Hut Hiking Picos de Europa

Hut to hut hiking Picos de Europa. Picos de Europa National Park is probably the most underrated, below the radar, mountainous/alpine region in Spain and maybe all of Europe. For whatever reason, the Cordillera Cantábrica and Picos de Europa are less frequented than the other major European mountain ranges. However, once you see this place for yourself you'll ask the same questions as the rest of us, why isn't this place more famous on the global scale?

It's probably due to the modest altitude, the highest peak being only 2650m, and it's somewhat isolated location. However, the elevation changes between valley floor and mountain peaks are enormous and on scale with the major mountain ranges on the continent. Hiking in Picos de Europa will confirm this statement. If you're willing to drive a while to get there, you will be pleasantly surprised by the natural beauty, tranquility, and intensity of this region.

Picos de Europa is composed primarily of massive limestone walls reaching for the sky. Being here makes you scratch your head and wonder if you've been transported to the Italian Dolomites. The geology here is fascinating, with big peaks and deep valleys providing an astounding number of microenvironments. Add in the close proximity of the Atlantic Ocean and you've got yourself a whirlwind of climatic zones.

The Trip

During this 5-day, 4-night multi-day hut-to-hut hiking trip we will make a loop of the park. The idea is to take in the best areas of the national park and sleep in 3 mountain huts and one hotel. The total distance of the hike is approximately 70km over 5 days, therefore we will average about 14km per day with lots of up's and down's as we explore the innards of the national park and it's low valleys and high alpine zones.

With this hut to hut hiking trip you can add on an extra day and do a spectacular alpine-style via ferrata. This is an extra activity and a great way to experience some of the alpine terrain from a different perspective. It is not obligatory, you can do the hut-to-hut hiking without doing the via ferrata, but since you've come this far already, you'd be missing out on an incredible opportunity if you didn't do it. Big limestone walls characterize Picos de Europa and to experience this region from some of those walls really rounds out the entire trip.

If you have a few more days after the trip, we can arrange some more activities, such as other via ferratas in the area or rock climbing as well. Some of the finest limestone in all of Europe is found here and the climbing is spectacular! There are also several amazing canyons if you're interested in doing some wet canyoning. There's a little bit of everything in the Picos de Europa region so feel free to extend your hut to hut hiking trip and partake in some bigtime adventures with Bigtime Aventura!

Certified mountain guide: Spanish Mountain Guides Association (AEGM) and Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA).
The guide is native English-speaking and fluent in Spanish
Planning and logistics
3 nights accommodation in mountain huts (Day 1, 3, 4). We will stay at a different hut each night.
Food is provided at the huts. This includes: 3 dinners (Day 1, 3, 4), 3 breakfasts (Day 2, 4, 5), and 3 picnic lunches (Day 2, 4, 5).
One night hotel/hostel (Day 2). Hotel on Day 5 included if you do the via ferrata on Day 6.
Liability Insurance during the activities
Accident Insurance during the activities
First Aid Kit

A positive attitude and desire to hike in the mountains! This is an active vacation so be ready to move your body, feel the excitement, and visit some of the most incredible mountainous areas on the Iberian peninsula!
Each person must be capable of hiking for extended periods (8-10hr per day) and be accustomed to spending extended time (5 days) in mountainous alpine terrain. This means that we will be hiking over varied terrain during 5 consecutive days in the mountains and possibly in varying weather conditions. One day may be sunny and hot but the next day could be cold and wet. It is possible that this type of scenario could occur on the same day.
Each participant must be prepared for changing weather conditions and variations in terrain.
A medium to high level of physical and mental fitness is necessary for this trip.

The following is a list of personal material that each participant should bring:

Waterproof/Goretex hiking/trekking boots with rubber soles (i.e. Vibram). High top or medium top boots are recommended. Please break in your boots before this hike! Nothing can put a damper on a multi-day hike like a blister on Day 1!
Appropriate clothing for outdoor adventures in the mountains. Dress in layers, like an onion. The 3-layer system is important and should definitely be utilized on our multi-day hike at the end of summer/beginning of fall. Base layer: synthetic thermal clothing to wick away perspiration and keep you dry. Middle layer: fleece jacket to maintain body heat. Outer layer: waterproof/windproof shell to protect against the elements.
Long pants (recommended that they are water resistant)
Long sleeve shirt (recommended that it is water resistant)
Comfortable socks
Backpack to carry all your personal gear. Ideally 30-40L capacity. Pack light and do not bring more than is absolutely necessary! Your backpack should weight < 10kg. Anymore more than that and you're going to suffer!
Water bottle(s)/Camelback, etc. Minimum 1L.
Personal medication
Sun glasses, sun screen SPF 30+, sun hat, lip balm
Light sleeping bag or sleeping sheet (the huts have blankets but you can bring your own if you want)
Headlamp
Hiking poles (highly recommended)
Binoculars (recommended)

Picos de Europa National Park, Hut to Hut Hiking & Via Ferrata