Hike the Picos de Europa: The Hotels Edition

Your host is a true expert on all things related to the Picos and knows these mountains better than nearly anyone else in the world. If conditions aren't suitable at any stage, for example, if there is heavy snow on the higher elevations on the early trips in the season, there are myriad alternative hikes at mid-elevations that your host will pivot to.

For groups of six or fewer, there will be one hiking guide. For groups of seven or more, there will be two hiking guides.

This trip has two bases, spending three nights each in Cangas de Onis and Espinama. Your luggage will be transferred between the two bases and can remain securely in your hotel room throughout the trip.

The water in the Picos is safe to drink, and you can fill up freely at the hotels you stay at and at refuges you pass by on some of the hiking routes. Make sure to bring a couple of 1-liter reusable drinking bottles or a bladder.

At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive, and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location, and lodging, and in some places, options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully before your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.

Once you have booked your trip, please fill out your passenger information form asap with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.

BACKGROUND

Spain’s cuisine is shaped by a mix of Mediterranean agriculture, regional climates, and a long history of trade and cultural exchange, resulting in varied, seasonal dishes that often center on olive oil, vegetables, seafood, and cured meats. This diversity means travelers with dietary requirements can often find suitable options, particularly in larger towns, though menus can be meat- and dairy-heavy in some regions. Vegetarian and gluten-free choices are increasingly understood, but it helps to plan ahead and communicate needs clearly, with a guide on hand to assist where language or local customs present challenges.

SPECIAL DIETS

Vegetarian Vegetarian diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance.

Vegan Vegan diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance.

Kosher Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are rare and usually cannot be guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in advance by your host. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.

Halal Certified Halal supply varies by destination and may not always be possible. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.

INTOLERANCES

Gluten Free (for Celiac, please see Allergies section below) Gluten-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance.

Lactose-free Lactose-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance.

ALLERGIES

Our host has confirmed that they are able to accommodate mild allergies to the 14 allergens identified by the UK Food Standards Agency, where these are disclosed in advance. However, if you have a severe or life-threatening food allergy, please get in touch with our Customer Experience team prior to booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip. This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip, and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority.

Please note that when traveling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods, and labeling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. While your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).

If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

The weather in the Picos can be very changeable, so be sure to pack for all weather; though of course, the month you travel in will impact the conditions you encounter.

In May and June, temperatures in the lower elevations will vary between 50-68°F, at mid-altitude (3,300-4,925 ft) around 41-59°F and in the high peaks (above 6,500 ft) between 32-50°F, with occasional frost and snow pack still on the higher elevations. These months will experience some rain, especially on the Cantabrian side on the second half of the trip.

In July and August, things heat up in the lower elevations averaging between 68-86°F, sometimes hotter. At mid-altitude averages tend to be between 50-68°F, perfect for hiking. Things are still cool in the high peaks, so expect 41-59°F with layers still needed on those days, such as the Horcados Rojos summit day. Summer weather in the Picos is generally dry and stable, though occasional storms can develop especially in the afternoons.

September and October are still fantastic months to visit north of Spain. Effectively these months offer the reverse of May and June in terms of temperatures and conditions, with some beautiful fall colors developing in the forested area around Espinama as fall kicks in properly.