Hiking the Picos de Europa: Cares Gorge & Peaks – 8 Days
The Cares Gorge and the peaks of the Picos de Europa, in a group of up to fifteen.
Tour overview
This 8-day hiking holiday explores the limestone peaks and gorges of the Picos de Europa from one hotel in Arenas de Cabrales. A tour leader guides the group, which numbers between four and fifteen. You stay seven nights at Hotel la Rivera, with breakfast daily, five picnic lunches and six dinners.
Walks lead straight from the village to the high pastures of Vanu, then to the summit of Pandescura for views of the western massif, followed by the famous Cares Gorge trail, carved into the cliffs.
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After a free day for canoeing, canyoning or the coast, you climb Peña Main, one of the classic viewpoints of the Picos, and finish on the twin summits of Mancondiu at around 2,000m.
The physical rating is medium. This holiday suits fit walkers who want big mountain scenery at great value.
Trip highlights
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The Vanu pastures (Day 2)
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Pandescura peak (Day 3)
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The Cares Gorge (Day 4)
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A free day for the coast (Day 5)
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Peña Main (Day 6)
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The summits of Mancondiu (Day 7)
Your route
3 stops from Arenas de Cabrales to Caín de Valdeón
- Arenas de Cabrales Days 1–8
- Puente Poncebos Day 4
- Caín de Valdeón Day 4
Why choose this tour
Spain's most dramatic mountains. Excellent value with most meals included.
Best suited to
- Fit walkers
- Mountain lovers
- Solo travellers
- Budget-minded travellers
Day-by-day itinerary
8 days from Arenas de Cabrales, Spain to Arenas de Cabrales, Spain
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Day 1 · Arenas de Cabrales Arenas de Cabrales
A welcome dinner.
- Hotel
- Hotel la Rivera
- Meals
- Dinner
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Day 2 · Vanu pastures Vanu
High pastures.
- Hotel
- Hotel la Rivera
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 3 · Pandescura Pandescura
A summit.
- Hotel
- Hotel la Rivera
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 4 · Cares Gorge Cares Gorge
A famous trail.
- Hotel
- Hotel la Rivera
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 5 · Arenas de Cabrales Free day
Optional activities.
- Hotel
- Hotel la Rivera
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 6 · Peña Main, Collado de Pandébano Peña Main
A classic viewpoint.
- Hotel
- Hotel la Rivera
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 7 · Mancondiu Mancondiu
Twin summits.
- Hotel
- Hotel la Rivera
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 8 · Arenas de Cabrales Arenas de Cabrales
The holiday ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Arenas de Cabrales (7 nights) Hotel la Rivera
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 7 nights at Hotel la Rivera
- Meals 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
- All transport for walks and group transfers
- Five guided mountain hikes
- Cares Gorge walk
- Free day with optional activities
- Tour leader throughout
Not included
- Flights
- Meals not included 1 lunch and 1 dinner
- Optional activities
- Travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want an easy holiday
- You dislike heights
- You want to change hotels
- You want flights included — they are not
Good to know
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £1,012 per person, twin share, tour only. 44 upcoming departures. Single travellers from £1,227 (single supplement from £216).
Offer Reduced prices on selected dates, shown with the regular price crossed out. Book by 16 Oct.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
Do I need a visa for Spain?
No, UK citizens can visit Spain visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180. Check gov.uk for the latest EU entry rules before you travel.
How hard is the walking?
Moderate to challenging, with climbs of up to around 1,000m and rocky paths.
Do I change hotels?
No, you stay in Arenas de Cabrales all week.
Which meals are included?
Breakfast daily, five picnic lunches and six dinners.
Can I have my own room?
A single supplement is available on request.
How many people travel together?
Between four and fifteen travellers, with a tour leader.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary